875900 - RESEARCH ASSISTANT - 40050033

State of Florida•TALLAHASSEE, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves work compiling, analyzing, and conducting research on employment data for use in the preparation of occupational employment estimates (staffing patterns) and occupational wages for the State of Florida, all Metropolitan Statistical Areas, and the balance-of-state areas. The Research Assistant 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 provides occupational employment and wage data for the state and substate areas. This position involves work compiling, analyzing, and conducting research on employment data for use in the preparation of occupational employment estimates (staffing patterns) and occupational wages for the State of Florida, Metropolitan Statistical Areas, and balance-of-state areas. Associate collects, compiles, analyzes, and reviews occupational employment and wage survey data for assigned survey units and their employment. Analyzes and edits survey responses, assigns occupational codes to the job descriptions reported by employers, and enters the data into the Occupational Employment Statistics computer software system. No leadership responsibilities. 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. FloridaCommerce is a fast-paced work environment in which critical thinking and prioritizing are a must.

Requirements

Ability to do a high volume of daily cold calling to obtain survey responses and establish employer relationships.
Knowledge of data collection.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to conduct fact-finding research.
Working knowledge and experience using Microsoft applications, including Word and Excel.
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.
Duties and responsibilities of this position must be performed at the official work site of the Department.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Economics, Statistics, or Math or related social science.
Working knowledge and experience using Microsoft Word and Excel.
Experience with outbound phone/cold calling.
Basic knowledge of statistical methods and/or economic concepts.
Two years of customer service experience.
Bilingual in Spanish or Creole.

Responsibilities

Collects, compiles, analyzes, and reviews occupational employment and wage survey data for assigned survey units and their employment.
Analyzes and edits survey responses, assigns occupational codes to the job descriptions reported by employers, and enters the data into the Occupational Employment Statistics computer software system.
Processes electronic survey responses with significant employment and occupations using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provided “Auto-batch” utility.
Calls non-respondents to collect data for missing units and employment to achieve the highest response rate for the assigned survey units and the employment the units represent and enters the data into the OES computer software system.
Utilizes the internet to conduct research on businesses.
Verification of atypical data with the employer and the addition of written comments on the survey data file may be necessary.
Reviews and corrects North American Industry Classification System codes assigned to individual establishments on the Occupational Employment Statistics survey sample.
Research and investigates businesses which indicate they are classified incorrectly on the Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages database.
After extensive analysis and review, makes any changes to the Occupational Employment Statistics survey database to reflect the best North American Industry Classification System code for all businesses selected for the Occupational Employment Statistics survey sample by Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Updates and maintains Occupational Employment Statistics survey database files for Florida businesses selected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Research and updates returned mail for better addresses and updates contact information.
Analyzes employment and wage data giving special attention to the data highlighted when being entered into the database.
Reviews quality assurance edit tests 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.

Benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts
State Group Insurance coverage options+ (health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental option)
Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
Nine paid holidays and a Personal Holiday each year
Annual and Sick Leave Benefits
Student Loan Forgiveness Program (Eligibility required)
Tuition Fee Waivers (Accepted by major Florida colleges/universities)
Ongoing comprehensive training provided
Career Growth
Highly skilled, professional environment