CITY OF OLYMPIA
DATE PREPARED JOB CODE
1/85 1580
CLASS SPECIFICATION RESEARCH ANALYST SALARY RANGE FLSA STATUS REVISED POSITION DESCRIPTION Function: Under general supervision, responsible for providing background information for the development of new policies and programs, and in support of existing programs. Essential Function: The information contained in this classification specification is a representative sample of essential and other functions performed in this classification. Specific essential functions are identified for position recruitment or other administrative procedures. Examples of Duties: Responsible for researching, preparing, and presenting information to Division, Department, and City staff regarding new and existing policies and programs related to the areas of: water/water resources; wastewater; transportation; stormwater and solid waste. Assist in the preparation of major, independent technical research, including the establishment of appropriate utility rates for various City services. Program areas include, but may not be limited to: well-head protection; slow-streets; solid waste management and future water resource development, management, and allocation. Develop, present, and assist in the implementation of new programs to meet overall Council and Department goals. Coordinate planning and program development with various Sections, Divisions, Departments, and other entities. Research and prepare grant/loan applications. Research, negotiate, and prepare inter-local agreements concerning specified areas of interest. Prepare and/or assist in the preparation of staff reports to the City Council. Assist other staff in program management, including grant and loan administration, staffing issues, day-to-day implementation, and coordination of effort. Contacts: Research Analysts have constant, daily contact with members of the Policy/Program Development Division for the purpose of information sharing/gathering, and coordination of effort. Frequent contacts with other Department/City staff are for the purpose of data collection, and policy/program explanation and feedback. Frequent contacts with other agencies/jurisdictions are for the purpose of information-sharing, data collection, and coordination of programs/projects. Communicating with technicians and professionals in a clear, concise manner while explaining the City's perspective and goals is central to position success. Supervision: May assist in the day-to-day direction of intern-level staff. Accountability: Research Analysts are accountable for the quality of data provided to management and outside agencies, and the timely completion of assigned tasks. Working Conditions: Research Analysts work in an office with easy accessibility to other staff. Precise, detailed work is completed in an environment subject to frequent interruptions and generalized noise. The work is also completed under the stress of competing demands and stringent timelines. 056 COVERED
5/2003
RESEARCH ANALYST Page 2 QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Knowledge of research methodologies in general and utility rate-setting in particular. Knowledge of municipal organization and basic BARS budgeting/accounting. Knowledge of grant and loan application preparation, processing, and implementation. Skill in developing and presenting material for the purpose of clearly informing various audiences about the City's policies and programs in technical areas. Skill in identifying areas for further research in the assigned areas. Skill in preparing grant and loan applications. Ability to gather data from many sources, synthesize information, and make recommendations based on solid research. Ability to coordinate activities with all levels of the City organization and outside agencies/jurisdictions. Ability to work as a member of technical, service-oriented team. Ability to interpret and explain technical and/or complex policies and programs to a variety of audiences. Education/Experience: Graduation from a four year college/university with a specialty in policy administration, public administration, statistical analysis, or closely related area; and one year experience in a related technical research field required. Municipal policy research experience preferred. Related experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.