RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Requisition No: 849530

Agency: Commerce

Working Title: 849530 - RESEARCH ASSISTANT - 40050033

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 40050033

Salary: $34,092.83 - $36,999.96

Posting Closing Date: 04/09/2025

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

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

RESEARCH ASSISTANT.

OPEN COMPETITIVE

www.floridajobs.org/

Your Specific Responsibilities:

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.

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. Researches 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’s module.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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 relationship with others.
• Ability to conduct fact-finding research.
• Working knowledge and experience using Microsoft applications, including Word and Excel.

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 in call center/high volume calling.
• Basic knowledge of statistical methods and/or economic concepts.
• One year of customer service experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Creole.

Pay:

$34,092.83-$36,999.96 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 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.

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.

FloridaCommerce 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 Florida Commerce’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. Florida Commerce’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

• 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.