What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Analyst 2 position at State of Pennsylvania?
Salary : $58,035.00 - $88,235.00 Annually
Location : Mifflin County, PA
Job Type : Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number : CS-2025-19743-08060
Department : Emergency Management Agency
Division : EM St Fr Acdmy
Opening Date : 02 / 28 / 2025
Closing Date : 3 / 14 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Eastern
Job Code : 08060
Position Number : 50654918
Union : Non Union
Bargaining Unit : A3
Pay Group : ST07
Bureau / Division Code : 00314100
Bureau / Division : EM State Fire Academy
Worksite Address : 1150 Riverside Drive
City : Lewistown, Pennsylvania
Zip Code : 17044
Contact Name : Luke Dugan
Contact Email : RA-EMHRRESOURCEACCOU@PA.GOV
THE POSITION
Are you in pursuit of a career that presents rewarding challenges while supporting your fellow first responders? If so, this role could be your ideal match. As a certification program analyst, you will play a pivotal role in aiding management to deliver timely and pertinent testing and training for first responders. This position is critical in providing review and feedback on the performance of Fire Academy testing programs. Join us in this vital role, where your expertise will contribute to the ongoing development and success of first responders, ensuring they are always prepared for the challenges ahead!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this role, you will provide analytical assistance to the certification program, performing both qualitative and quantitative analyses on testing methodologies. Additionally, you will manage test inventories, ensuring that test banks and all supporting documentation are up-to-date and compliant with national standards. You will also evaluate the tests utilized to confirm program adherence and conduct trend analyses to address challenges related to test integrity.
You will implement strategies to ensure a continuous process of randomization in test development and delivery, in accordance with current national accreditation requirements. Furthermore, you will support the certification program manager in the maintenance and updating of the program's policies and procedures, as well as in effectively communicating these updates to all test sites across the commonwealth.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information :
- Full-time employment
- Work hours are 8 : 00 AM to 4 : 00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
- In the event of an emergency / disaster situation or training exercise, this position may be required to travel, work up to 12-hour shifts, and work outside of the normal work hours, including weekends and overnights.
- Free on-site parking is available.
- Telework : You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time upon successful completion of a training period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Lewistown.
- Salary : Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $58,035.00 (before taxes).
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam / junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements :
Other Requirements :
How to Apply :
Veterans :
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) :
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
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Work / Life Balance
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Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
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Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Program Analyst 1 for one or more years full-time?
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N / A in the text box below.
How many years of full-time analytical experience, one year of which included professional experience in program evaluation and the development of program recommendations, do you possess? (Program evaluation is defined as interpreting and assessing the mission, goals, and objectives of a program area, the eligibility criteria for participants, and the required outcomes. Development of program recommendations is defined as utilizing the results of internal / external qualitative or quantitative research and analysis in order to provide suggestions on how to effectively proceed with the goals and objectives of a program.)
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N / A in the text box below.
How much graduate coursework have you completed in Qualitative, Quantitative, and Evaluative Research Methodologies; Program Evaluation and Measurement; Marketing Research; Financial Planning; Project Management; or Policy Analysis? If you are claiming credits / degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience / training. List the employer(s) / training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience / training. The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - ANALYZING INFORMATION
Performs program, fiscal, and policy analyses of an organization's program areas for the purpose of developing solutions and recommendations for program changes. Determines whether programs achieve objectives and operate cost effectively; and analyzes programmatic or fiscal effects and implications of prior policy decisions or proposed policy changes and other economic analysis and special studies. Analyzes and evaluates agency programs or projects to determine the extent to which the goals and objectives are being met and to determine the impact of changes.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N / A in the box below.
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education / training related to this work behavior, type N / A in the text box below.
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - RESEARCH
Conducts research by gathering, organizing, and analyzing pertinent program data such as legislation, policies, procedures, staffing, operations, program measures, contracts, target populations, and program impacts in order to construct charts, graphs, and reports to be used in program, fiscal, and policy analysis.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N / A in the box below.
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education / training related to this work behavior, type N / A in the text box below.
WORK BEHAVIOR 3- MONITORING PROGRAM OPERATIONS
Reviews, evaluates, develops, implements and refines programs or program policies in order to maximize benefits and minimize problems and to ensure adherence to all applicable requirements and standards. Monitors the implementation of new and existing programs that relate to the organization; coordinates and implements program planning and developmental activities with other organizational programs; prepares and reviews government grant documents and reports to ensure technical proficiency; monitors organizational activities to ensure expenditures and complement are maintained at the amount and for the purpose authorized, and ensures operational efficiency and contract propriety.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N / A in the box below.
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education / training related to this work behavior, type N / A in the text box below.
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - TECHNICAL AND CONSULTATIVE SERVICES
Provides technical assistance and consultative services to organization program managers and staff on the development, review, or administration of programs, policies, plans, data processing applications, and budgets. Consults with program officials to identify relevant areas for research or study. Advises on the development of resource allocation criteria and on the completion of reporting requirements for the purpose of program evaluation and budget preparation. Suggests and develops programs and ideas in anticipation of demand for an organization's services. Assesses and defines needs and problems and recommends possible solutions.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N / A in the box below.
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education / training related to this work behavior, type N / A in the text box below.
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - COMMUNICATION
Prepares and presents information, studies, and reports orally and in writing on program or project evaluations, development, and analysis in order to provide policy and decision makers with factual information to be used in planning, implementing, monitoring, and resource allocation. This may include preparing narrative reports, tables, graphs, and charts as well as responding to oral and written inquiries regarding programs. Responds to informational requests and provides procedural guidelines, criteria, and training necessary for the implementation and management of programs and projects.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N / A in the box below.
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education / training related to this work behavior, type N / A in the text box below.
Required Question
Salary : $58,035 - $88,235