Research Analyst 3

Position Title: Research Analyst 3 

Classification: Research Analyst 3 

Salary: $5,066 - $7,774 ($5,419 - $8,314 PERS) 
 

*Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA. 

We are seeking a Research Analyst 3 to join our Child Nutrition Programs Unit at the Oregon Department of Education. This is a permanent position represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  
 

This position follows a hybrid work model. Onsite presence will be required when business or operational needs are best supported in person, such as collaboration, training, or work that requires access to onsite resources. Employees approved to work remotely must have a reliable and secure internet connection and maintain a professional work environment that supports productivity. While working remotely, employees are expected to maintain the same level of performance, responsiveness, communication, and availability as they would in the office. 

About Us:  

The Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE’s) mission is to foster equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. In fulfilling its mission, ODE has the vision to ensure all students have access to and benefit from a world-class, well–rounded, and equitable education system. 

This position is in the Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) section of the Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE) Child Nutrition, Research and Accountability, Fingerprinting and Pupil Transportation Unit. CNP provides state-level administration for United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS) Child Nutrition Programs, including National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Special Milk Program and USDA Foods. State-funded programs include Farm to School and School Gardens, summer and afterschool expansion grants, and state meal subsidies for federal Child Nutrition Programs. The section employs about 35 people across three teams: the Administrative team, the School Nutrition Programs team, and the Community Nutrition Programs team. CNP administers about $400 million in state and federal meal reimbursement and grants each biennium. Child Nutrition Programs are operated by about 500 eligible local organizations statewide. Child Nutrition Programs are in the Office of Child Nutrition, Research and Accountability, Fingerprinting and Pupil Transportation. It works across agency and with individual program sponsors to promote the agency mission and values. 

Working Environment & Expectations 

Typical office environment. Multiple program deadlines create competing responsibilities and short project timelines. Some travel in and out-of-state that may include weekends or extended working hours. Must be available for occasional work sessions, trainings, or meetings on weekends and/or evenings. This position may be eligible for hybrid remote work, subject to manager approval, business needs, and completion of a remote work agreement in Workday. Employees must have a home workspace that meets all technology, security, and safety requirements, including protection of confidential information. Remote work requires use of agency-issued equipment, a secure internet connection, and VPN access. Staff must follow the DAS Remote Work policy, guidelines and applicable collective bargaining agreements. The official duty station is the Public Service Building in Salem, Oregon. Travel to this location may be required at the employee’s expense 

What You Will Do! 
 
The CNP Research Analyst (RA) reports to the Director of Child Nutrition Programs and supports all of Oregon’s CNP Programs. These include the School Nutrition Programs, Child & Adult Day Care Program, Summer Food Service Program, USDA Foods & Procurement Programs, Farm to School Program, and CDC Improving Student Health Grant. At a high level, the RA is responsible for overseeing all aspects of CNP’s data operations. This position serves as the data owner for the CNPWeb database and Direct Certification System SQL database. CNP’s data is stored in CNPWeb (SQL database), the Direct Certification System (SQL database), State Financial Management System (SQL database), USDA Foods Monthly Processor Reports (set of Excel sheets), and other spreadsheets (Smartsheet, Google Sheets, Excel, Access). CNP’s data operations involve gathering, analyzing, reporting, and presenting data from the above sources to conduct and improve internal operations, to conduct research with internal and external partners, and to comply with federal and state reporting requirements. These tasks require a high level of skill using SQL, R, and Power BI for building data products and conducting statistical analysis. Experience with data analysis and programming is limited among staff outside of the RA. The RA must work closely with nontechnical staff understanding projects in context with CNP operations, in communicating results, and in ensuring processes are user-friendly. With the guidance of program managers and the Director of Child Nutrition Programs, the RA must be comfortable managing data projects without supervision from a technical manager. The RA must be dynamic in their ability to manage simultaneous projects and respond to the Team’s changing needs across all CNP programs. This classification series is distinguished from other classes that do research work because research is the primary focus. 

Typical duties include: 

• Identify appropriate statistical methods and develop procedures for the various steps that will guide research projects or the response to data requests. 

• Design databases and develop data sets for storage and analysis of data. 

• Analyze, interpret and report technical data 

• Represent/present CNP data to external partners. 

Please click here to view the full position description 

Minimum Qualifications - Minimum qualifications must be met to qualify for this position. 

 
A Bachelor's Degree in any discipline that included six-quarter units in statistics or quantitative analysis methods and procedures, and one year experience using computerized applications to independently gather, compile, and analyze data and prepare narrative or statistical reports; 
OR 
Four years of research experience using computerized applications to independently gather, compile, and analyze data and prepare narrative or statistical reports. 

Preferred Skills and Knowledge (Desired Attributes): 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

• Excellent listening skills 

• Excellent research and analytical skills 

• Excellent skills in performing technical and support functions 

• Excellent knowledge of relational databases, and skills in writing queries and constructing data reports.   

• Demonstrated skills in Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, online meeting platforms, and skills in data and information analysis 

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of the attributes listed.    

Why Us? 

At ODE, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative atmosphere. Autonomy is supported while also being offered opportunities to work in dedicated teams or partnerships across the agency. Our office supports a healthy work/life balance and shows genuine care for team members, students, partners, and school leaders. Our team members share and educate with passion for equitable practices and sustainable development for leaders across Oregon. We maintain a constant learning and growing mentality to strive for optimum innovation and consistently applied equity practices. 

Our Amazing Benefits Include: 

• Excellent medical, vision and dental benefit package for the employee and qualified family members with very low monthly out-of-pocket cost 

• Paid days off – 

• 11 paid holidays per year, 

• 3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" per year, 

• 8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month, 

• Progressive vacation leave accrual and increases every 5 years. 

• In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, Paid Leave Oregon, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care expenses. 

• Student Loan Forgiveness Program: if you have federal student loan debt or are thinking of going back to school, then you will want to look into this program. If you make 120 qualifying payments on your student loan while working full time for a qualifying employer, your student loan debt may be forgiven. 

• If you currently work at an Oregon school district or education service district, we may be able to transfer in your sick leave balance! 

If you have a desire to make a difference in the lives of Oregonians, apply today! 

To Apply: 

Your cover letter and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase your skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the position.   

• Upload a resume and cover letter.  

• In your cover letter, please include your qualifications relating to any of the desired attributes mentioned for this position (limit to no more than 2 pages).  Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/Cover Letter field on the online application. Failure to attach a cover letter and resume may result in the disqualification of your application.  

• In addition to your related work experience and education, we will use the attributes and minimum qualifications listed under the “What we are looking for” section above to determine whom to interview. Please make sure the attributes and minimum qualifications you possess are clearly demonstrated in your resume and cover letter.  

• Important: Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application. 

• External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” button and submit your resume and cover letter. Please make sure to attach all required documents in the section titled Resume/Cover Letter.  

• Internal Applicants: (this includes Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account.  

Please contact ode.jobs@ode.oregon.gov if you have any questions on the application process. 
 

Additional Information: 

• Salary Range: The range listed is the Non-PERS salary range. Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95% and pay a 6% employee contribution to PERS. 

• Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment. For further information, please visit the Pay Equity Project homepage. 

• The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference immediately following your submission. These questions are necessary to complete the application process. 

• Communication: Please monitor your Workday account, as communication will be sent to your Workday account. You must have a valid e-mail address to apply. 

• Future Vacancies: This recruitment announcement will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur. 

• External Applicants (non-state of Oregon employees): If you would like to retain a copy of this job posting, please print a copy before submitting your application. Once the job posting has closed, you will not be able to access the posting. 

• Background Check: This position requires successfully passing a criminal record check, which may require a fingerprint-based records check and/or credit history check, as a condition of employment. If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact us at ode.jobs@ode.oregon.gov. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.  

• Veterans: Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference.  For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources.  You may also call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at 1-800-692-9666. 

• Visa Sponsorship: The Oregon Department of Education does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Oregon Department of Education is an E-Verify employer. If you are the successful candidate you must present your I-9 acceptable documents (See page 3)  for employment verification. 

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process  

Helpful Links and Contact Information: 

• Learn more about ODE 

• Understanding the State Application Process 

• Resources for Job Seekers 

• Get There - Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner. 

• Live, work, and play in Salem, Oregon. 

• For additional information, you may contact us by e-mail at ode.jobs@ode.oregon.gov.  

The Department of Education is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to a diverse workforce. The Department strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.  

Come for a job | Stay for a career | Make a difference...for a lifetime!