Research Analyst

CAREER DESCRIPTION

RESEARCH ANALYST

(Crime Intelligence Analyst)

This recruitment is open to the public and will remain open on a continuous basis for a minimum of five (5) business days, until the needs of the Department are met. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

RECRUITMENT/POSITION INFORMATION
This recruitment is being held to establish an Open Eligible List to a fill a vacancy in this class until the next recruitment. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Research Analyst performs research and analysis at an experienced professional level. Under general supervision or direction, the analyst will work with criminal justice systems, various databases, to include but not limited to geographic information systems, analyze publicly safety support, while operating in accordance with the organization's legal and policy constraints. The candidate will possess a U.S. Government SECRET clearance once employed and must maintain their clearance throughout the course of employment.

THE DIVISION

The Crime Analysis Unit collects, organizes, analyzes, and interprets crime and incident data for evaluation of past performance and to identify criminal activity patterns and trends for operational deployment, tactical intervention, strategic planning, and management analysis.

The Orange County Real Time Operation Center (RTOC) is a state of the art centralized location where law enforcement personnel accumulate and analyze publicly available information and data from several law enforcement databases in real time.

The RTOC is designed to provide the Orange County Sheriff’s Department with the ability to capitalize on a wide range of technologies for a well-organized and effective policing strategy within our county. These efforts allow deputies to respond safely and swiftly to crimes in progress or that have recently occurred. The technology at our disposal allows the analysts to assist deputies in responding to crimes more resourcefully and consciously, with improved operational intelligence and a proactive concentration on community and officer safety.

GENERAL DUTIES
Independently designs, quantitative, qualitative or mixed method strategies for case study projects that align with department projects, services, initiatives, and other efforts. Consults with supervisor, program managers and staff to clarify project objectives, scope, and methodology, and to provide recommendations for evidence-based decision-making. Reviews technical publications, evaluation studies, and other appropriate resources to recommend evidence-based methods and ensure alignment with best practices in areas such as criminal and juvenile justice systems. Selects and applies appropriate statistical and analytical techniques to assist in daily operations and investigations. Collects, compiles, and validates data from appropriate primary and secondary sources, administrative records and databases. Applies basic geospatial analysis techniques using established methods to visualize, interpret, and analyze spatial patterns and relationships in program data (e.g., mapping crime patterns, crime maps) using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. Conducts program-focused analyses to identify trends, gaps, and areas for proactive policing. Prepares summary findings using software tools such as MS Excel, MS Access, ArcGIS, CAD, RMS, DOJ systems, and other applications. Coordinates with technical staff to ensure data systems and reporting tools capture information necessary for evaluation, decision-making, and feedback to support the design or improvement of databases, dashboards, or applications used to manage and analyze program data. Assists patrol operations in real-time analysis of persons, places, vehicles, etc. May provide technical guidance and quality control to entry Research Analysts, program staff, and/or clerical staff on a project basis; ensures timely completion of project deliverables. May assist in compiling, transmitting, or relating investigative information in real-time to prosecutors or law enforcement personnel in support of active cases or field operations.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, SQL Server software databases, ArcGIS, and have knowledge of python (or similar computer programming language) and cell phone analysis software; possess a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution with course work in Criminal Justice, Social Services, Computer Science, or closely related field. Possession of a Crime and Intelligence Analyst Certificate issued by a recognized institution; one or more years of experience working as a crime intelligence analyst for a government agency. Ability to obtain and maintain a secret clearance; proficient accessing, applying, and operating standard analytical software independently.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Thorough Knowledge of:

• Principles and methods of program evaluation, quality improvement, and sampling frameworks for applied research and program assessment
  
• Methods of organizing data and findings into reports, tables, charts, graphs, and visual dashboards

General Knowledge of:

• Principles and methods of descriptive statistics and data summarization on techniques used to interpret patterns and trends in data
  
• Principles and practices of a, professional or technical field as they apply to a particular County program, depending on area of assignment, such as, but not limited to, social welfare, public health, behavioral health, urban systems and public facilities analysis, or criminal/juvenile justice systems
  
• Methods and techniques for collecting, cleaning, and preparing data from administrative records, surveys, and other program data sources
  
• Software tools used to analyze and visualize data (e.g., Excel, Power BI, SPSS, R, SQL, and other applications

Ability to:

• Apply principles of logic and applied evaluation methods to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts and develop valid conclusions and recommendations
  
• Organize and collaborate on developing an efficient plan for collecting and summarizing different types of data (i.e., qualitative, quantitative)
  
• Apply appropriate formula or method to summarize data from program evaluations, administrative records, and other sources
  
• Read and understand specialized information and terminology in a particular professional or technical field, relevant to area of assignment<
  
• Read, interpret, and apply complex technical information, including statistical outputs, data tables, charts and graphs
  
• Plan and organize applied research, evaluation, and statistical analysis projects to meet specific needs of a County program or service, depending on area of assignment
  
• Speak and write clearly, concisely and logically
  
• Communicate data collection procedures to stakeholders without technical backgrounds
  
• Conduct interviews and/or assist with focus groups following a standard protocol, and employ tact when obtaining sensitive and personal information
  
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with colleagues, leadership, external partners, clients and customers
  
• Initiate, plan and complete work assignments with general supervision
  
• Performs quality assurance checks to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data
  
• Program electronic surveys (e.g., Microsoft Forms, Survey Monkey, Qualtrics, etc.)
  
• Follow County data reporting policies and information security practices
  

Education and Experience

One (1) year of experience in the Orange County class of Assistant Research Analyst.

Or

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field such as Statistics, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Public Health, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Urban Planning, Economics, or a closely related field that included coursework in research methods, statistical analysis, program evaluation, or quantitative or qualitative research design.

And

Three (3) years of professional experience conducting applied research, including developing methodologies, performing statistical analysis using software tools (e.g., SPSS, R, SAS, or similar), interpreting results, and preparing reports or presentations to support program or policy decisions.

Click here to learn more about the Minimum Qualifications.

In addition, the ideal candidate will have thorough knowledge of and experience in the following core competencies:

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

• Understanding of and experience with statistical analysis, research design, and methods of organizing information into reports using tables, charts and graphs
  • Specifically, to criminal activity and statistics
• Methods of data extraction, quality assurance, and management
  • Ability to compile data for analysis, mapping, identifying crime trends, and making recommendations for criminal investigations and patrol operations
• Ability to follow written procedures of existing projects while eventually improving processes for efficiency
• Knowledge of criminal investigative procedures and evidence-based practices as it relates to criminal justice
• Utilize statistical software to perform statistical analysis
• Utilize the following software applications: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft SQL Server, ESRI Geographic Information System

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Establishing and maintaining productive relationships with research staff, management, peers, and staff within the department and other agencies
• Involving others as appropriate and gathering information from a variety of sources
• Ability to work collaboratively with research staff and program operations staff while focusing on outcomes and accomplishments
• Interacting professionally with a variety of professionals and responding in a timely manner

ORAL / WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Communicating and interacting effectively with all levels of staff and managers
• Presenting statistical information in a "non-technical" manner to an audience both verbally and in written form
• Writing clearly and concisely; demonstrating proofreading and editing skills, composing informative memos, e-mails, formal correspondence, reports, and other documents

STRESS MANAGEMENT AND REAL-TIME DECISION MAKING

• Ability to handle stressful situations and maintain composure, particularly in fast-paced or real-time environments.
• Demonstrates sound judgment under pressure, staying focused on priorities and delivering accurate, actional information when urgency is required.

PLEASE NOTE: The competencies listed above will be used to select the ideal candidate. Your application and answers to the supplemental questions should be descriptive, concise, and highlight the areas you have developed expertise, matching your professional experience with the specific competencies listed above.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Physical and Mental Requirements:

Possess body mobility to stand, sit, walk, stoop and bend routinely to perform daily tasks and to access a standard office environment. Frequent sitting, standing and walking for extended periods. Ability to reach, push, pull and bend on an infrequent basis. Possess vision sufficient to read standard text and a computer monitor. Ability to speak and hear well enough in a moderately noisy office environment to communicate clearly and understandably in person, over the telephone or virtual meetings and in small groups. Possess manual dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to write and use a computer, keyboard and mouse, and use office equipment on a frequent to constant basis.
Environmental and Working Conditions:
Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment. Possess the ability to independently reason logically to analyze data, reach conclusions and make recommendations; possess the ability to remain calm and appropriately focused in rapidly changing and difficult situations involving conflict, complex issues, controversy and diverse stakeholder groups and interests; possess the ability to deal calmly and effectively with emotional interactions. May have exposure to firearms from working near law enforcement professionals. Function effectively in a standard office environment.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony or be on any form of probation and must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner.

Background screening includes completing of a Personal History Form, interview with a background investigator, fingerprinting and may include a polygraph test. Some of the areas considered in the background screening include prior convictions, traffic violations, drug use and credit problems, employment history, professional references and education verification (i.e. degree, license, or official transcripts. Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credentials Evaluation Services (N.A.C.E.S.).

Human Resources | Minimum Qualifications
Sheriff Human Resources screens all applications to identify the most qualified candidates for the position based on the skills required to meet the needs of the Department. After the initial screening, the qualified candidates will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

SELECTION PROCEDURES
Application Appraisal Panel | Application Rating (Refer/Non-Refer): An Application Appraisal Panel (AAP) of job knowledge experts will thoroughly screen all application materials and rate for job knowledge, competencies and related experience described above. The more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step. (The information you provide will be used as a scoring device, so please be descriptive in your response. "See Resume" is not a qualifying response and will not be scored in lieu of the required information.)

Structured Oral Panel Interview | (Weighted 100%):
Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.

Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.

ELIGIBLE LIST
After all procedures have been completed, Sheriff Human Resources will establish an eligible list of qualified candidates.

Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings.

Please click here to review the policy.

HOW TO APPLY
Only on-line applications will be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of on-line applications. Application information must be current, succinct, and related to the requirements in this job announcement. Your application should demonstrate your professional experience and education related to the specific qualifications/duties listed in this bulletin, including areas which you have developed expertise. For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Mary Cortez-Valadez at (714) 834-5834 or email at mcortez-valadez@ocsheriff.gov.

Please click here for tips to complete your application.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account. NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Please click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

EEO INFORMATION

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).

Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information

Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

• 

• County of Orange

• 714.834.5315

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