Position Number: 22083085
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: 9/26/2025
Anticipated Starting Salary: $57,351
Assessment Coordination Division
Preferred Qualifications:
Excellent Excel Skills, Agricultural Degree/Experience is a plus.
Position Specifics:
Some travel for conferences and education is required.
The mission of the Department of Finance and Administration is to provide Arkansas citizens convenient, effective, and courteous service which will encourage voluntary compliance with tax, license, and child support laws.
Position Information
Job Series: Program Operations – Data / Research
Classification: Data / Research Analyst
Class Code: PDA01P
Pay Grade: SGS07
Salary Range: $57,351 – $84,879
Job Summary
The Data / Research Analyst is responsible for gathering, cleaning, analyzing, and interpreting large datasets to generate actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making throughout the organization. This role bridges the gap between raw data and meaningful business outcomes, ensuring data integrity while applying statistical and analytical techniques. The ideal candidate leverages advanced analytical tools and methodologies to uncover trends, identify opportunities, and support research initiatives that influence product development, market strategies, and operational efficiency.
Primary Responsibilities
Identify and source both internal and external datasets relevant to business objectives.
Develop protocols for data acquisition, cleaning, and validation to maintain high data quality and consistency.
Use statistical tools and programming languages (such as Python, R, or Structured Query Language) to analyze datasets and identify significant trends, correlations, and anomalies.
Conduct exploratory data analysis, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis to model relationships and predict future outcomes.
Synthesize complex data findings into clear, concise reports and dashboards using data visualization tools like Tableau, Power Business Intelligence, or similar software.
Present findings in a manner that supports informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including marketing, product development, and operations—to define research objectives and methodologies.
Provide consultative support for strategic projects by integrating data insights into business recommendations.
Stay current with the latest trends and best practices in data analysis, machine learning, and statistical methodologies.
Recommend and implement process improvements, ensuring that research practices evolve with the agency’s needs.
Ensure all research activities comply with data governance policies and industry regulations.
Maintain thorough documentation of methodologies, data sources, analytical processes, and outcomes.
Knowledge and Skills
Solid programming skills in languages such as Python, R, or Structured Query Language.
Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power Business Intelligence) and statistical analysis software.
Strong aptitude for quantitative analysis and identifying actionable insights from complex datasets.
Ability to approach problems methodically and use data-driven reasoning to support solutions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively share technical insights with non-technical personnel.
Proven ability to translate complex data findings into clear and persuasive narratives.
Meticulous in verifying and validating data to ensure accuracy and reliability.
A critical thinking mindset that questions assumptions and consistently seeks improvement.
Ability to work well within multi-disciplinary teams and adapt to evolving project requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, Mathematics, or a related field.
Minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in data analysis, research, or quantitative analysis.
Experience working with statistical software, data visualization tools, and database management systems is highly advantageous.
Licensure/Certifications
N/A
OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
ONLY COMPLETED APPLICATIONS WITH WORK HISTORY WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Applications must include complete work history and references. A resume may accompany the state application but will not be substituted for any part of the application. False, misleading, or incomplete statements may result in disciplinary action and possible termination.
Veteran Preference: A copy of a DD-214 must be submitted to the Hiring Official at the time of interview to be considered for Veteran Preference.
This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS at (888) 897-7781 or dhs.gov/e-verify.
