Geospatial Research Specialist Jobs

Research Specialist V
The Research Specialist V performs highly advanced (senior-level) research and data dissemination work under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of independent initiative and judgment. Designs and implements research and analytical studies in support of Medicaid, CHIP, and other agency programs, including provider network adequacy monitoring to evaluate Managed Care Organizations’ compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements. Applies advanced statistical and/or spatial analytical techniques to health and human services related data. Provides consultation and assistance to HHSC staff to develop methods and strategies for more effective reporting of geographical data and analyses. Develops and maintains advanced scripts and code for computer based spatial analysis applications including data acquisition and cleaning. Evaluates available spatial datasets and determines which are most appropriate for specific research projects. Prepares and presents a variety of reports, studies, and other deliverables containing analytical findings to agency management, policy analysts, the Texas Legislature, and external customers to provide an understanding of agency programs and issues and facilitate decision making.

Essential Job Functions:
EJF 1: Designs and conducts advanced research and analytical projects in support of Medicaid, CHIP, and other agency programs. Develops spatial analyses and geoprocessing workflows to assess provider network adequacy, evaluate contract compliance, detect trends and anomalies in spatial distribution and service utilization, and monitor program changes. Produces high quality maps, data visualizations and reports to support research findings and present the most appropriate and intuitive interpretation of Medicaid/CHIP related data. (25%)
EJF 2: Works with MCDA Data Management staff to develop and maintain information systems and geospatial databases to support ongoing research and analyses. Investigates and evaluates data sources, acquires, cleans, and transforms data as needed, and performs quality control measures to ensure data accuracy and adherence to industry and agency standards. This includes geocoding, editing, updating, and overlaying a wide variety of data and geographic layers to validate spatial relationships, improve locational accuracy, and ensure currency. Develops and maintains custom-coded applications and tools for data management and to improve workflow efficiency. (25%)
EJF 3: Collaborates with Medicaid/CHIP division and agency staff and researchers, governmental entities, and other stakeholders on regular projects and ad hoc requests. Provides professional consultation to staff and clients. Leads and participates in workgroups to identify program needs and propose analytical solutions. Communicates effectively with other analysts to share project details, develop plans, devise clear instructions, and formulate cogent inquiries. Presents project results to Medicaid/CHIP staff, executive decision makers, the Texas Legislature, managed care organizations, and other stakeholders. (20%)
EJF 4: Performs project management functions. Initiates and hosts meetings with customers to establish and clarify research and analytical goals, questions, and requirements. Sets priorities and manages resources for complex projects to ensure timely deliverables. Ensures data sources and processes are well documented and that they include sufficient and accurate technical details for analysts as well as non-technical descriptions appropriate for customers. (20%)
EFJ 5: Evaluates and monitors developments and advancements in GIS and statistical software and recommends the most appropriate software and solutions for research projects and analyses. Maintains GIS software, programming environments, and spatial data packages, including required installation, updates, upgrades, synchronization, and archiving. (10%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of advanced research concepts and methodologies.
Knowledge of advanced geospatial analysis and geographic information system concepts and methods.
Knowledge of cartographic principles, techniques, and procedures.
Knowledge of advanced database management and query methods and systems.
Knowledge of structured programing concepts.
Knowledge of techniques for developing applications and publications for the Internet.
Knowledge of appropriate surveillance techniques for population-based research.
Skill in the use of ArcGIS Pro software.
Skill in the use of Office365 software programs.
Skill in the use of personal computers.
Skill in the use of global positioning systems.
Skill in the use of large format plotters.
Skill in map composition.
Skill in the use of database systems, including SQL Server and Oracle.
Skill in building datasets for use with visualization software such as Tableau and Power BI.
Skill using statistical analysis software such as SAS and R
Skill in programming using Python 3
Skill in programming and scripting languages, such as Visual Basic or PowerShell.
Skill in written and verbal communication for private, public, and professional group interactions.
Skill applying programming techniques to the analysis of large data sets.
Skill in designing, building, implementing and maintain automatic computer processes for data acquisition, cleaning, transformation, loading and querying.
Skill and experience in the use of Structured Query Language (SQL) and reporting tools.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, set priorities, and manage time efficiently.
Ability to exercise good judgment, efficiently organize information and effectively solve problems.
Ability to communicate both verbal and written technical and analytical information to audiences from diverse backgrounds with a wide range in levels of expertise.

Initial Selection Criteria:
Degree from an accredited college or university in Geographic Information Science or related field such as Geography, Computer Science, or Information Systems, or relevant certification such as Geographic Information Systems Professionals (GISP), ESRI ArcGIS Associate Certification, or certification from an accredited college or university that is equivalent to at least 20 credit hours of GIS coursework
and
Three years GIS experience in business, healthcare, or epidemiology, or similar field.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Experience with Web-based GIS highly preferred.
Preferred experience also includes visualization software, such as Tableau or Power BI; statistical software such as SAS, SPSS, or R; SQL scripting on large database systems such as SQL Server, Oracle, or Snowflake; coding with Python 3.
When completing your application, be sure to address every required field. Incomplete applications will not be accepted for consideration. You may choose to upload a resume to your applicant profile, but resumes will not be accepted in place of a completed application.

Additional Information:
When completing your application, be sure to address every required field. Incomplete applications will not be accepted for consideration. You may choose to upload a resume to your applicant profile, but resumes will not be accepted in place of a completed application.

MOS Code:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 12Y, 35F, IT, 23, 02111, 8E000. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications for this position.