County of Orange
Senior Research Analyst (Law Enforcement)
County of Orange, Santa Ana, California, United States, 92725
SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST (LAW ENFORCEMENT)
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
This recruitment will remain open for a minimum of five (5) business days, closing on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list. This list will be used to fill current and future Senior Research Analyst positions within the County of Orange. The current vacancy is within OC Probation. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the County of Orange.
PROBATION DEPARTMENT OC Probation assists the criminal justice system in Orange County, California by making a safer Orange County through positive change. Under the direction of the Chief Probation Officer, the Probation Department is comprised of three bureaus: Adult Operations, Juvenile Operations, and Operations Support. As a public safety agency, the Department serves the community using efficient and research-supported corrections practices to reduce crime, assist the Courts in managing clients, promote lawful and productive lifestyles, and assist victims. You can learn more about the OC Probation Department by clicking here.
THE OPPORTUNITY The Probation Department is seeking a Senior Research Analyst to be responsible for collecting, entering, validating, and analyzing criminal justice data for evaluation and reporting purposes. General duties include the following: production of routine reports; evaluation of various juvenile and adult intervention programs; preparation of information to respond to special requests from other divisions within the Probation Department, as well as from other county agencies. The Senior Research Analyst establishes and collaborates on effective working relationships with probation officers, clerical staff, supervising deputy probation officers, division directors, and partner agencies to prepare for and conduct program/project evaluations. Finally, this position requires extensive research skills, knowledge of the unique limitations in conducting research on potentially vulnerable populations (including supervised adult and juvenile offenders), and a background in criminal justice.
The Senior Research Analyst will be expected to:
Collaborate with staff/managers to design evaluation plans in order to determine program effectiveness
Build evaluation databases; write SQL queries to extract data from the Integrated Case Management System (ICMS), and complete data entry and perform quality assurance.
Perform statistical analysis and summarize the results of the analysis into charts, tables, and reports
Manage State or grant-funded evaluation projects (Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act, SB678, and others), collect and enter data, maintain records, prepare and submit outcome reports
Prepare executive briefings for Probation’s management team, present study findings at meetings and conferences
Respond to data requests from management, operations staff, other County agencies, and outside agencies
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES The ideal candidate will have at least four years of experience in conducting applied research, preferably in a criminal justice or social science setting, and will also possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, or another related social science field. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of evaluation methods, research design, and statistical analysis, with the ability to effectively organize statistical information at both the program and individual client levels. Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess experience in organizing statistical information into reports using various methods, including tables, charts, and graphs.
In addition, the ideal candidate will possess extensive experience and/or knowledge in the following competencies:
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
Understanding of and hands‑on experience with complex statistical analysis, research design, and methods of organizing information into reports using tables, charts, and graphs
Conduct complex professional/technical research and analysis, such as descriptive and inferential statistics, including probability theory, sampling techniques, statistical correlation, frequency distribution, reliability and variability criteria, and regression analysis
Gather, analyze, research, interpret, and apply relevant data skillfully to respond in creative ways to achieve measurable results
Methods of data extraction, quality assurance, and management
OC Probation’s Integrated Case Management System (ICMS), including underlying tables
Evidence‑based practices as they relate to criminal justice
Utilize SPSS or other statistical software to perform complex statistical analysis
Utilize the following software applications: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Power BI, ArcGIS, and Microsoft SQL Server
Knowledge of current Federal, State, and local legislation, policies, regulations, and issues that pertain to the Probation department
LEADERSHIP, INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Establishing and maintaining productive relationships with all levels of management, peers, and staff within the department and other agencies
Involving others as appropriate and gathering information from a variety of sources
Working collaboratively with research staff and program operations staff when developing evaluation plans and determining appropriate outcomes
Identifying with the larger organizational team and the role required; sharing resources, responding to requests from other parts of the organization, and supporting the Agency’s agenda
Demonstrates good judgment; accurately defines problems/issues, and evaluates and recommends solutions
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Communicating and interacting both verbally and in writing with all levels of staff and managers
Presenting complex statistical information in a "non‑technical" manner to an audience both verbally and in written form
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Click here to learn more about the minimum qualifications for the Senior Research Analyst classification.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS The Probation Department requires that all candidates undergo an extensive background investigation process to the satisfaction of the Department. Candidates must successfully clear the process prior to the start of their employment. All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify the most qualified applicants. After screening, qualified candidates will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All candidates will be notified via email of their status in the process. Completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the County may be required.
Application Screening (Refer/Non‑Refer) Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all applications and supplemental responses to identify candidates with qualities that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those candidates that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step. Resumes will not be accepted and/or screened in lieu of applications during the application screening step; therefore, you will need to demonstrate your qualifications on your application.
Application Appraisal Panel | Application Rating (Weighted 100%) An Application Appraisal Panel (AAP) of job knowledge experts will thoroughly screen and evaluate all application materials for job knowledge, competencies, and related experience described above. Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to be detailed and thorough in demonstrating your qualifications. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Based on the department’s needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All applicants will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible List Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Veterans Employment Preference The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy. (Download PDF reader)
Newsletter & Notification Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in your application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.
Frequently Asked Questions Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Aerie de la Cruz at (714) 645-7051 or patricia.delacruz@prob.ocgov.com.
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This recruitment will remain open for a minimum of five (5) business days, closing on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list. This list will be used to fill current and future Senior Research Analyst positions within the County of Orange. The current vacancy is within OC Probation. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the County of Orange.
PROBATION DEPARTMENT OC Probation assists the criminal justice system in Orange County, California by making a safer Orange County through positive change. Under the direction of the Chief Probation Officer, the Probation Department is comprised of three bureaus: Adult Operations, Juvenile Operations, and Operations Support. As a public safety agency, the Department serves the community using efficient and research-supported corrections practices to reduce crime, assist the Courts in managing clients, promote lawful and productive lifestyles, and assist victims. You can learn more about the OC Probation Department by clicking here.
THE OPPORTUNITY The Probation Department is seeking a Senior Research Analyst to be responsible for collecting, entering, validating, and analyzing criminal justice data for evaluation and reporting purposes. General duties include the following: production of routine reports; evaluation of various juvenile and adult intervention programs; preparation of information to respond to special requests from other divisions within the Probation Department, as well as from other county agencies. The Senior Research Analyst establishes and collaborates on effective working relationships with probation officers, clerical staff, supervising deputy probation officers, division directors, and partner agencies to prepare for and conduct program/project evaluations. Finally, this position requires extensive research skills, knowledge of the unique limitations in conducting research on potentially vulnerable populations (including supervised adult and juvenile offenders), and a background in criminal justice.
The Senior Research Analyst will be expected to:
Collaborate with staff/managers to design evaluation plans in order to determine program effectiveness
Build evaluation databases; write SQL queries to extract data from the Integrated Case Management System (ICMS), and complete data entry and perform quality assurance.
Perform statistical analysis and summarize the results of the analysis into charts, tables, and reports
Manage State or grant-funded evaluation projects (Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act, SB678, and others), collect and enter data, maintain records, prepare and submit outcome reports
Prepare executive briefings for Probation’s management team, present study findings at meetings and conferences
Respond to data requests from management, operations staff, other County agencies, and outside agencies
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES The ideal candidate will have at least four years of experience in conducting applied research, preferably in a criminal justice or social science setting, and will also possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, or another related social science field. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of evaluation methods, research design, and statistical analysis, with the ability to effectively organize statistical information at both the program and individual client levels. Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess experience in organizing statistical information into reports using various methods, including tables, charts, and graphs.
In addition, the ideal candidate will possess extensive experience and/or knowledge in the following competencies:
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
Understanding of and hands‑on experience with complex statistical analysis, research design, and methods of organizing information into reports using tables, charts, and graphs
Conduct complex professional/technical research and analysis, such as descriptive and inferential statistics, including probability theory, sampling techniques, statistical correlation, frequency distribution, reliability and variability criteria, and regression analysis
Gather, analyze, research, interpret, and apply relevant data skillfully to respond in creative ways to achieve measurable results
Methods of data extraction, quality assurance, and management
OC Probation’s Integrated Case Management System (ICMS), including underlying tables
Evidence‑based practices as they relate to criminal justice
Utilize SPSS or other statistical software to perform complex statistical analysis
Utilize the following software applications: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Power BI, ArcGIS, and Microsoft SQL Server
Knowledge of current Federal, State, and local legislation, policies, regulations, and issues that pertain to the Probation department
LEADERSHIP, INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Establishing and maintaining productive relationships with all levels of management, peers, and staff within the department and other agencies
Involving others as appropriate and gathering information from a variety of sources
Working collaboratively with research staff and program operations staff when developing evaluation plans and determining appropriate outcomes
Identifying with the larger organizational team and the role required; sharing resources, responding to requests from other parts of the organization, and supporting the Agency’s agenda
Demonstrates good judgment; accurately defines problems/issues, and evaluates and recommends solutions
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Communicating and interacting both verbally and in writing with all levels of staff and managers
Presenting complex statistical information in a "non‑technical" manner to an audience both verbally and in written form
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Click here to learn more about the minimum qualifications for the Senior Research Analyst classification.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS The Probation Department requires that all candidates undergo an extensive background investigation process to the satisfaction of the Department. Candidates must successfully clear the process prior to the start of their employment. All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify the most qualified applicants. After screening, qualified candidates will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All candidates will be notified via email of their status in the process. Completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the County may be required.
Application Screening (Refer/Non‑Refer) Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all applications and supplemental responses to identify candidates with qualities that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those candidates that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step. Resumes will not be accepted and/or screened in lieu of applications during the application screening step; therefore, you will need to demonstrate your qualifications on your application.
Application Appraisal Panel | Application Rating (Weighted 100%) An Application Appraisal Panel (AAP) of job knowledge experts will thoroughly screen and evaluate all application materials for job knowledge, competencies, and related experience described above. Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to be detailed and thorough in demonstrating your qualifications. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Based on the department’s needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All applicants will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible List Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Veterans Employment Preference The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy. (Download PDF reader)
Newsletter & Notification Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in your application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.
Frequently Asked Questions Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Aerie de la Cruz at (714) 645-7051 or patricia.delacruz@prob.ocgov.com.
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr