Investigative Data Analyst - Limited Term

Description

The County of San Mateo's Technology Services Department (TSD) is seeking a detail-oriented and highly trusted professional to support Public Records Act (CPRA/FOIA), legal, and employee relations investigative requests. This role operates at the intersection of Human Resources, the District Attorney's Office, and the County Attorney, providing critical data support for lawsuits, formal investigations, and public records requests.

The position requires both technical expertise and sound judgment, as work products may be used in legal proceedings and could be subject to court review or testimony.

The Investigative Data Analyst will:

• Process and fulfill PRA (Public Records Act) and FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests from the District Attorney's Office, County Attorney, and HR Employee Relations
• Conduct data preservation and production activities in response to legal and administrative requests
• Perform investigative support tasks as requested by departmental representatives and directed by the County Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
• Extract and produce records from various systems, applications, and computing environments to support investigations
• Receive and manage all incoming PRA, FOIA, and investigative data requests, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness
• Deliver data in a clear, usable format while ensuring proper documentation and long-term retention
• Prepare reports and communications summarizing request outcomes and explaining data context and limitations
• Collaborate with TSD staff and external stakeholders to coordinate data production efforts
• Perform hands-on data collection from systems including servers, laptops, personal computers, and Microsoft-hosted platforms (e.g., eDiscovery tools)
• Consult with internal subject matter experts to support complex or technical requests

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Experience with public records requests (PRA/FOIA) and/or legal data production
• Knowledge of eDiscovery tools (e.g., Microsoft Purview) and data retrieval processes
• Strong understanding of data queries, data extraction, and system navigation
• High attention to detail and accuracy in handling sensitive information
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet statutory deadlines
• Clear and effective communication skills, especially when explaining technical data to non-technical audiences
• High ethical standards and professionalism

This position operates in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment where work products may be subject to legal scrutiny, including court proceedings or depositions. The role requires discretion, precision, and the ability to manage competing priorities across multiple departments.

Note: This is a limited term assignment. Limited term employees are assigned to assignments not to exceed three years. They receive medical and dental benefits similar to regular employees, and a defined contribution retirement plan. This recruitment may be used to fill future limited term positions.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Project and/or program management, analytical processes, and report preparation techniques.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis, evaluation, development, and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures.
• Principles of mathematical and statistical computations.
• Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of public administration as applied to operational unit and program administration.
• Principles and practices of county management and government.
• Sources of information related to a broad range of county programs, services, and administration.
• Basic principles, practices, and procedures of funding sources and grant funds disbursement.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and evaluation; and public agency budget development and administration, and sound financial management policies and procedures.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Techniques for effectively representing the County in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

Ability to:

• Assist in the development of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department.
• Coordinate and oversee programmatic administrative, budgeting, and/or fiscal reporting activities.
• Perform responsible and difficult administrative work involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.
• Conduct research on a wide variety of administrative topics including grant funding, contract feasibility, budget and staffing proposals, and operational alternatives.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate and maintain modern office equipment, including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Plan, organize, and carry out assignments from management staff with minimal direction.
• Plan and conduct effective management, administrative, and operational studies.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, or a related field. At least one year of professional administrative experience is typically required at the Associate Management Analyst level, and at least 3 years for the Management Analyst level.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Depending upon assignment, possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Application/Examination
This is a limited term recruitment. Anyone may apply . A supplemental application form must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. The Human Services Agency screen materials after the recruitment closes. The Human Services Agency will contact qualified candidates directly for a departmental interview.

All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be conducted virtually or in person and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the " Apply " button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to http s ://jobs.smcgov.org to apply . Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Monday, May 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST
Departmental Interviews: TBD

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.


The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community.




HR Analyst: Arlene Cahill (Management Analyst - D181)

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• County of San Mateo Human Resources Department

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