Research Analyst (03009)

This first review of applications will be May 4, 2026. Please submit the following required documents on the State of Montana Careers website:

• Resume - Please include dates of employment and your supervisor's name/phone number for each position.

For a complete job description, please email opi.careers@mt.gov

To be considered for this position, you must reside in Montana.

Why you would enjoy working here; Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200 unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPI's purpose with applicable knowledge in education, health, research and analysis, nutrition, finance, administration, human resources, licensing and regulation, information technology, and many others. We are proud to serve 149,000 students pre-K to grade 12, their parents and guardians, 400 school districts, 16,000 educational professionals, and 3,000 adult learners.

Benefits of working for OPI:

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Job Overview: The Research Analyst I supports statewide assessment and accountability work by analyzing, validating, and reporting assessment-related data in alignment with established methodologies and reporting requirements. This position works closely with Assessment, Data Operations, and IT to ensure assessment data are accurate, complete, and appropriately represented in required reports and data products. This position performs quality assurance and data validation activities, prepares assessment and accountability data files, and responds to a high volume of assigned data requests related to assessment reporting. This position also develops and maintains clear documentation of processes, workflows, and responsibilities to support consistency, continuity, and knowledge sharing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors):

• Knowledge in data collection, reporting, and quality assurance practices, including principles of data validation, documentation, and continuous quality improvement in education.
• Knowledge in data systems and reporting tools, including relational databases, query-based reporting, and data extracts used to support state and federal reporting requirements.
• Knowledge in data governance, confidentiality, and compliance requirements, including applicable statutes, regulations, and right-to-know principles related to education data.
• Knowledge in analytical and problem-solving approaches used to identify data issues, assess impacts, and support accurate and reliable reporting.
• Skill in designing complex queries in Structured Query Language (SQL), which is used for stored procedures used for report cards, federal reporting, and other requirements across the agency.
• Skill in applying significant knowledge of data structures, relational database technology, database design, constraints, quality assurance, and errors.
• Ability to use query-based tools and reporting systems to retrieve, review, and validate data in support of reporting and quality assurance needs.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple workstreams and deadlines while maintaining accuracy, consistency, and quality data.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams, contributing to shared goals and outcomes.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and timelines while maintaining focus on required deliverables and data integrity.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies, and data rules to ensure compliance with reporting, confidentiality, and governance requirements.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, economics, or related field.
• Two years related experience.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be substituted.

Does this sound like you?

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume online, including any veterans or disability preference documentation. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process.

OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position is in the PERS retirement system.