840521 - RESEARCH ASSOCIATE - 40050025

Requisition No: 840521 

Agency: Commerce

Working Title: 840521 - RESEARCH ASSOCIATE - 40050025

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 40050025 

Salary:  $45,000.00-$47,800.00 

Posting Closing Date: 11/10/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

JOB TYPE:    FULL TIME / CAREER SERVICE
POSITION LOCATION:      Tallahassee, FL (relocation benefits are not available for this position) 

Research Associate

OPEN COMPETITIVE

www.floridajobs.org/

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Under the general supervision of the Economic Consultant-SES, this position performs work compiling, coding, analyzing, occupational employment and wage data for use in the preparation of current occupational employment estimates (staffing patterns) and occupational wages for the State of Florida, Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA), and balance-of-state areas. 

Coordinates the technical aspects of the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. Associate is responsible for all technical activities related to conducting the OEWS survey, which includes testing and incorporating new program enhancements to OEWS computer software system, reviewing all atypical data and Quality Assurance edit responses made by each analyst in the OEWS Survey unit, or assisting the Research Associate-SES (OEWS Supervisor) with reviewing files, emails, and reports from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Responsible for the preparation and tracking of all electronic survey files with significant employment sent to be auto coded using the BLS “Auto-coder” tool.  Reviews occupational estimates on an annual basis. 

Collects, codes, analyzes, and reviews occupational employment and wages survey data.  Analyzes and edits survey responses, assigns occupational codes to the job descriptions reported by employers, and enters the data into the OEWS computer software system. Reviews and processes the auto-coded and non-auto-coded electronic survey responses with significant employment and occupations using the BLS provided “Auto-batch” utility.  Analyzes employment and wage data giving special attention to the data highlighted for review when being entered in the database.  Reviews quality assurance edits showing unusual occupations, high and low wages, missing, and dependent occupations. Reviews, verifies, and makes necessary corrections to the data entered.  Explains any unusual variances in staffing patterns and/or wages in the comment module. Provides advanced occupational coding assistance to other survey unit associates who are dealing with the coding of atypical occupations. 

Prepares semi-annual survey samples of employers for the data collection process.   This involves assisting in the address refinement process and assignment of employers with multiple locations. Utilizes the internet to complete search for current address and updates business contact information as needed.  Verifies Railroad employment data for the annual BLS Railroad sample frame file. Ensures Railroads on the sample frame file are operational prior to sample.  Contacts DOT to verify Railroad status and reports to BLS.

Monitors and handles BLS emails.  Assists as needed with monitoring and reviewing submissions for correct company and multi vs single status, verify North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, reported employment vs benchmark employment, assign initial status code and collection mode.  Update all contact information and save data file to the appropriate folder.  Coordinate with other staff and employers on resolution of problem submissions.

Participate and assists on special projects such as Master Credential List review that require advanced SOC coding knowledge. Assists as needed with data requests involving the ability to compile/review files utilizing the Local Employment and Wage Information System (LEWIS).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and proficiency using Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge and proficiency using advanced software programs: LEWIS, R-suite, SQL, and Tableau.
• Ability to collect and analyze data.
• Ability to navigate the internet and conduct research.
• Knowledge of statistical methods and economic principles
• Knowledge of North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) and the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) coding taxonomies.

Qualifications:

As a condition of pre-employment eligibility, a Level 2 security background screening is required, which consists of fingerprinting and a check of local, state, and national law enforcement records. 

Minimum:

• Duties and responsibilities of this position must be performed at the official work site of the Department.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Economics, Statistics, or Math or related social science.
• Four years of experience in research and data analysis.
• Experience using spreadsheet applications.
• Knowledge of advanced software (i.e., R, SAS, Tableau, SQL)

Pay:

$45,000.00 - $47,800.00 annually

Our Organization and Mission:

FloridaCommerce works across the state to support Florida’s economy, robust and talented workforce, and our local communities. We are dedicated to making a stronger and more resilient Florida, so our businesses, communities, and workforce are better prepared to withstand future economic slowdowns and natural disasters.

In collaboration with our partners, we salute our nation’s veterans and are honored to have the opportunity to support them and their family members by encouraging them to apply at FloridaCommerce for positions that fit their skill sets.

FloridaCommerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.  (TTY/TDD 1-800-955-8771 or the Florida Relay Service – 711.)

Let our mission become yours. To find out more about us, click on the link: http://www.floridajobs.org/

The Work You Will Do:        

The Research Associate is a member of the Labor Market Statistics team of the Division of Workforce Services.

This position is critical to meeting contract deliverables with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and involved in the development of industry and employment estimates for the State and substate areas.

This position involves work compiling, coding, analyzing, and conducting research on employment and wage data for use in the preparation of current occupational employment estimates (staffing patterns) and occupational wages for the State of Florida, Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA), and Balance-Of-State areas (BOS).

Associate is responsible for all technical activities related to conducting the OEWS survey, which includes testing and incorporating new program enhancements to OEWS computer software system, reviewing all atypical data and Quality Assurance edit responses made by each analyst in the OEWS Survey unit, or assisting the Research Associate-SES (OES Supervisor) with reviewing files and emails, preparing weekly response analysis reports and graphs.

No leadership responsibilities.

The Difference You Will Make:

This position is part of a team that produces the most detailed occupational employment and wage data for the State.  These data are used to determine average employment and wages which are used by Florida Commerce leadership, workforce and economic development agencies, employers, and educational institutions.

Florida Commerce is a fast-paced work environment in which critical thinking and prioritizing are a must.

How You Will Grow:

FloridaCommerce encourages its employees to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies.  Trainings are made available throughout the year and on request with the Office of Training and Development within the Bureau of Human Resource Management. In accordance with our Vision and Mission, the employee:

• Furthers Florida’s economic vision by providing support that enhances the economy and develops, safe, and healthy communities.
• Meets customer/client expectations with an emphasis on responsiveness, quality, quantity, and timeliness of work.
• Provides information clearly, accurately, and succinctly; and exhibits good listening skills.
• Works collaboratively to optimize the effectiveness of FloridaCommerce’s available resources and tools.
• Uses knowledge acquired through education, training, or experience to complete tasks.

These expectations are for all our employees, and you will be expected to model these as a leader.  We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience.

Where You Will Work:      

Tallahassee is Florida’s Capital City and continues to grow by attracting development and new businesses. Tallahassee is a mid-sized city in the heart of Florida’s Big Bend.  FloridaCommerce’s main office is located in Downtown Tallahassee, the political epicenter that draws in visitors each year to visit the state’s Capitol. Each spring, the legislative session opens, and people pour in to see the Florida Legislature perform business and approve the state’s annual budget. Being in Tallahassee will guarantee you an experience vibrant with a unique experience, professional growth, entertainment, and culture.

Tallahassee is:

• Known for its beautiful parks, rolling hills and oak trees, canopied roads, hotels, dining, museums, arts, music, and natural resources (https://talgov.com/ )
• Home to major college campuses, Florida State University (FSU), Florida A & M University (FAMU) and Tallahassee Community College (TCC).
• Approximately 22 miles from the nearest beach ( https://choosetallahassee.com/beaches-near-tallahassee/ )

• Within a state having no state income tax for residents of Florida

WORKING FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA HAS BENEFITS!

*  State Group Insurance coverage options+
 (health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental option)

*  Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (www.myfrs.com)

*  Nine paid holidays and a Personal Holiday each year

*  Annual and Sick Leave Benefits

*  Student Loan Forgiveness Program (Eligibility required)

*  Flexible Spending Accounts

*  Tuition Fee Waivers (Accepted by major Florida colleges/universities)

*  Ongoing comprehensive training provided

*  Career Growth      

*  Highly skilled, professional environment

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.