Intermediate Program Evaluator
Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor
Agency Overview
The Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) is a nonpartisan professional office in Minnesota state government. OLA audits and evaluates state agencies and programs, identifies their strengths and weaknesses, and recommends improvements to legislators and agency officials.
The issues addressed in OLA evaluations are often complex and controversial. An ability to conduct nonpartisan, accurate, and objective research is essential. A person in this position would work with a small team of evaluators under the close supervision of a project manager and must have the ability to independently work on research assignments consistent with high professional standards and within a limited time budget.
Position Information
- Salary range is from $19.33 to $28.35 per hour, the equivalent of $40,361 to $59,195 per year. The Legislative Auditor will determine the starting salary (within the above salary range) based on the appointee’s qualifications.
- Evaluators typically work Monday through Friday. Hours are flexible (between 6 a.m. and
6 p.m.). Office policy allows occasional telecommuting, pending supervisor approval and following a six-month probationary period. Some travel within the state may be required. - The position is for permanent, full-time work.
Job Duties
The Intermediate Program Evaluator will:
- assist in planning evaluations and developing research designs;
- assist in developing evaluation criteria and identifying appropriate research methods;
- conduct interviews, site visits, and document reviews, and analyze their results;
- analyze existing research reports and state and federal laws and statutes;
- help design, administer, and analyze surveys;
- manage, clean, and analyze large data sets;
- assist in synthesizing complex, multilayered information into logical conclusions;
- assist in the preparation of written findings, conclusions, and recommendations;
- produce tables, figures, and other graphics displaying research results; and
- assist other program evaluation staff and the Legislative Auditor as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered, a candidate must:
- have completed, or be within one semester of completing, a graduate degree program in the social sciences, public policy, applied economics, law, business administration, or a closely related field;*
- have computer skills, including experience using word processing, spreadsheet, database, and statistical software (e.g., MS Word, Excel, and Access, SPSS or equivalent), internet browser and search tools, and e-mail;
- be able to organize data and perform quantitative analyses; and
- have strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write clearly and concisely on complex topics.
* Completion of the graduate degree is required prior to appointment.
Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
- proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research;
- program evaluation training or experience and an understanding of analytical methods used in program evaluation;
- training or experience in critically analyzing demographic, economic, and financial data, as well as complex government-funded programs;
- training or experience with applied research methods, including validity and reliability assessments, statistical analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and sampling techniques;
- training or experience collecting information through interviews, surveys, focus groups, or other qualitative techniques;
- training or experience in critically reviewing professional research literature;
- proficiency in writing reports on public policy topics;
- a demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team;
- the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, legislative staff, and staff in the agencies being evaluated;
- strong organizational skills;
- interests and experience covering a broad range of policy areas;
- knowledge of state government and the legislative process; and
- experience obtaining and handling sensitive information.
Selection Process
Applications and resumes will be reviewed to identify applicants meeting minimum and preferred requirements. Selected applicants will go through an interview process and will be asked to submit writing samples, education transcripts, and employment references. Background checks will be conducted.
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter and resume to: Judy Randall, Office of the Legislative Auditor, 140 Centennial Office Building, 658 Cedar Street, St. Paul, Minnesota 55155, or online to judy.randall@state.mn.us.
To ensure consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:30 p.m., Friday,
January 6, 2012.
Contact for More Information
Judy Randall, (651) 296-1227 or judy.randall@state.mn.us