Data Analytics Specialist 1

Salary: $69,086.00 - $104,959.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-61861-10601
Department: Public School Employees' Retirement System
Division: PS Risk Perf Dta Off
Opening Date: 11/12/2026
Closing Date: 11/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 10601
Position Number: Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.
Union: Non-Union
Bargaining Unit: A3
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00721137
Bureau / Division: Risk and Performance Data Office
Worksite Address: 5 North 5th Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17101
Contact Name: Veronica Witmer
Contact Phone:
Contact Email:

THE POSITION

Do you enjoy working with data, developing, and utilizing data products to improve risk mitigation while reducing inefficiencies, and collaborating with stakeholders to support fraud prevention and detection? If you said yes, this role may be the right fit for you! The Public School Employee's Retirement Systems (PSERS) is expanding our Risk and Performance Data Office (RPDO) and is looking to hire one or more Data Analytics Specialist 1's to enhance our current team. We are looking for individuals who have professional quantitative analytical experience and can translate risk and performance needs into analytical requirements and standards for the PSERS agency. Apply today!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position is responsible for developing data products, dashboards, and analyses that help business units monitor performance, assess risks, and identify operational improvements. As a Data Analytics Specialist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Collaboration: Work closely with the Chef Data officer on developing complex data visualizations that are interactive with self-service functionality, work with assigned business units to determine KPIs, and partner with Bureau of Information Technology and Information Security Office to establish automated data pipelines
• Fraud Prevention: Analyze, monitor, and review data for identification of current and emerging threats, determine items that need further investigation, and suggest solutions in developing products to meet needs
• Technical and Analytical Support: Gather risk related information for PSERS business areas; monitor and address any potential audit findings; and interpret data, data validity, and deployment of data to business units
• Presentation and Communication: Write executive summaries of fraud events for leadership, provide insights that inform decisions and advance organizational objectives, and determine appropriate analytical approaches that support fraud prevention strategies

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
  • Hours may be negotiable, to be discussed during interview process.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. This position will be required to report to the office 1 day a week, and any additional days depending on operational needs. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to PSERS headquarters in Harrisburg, PA. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Successful completion of the Data Analytics Trainee program (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Two years of professional quantitative analytical experience utilizing data preparation, statistical analysis, or data visualization software programs and a bachelor's degree in statistics, applied mathematics, computer science, data science, economics, actuarial science, geographic information systems (GIS), or a related STEM field (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics); Thirty (30) graduate credits in data analytics or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform Essential Functions as presented in the linked Position Description.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01

Have you successfully completed Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Data Analytics Trainee program?

• Yes
• No

02

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03

How many years of full-time professional quantitative analytical experience utilizing data preparation, statistical analysis, or data visualization software programs do you possess?

• 2 years or more
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

04

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05

How much graduate coursework have you completed in data analytics, statistics, mathematics, data science, actuarial science, biostatistics, or computer science?If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

• 30 credits or more
• Less than 30 credits
• None

06

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our

• Yes

07

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - DATA ANALYTICS DESIGN
Designs or customizes and implements data analytics solutions utilizing tools such as PowerBI, Alteryx, Tableau, and SSIS/SSRS.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience designing AND customizing data analytics solutions.
• B. I have experience customizing existing data analytics solutions.
• C. I have experience implementing data analytics solutions that someone else designed or customized.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework in data analytics, business analytics, or data science.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

08

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The actual duties you performed related to the development or customization and/or implementation of data analytics solutions.
3. The type(s) of analytical models you developed or customized and/or implemented.
4. Your level of responsibility.

09

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

10

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - DATA ANALYSIS
Reviews data in dashboards or reports to analyze and determine compliance with reporting requirements, create insights, and identify trends and knowledge gaps which impact data quality.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights. I provided recommendations for action when negative trends were found.
• B. I have experience analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights but did NOT provide recommendations for action when negative trends were found.
• C. I have experience analyzing data. I ensured the data was accurate and complete.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to data analysis.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

11

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The actual duties you performed related to data analysis.
3. The type(s) of data you analyzed.
4. The recommendations you made.
5. Your level of responsibility.

12

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

13

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - DATA MODELING
Creates and utilizes data models to produce a variety of ad-hoc reports via Microsoft Access or PowerBI. Ensures that appropriate relationships exist and the data is accurate.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience creating AND editing data models. I ensured the accuracy of the data and that the appropriate relationships exist.
• B. I have experience editing existing data models. I ensured the accuracy of the data and that the appropriate relationships exist.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to data modeling or data management.
• D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

14

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The actual duties you performed related to data modeling.
3. Your level of responsibility.

15

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

16

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 -REPORTING
Develops data visualizations and reports to communicate data to a variety of internal and external customers.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience creating reports AND visualizations using data models or data visualization software or spreadsheets.
• B. I have experience creating reports using data models but did NOT create visualizations using data visualization software or spreadsheets.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to data visualization software and/or spreadsheets.
• D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

17

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The actual duties you performed related to data visualization and reporting.
3. The type(s) of data visualizations you created.
4. The type(s) of reports you developed.
5. Your level of responsibility.

18

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

19

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Provide technical assistance and consultative services to program areas to identify data and reporting needs. Provides guidance regarding the appropriate use of confidential data, and the requirements and process for requesting access to protected data.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience providing technical assistance and consultative services to identify needs and answer questions. I was also responsible for recommending possible solutions to programmatic needs and issues.
• B. I have experience providing technical assistance and consultative services to identify needs and answer questions. I did NOT recommend possible solutions to needs and issues.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to consulting, training, public speaking, or public relations.
• D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

20

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The actual duties you performed related to the technical assistance you provided.
3. The recommendations you made.
4. Your level of responsibility.

21

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question