Job Description

First 5 California

JC-519104

Research Scientist-Social/Behavioral Sciences
RESEARCH SCIENTIST

$6,942.00 - $8,922.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 6/4/2026

Application Methods:

Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)

By Mail

Drop-off

Job Description and Duties

This position is Hybrid and eligible for telework up to four days a week and required to report to the office once a week or as needed/required in accordance with F5CA’s Telework Policy. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.

Excellence in the Business of Government!


Come join a team that creates:

• A collaborative team atmosphere founded upon ethics, integrity, and stewardship.

• A positive work environment that is open to change and invites its workforce to challenge processes.

• An opportunity for individuals to utilize their knowledge, skills, and experience to grow within the department.

Under the general direction of the Deputy Director (CEA A), in the Research and Evaluation Office of First 5 California (F5CA), the Research Scientist is responsible for designing and implementing major complex research and evaluation projects, with an emphasis on F5CA investments shaped by the Strategic Plan. The RS develops and oversees all aspects of related research, evaluation, and data including contracted projects, and is responsible for data analysis, data presentation and visualizations, and briefings between F5CA executives and stakeholders (First 5 county commissions, and public and private institutions/agencies).

Working Conditions

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity: A work culture that emphasizes a culture of diversity and inclusivity, offering tangible rewards and recognizing the intrinsic value of varied perspectives and collaboration.

• Career Growth and Training: A focus on career growth and training in an effort to engage and retain a diverse talent pool that aligns with the organization's mission and vision.

• Competitive Rewards: Employees enjoy world-class benefits packages, attractive salaries, and robust pension plans, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being.

• Work-Life Balance: Work-life balance is fostered through measures like telework and adjustable schedules, allowing personal and professional lives to thrive together.

• Learning and Development: Emphasizing on continuous learning, DGS offers onsite and virtual Statewide Training programs to ensure that employees remain at the cutting edge of their fields.

• Generous State Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental insurance, long-term disability insurance, 11 paid holidays per year, paid time off, defined benefit retirement program, commute program, employee wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and medical/dependent care reimbursement accounts.
  

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-519104

Position #(s):

319-001-5582-925

Working Title:

Research Scientist-Social/Behavioral Sciences

Classification:

RESEARCH SCIENTIST

$6,942.00 - $8,922.00

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Sacramento County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Work Shift:

8:00am - 5:00pm

Work Week:

Monday - Friday

Department Information

Are you ready for a challenge? Are you looking for a rewarding career where you impact the lives of young children? Here’s your chance! First 5 California is recruiting for an energetic, committed, and experienced candidate. The successful candidate must possess strong organizational skills,commitment to quality client service, and a working knowledge of various software programs (e.g.,Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

First 5 California is located in the South Natomas area and includes FREE PARKING!

Special Requirements

• Employment History on the STD 678 (State Application) must be complete and include employment dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities performed, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. License and Certification numbers included on the STD 678 must include issue date and expiration date. Failure to indicate issue and expiration dates will result in disqualification. Resumes or other documents cannot substitute the STD 678 (State Application). Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 (State Application) may be disqualified. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.

• Applicants who completed their education outside of the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of US course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at NACES | National Association of Credential Evaluation Services .

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 6/4/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.


Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

First 5 California

DGS Mailing Address

Attn: DGS-OHR/Certification Unit

Department of General Services

PO Box 989052

West Sacramento, CA 95798-9052

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

First 5 California

DGS Mailing Address

Classification & Pay Unit

Department of General Services

PO Box 989052

West Sacramento, CA 95798-9052

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  REQUIRED – Statement of Qualifications. Please see the Statement of Qualifications section on the job advertisement for details and instructions.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Understanding of early childhood research and evaluation; understanding of equity-driven research, data analysis, and implementation science; experience in contract management.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package, some benefits include:

• Medical Benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Holidays and leave
• Defined benefit retirement program
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
• Commute Program
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Amairani Gonzalez
(279) 280-7511
agonzalez@ccfc.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Main Line
(916) 376-5127
DGSEEO@dgs.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Information

First 5 California
2399 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 120
Sacramento, CA 95833

Please specify RPA 30507 and JC-519104 on your state application.

Examination Information:

CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search


Successful examination applicants are placed on a hiring eligibility list. If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination. Applicants should refer to their examination results or check their CalCareers account for specific list eligibility expiration dates and/or to re-take the examination when necessary.

For questions regarding the examination process, please contact the DGS Examinations Unit at DGSExams@dgs.ca.gov.

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

Please clearly state “Statement of Qualifications” at the top of your document. The SOQ should be typed in 12-point Arial font and be no more than three pages in length. Cover letters and resumes are not considered an SOQ. Respond in writing to the questions below:

1. Describe your experience conducting research or evaluation related to early childhood, children and families, maternal and child health, or other closely related areas. Highlight any experience applying this work in public systems, programs, or policy contexts. Please feel free to include qualitative or quantitative research experience.

2. Describe your experience with and knowledge of statistical, visualization, or other analytical software used for data processing and analysis.

3. Describe your experience managing a contract and/or overseeing external evaluators and ensuring deliverables align with scope and timelines.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Contract work, Work at office, Remote work, Monday to Friday, Shift work, 1 day per week

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