Under the general direction of the Assistant Director, the Research Data Specialist II will serve as an expert on all facets of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies that are used to support responses to an animal disease outbreak and responses to animal health and welfare during natural disasters. The incumbent will act independently and coordinate with various CDFA and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) professionals and contractors to analyze various collections of data and determine, implement, and manage workable geographic mapping solutions for the development of strategies and solutions for addressing immediate and ongoing information needs of the incident.
Incumbent must be able to determine appropriate GIS mapping software and applications to use for the situation including land surveys, aerial photography, mathematics, photogrammetry, geography and any other tools necessary to integrate with GIS software to provide a real time geographic visual display of animal movement and locations throughout California. The incumbent must be able to exercise a high degree of initiative and independence in performing assigned tasks, be able to work well under pressure, meet required deadlines, and take effective action while establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with CDFA and USDA personnel.
- Analyze emergency spatial database tracking needs and research, develop, test, implement and monitor workable solutions for geographic displays to provide real-time disease or food contamination tracking tools for the incident command
- Monitor spatial data displays to ensure real-time, accurate information is available for quick decision-making by emergency response staff
- Collaborate with AHFSS and USDA scientific and technical staff to analyze various data collections to determine, implement and manage workable geographic mapping solutions for the development of statistical models to test hypotheses for specific geographic areas under surveillance or disease outbreak investigations to assist scientists with disease patterns, understanding disease processes and to gain a better understanding of proximate and distal risk factors
- Assist the AHFSS Emergency Preparedness and Response Section (EPRS) in the development of specific emergency GIS operations that can be set up quickly and coordinated between Sacramento Headquarters, District Field Offices and the Incident Command Post
- Participate in Division GIS planning activities, meetings, and training events to gain and share knowledge and expertise
Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions The duties of this position are mostly conducted indoors, however, the incumbent may occasionally be required to work outside and under difficult conditions. A complete list of Working Conditions can be found in the Duty Statement.
Regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbent's ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFA's Telework Policy.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
- RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II
Additional Documents - Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details Job Code #:
JC-505664
Position #(s):
014-105-5758-XXX
Working Title:
Research Data Specialist II (GIS)
Classification:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II $7,640.00 - $9,561.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information The Animal Health and Food Safety Services division (AHFSS) is responsible for the safety and security of meat, poultry, and dairy products, along with other foods of animal origins. AHFSS provides services to protect the public and animal health through prevention, detection, and eradication of livestock and poultry diseases and dairy contamination incidents, including support for the Animal Health and Food Safety laboratory network in California. In addition, the division protects cattle owners against loss of animals by theft, straying or misappropriation through ongoing inspections and investigative services. The Division also provides services to prolong the effectiveness of antimicrobials through monitoring use in livestock and providing stewardship guidance and provides animal care oversight by ensuring covered products sold in California are from animals meeting minimum housing standards. Finally, the Division works with the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to support animal needs during disasters.
Application Instructions Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 2/18/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Food & Agriculture
Attn: Human Resource Branch JC-505664
1220 N Street, Room 242
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Food & Agriculture
Human Resource Branch JC-505664
1220 N Street, Room 242
Sacramento , CA 95814
ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC-505664
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Shelby Sterling
(916) 900-5000
shelby.sterling@cdfa.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 654-1005
Civil_Rights@cdfa.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Hard Copy Applications: If you are dropping off or mailing in your application, please use the Examination/Employment Application, STD 678 Revised 6/2024 version.
Additional Information: - Please do not include any confidential information such as social security number, marital status, ethnicity, age, salary or disability information on any of the documentation uploaded with your online application.
- If the classification you are applying for has an education requirement, transcripts will be required to verify you meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. Please be sure to redact any confidential information before uploading your transcripts.
- Upon hire you may be required to provide official sealed transcripts or an original degree or certificate.
- Applicants with foreign degrees may be asked to provide an official foreign transcript evaluation which indicates course work is equivalent to a degree from an accredited U.S. College or University.
- This position may require a medical clearance.
- Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
