Research Officer

Job Information Job Title: Research OfficerJob Requisition ID: 78084Ministry: Education and ChildcareLocation: EdmontonFull or Part-Time: Full TimeHours of Work: 36.25 hours per weekPermanent/Temporary: PermanentScope: Open CompetitionClosing Date: January 12, 2026Classification: Program Services 3Salary: $28,493.89 to $37,381.42 bi-weekly ($64,986 - $97,565/year) Ministry of Education and Childcare The Ministry of Education and Childcare supports students, parents, teachers and administrators from Early Childhood Services (ECS) through Grade 12. Through safe and caring schools for all students, Alberta’s government is making life better by investing in education - one of the most important investments we can make in our future. The Ministry has the following responsibilities: develop curriculum and set standards; evaluate curriculum and assess outcomes; teacher development and certification; support students with diverse learning needs; fund and support school boards; First Nations, Métis and Inuit and francophone education; and oversee basic education policy and regulations. System Assurance Branch Provides strategic leadership in developing and enhancing the assurance framework for school authorities in the provincial K-12 education system. It delivers quality data and reporting to support evidence-based decision-making, focusing on performance management, accountability, and continuous improvement through policy, standards, and initiatives. Role Responsibilities The Research Officer supports Alberta Education and Childcare’s assurance initiatives, including the Alberta Education and Childcare Assurance (AECA) survey and the Alberta Education and Childcare Assurance Measures Reporting Application (AECAMRA) / Accountability Pillar Online Reporting Initiative (APORI). The position ensures the accuracy and clarity of education data through validation, analysis, and reporting. Working under the Senior Manager, the role interprets data using statistical and analytical methods, prepares clear reports and briefings for senior leaders, and contributes to improving Ministry reporting tools and processes. The position also provides research expertise to support cross‑ministry work and continuous improvement initiatives. Key Responsibilities 1. AECAMRA/APORI Reporting Support Validate data, assess methodological integrity, and support report accuracy. Maintain working knowledge of system updates and participate in project meetings. Update technical documentation and identify improvements for existing and new reports. 2. Support for the Alberta Education and Childcare Assurance Survey Assist with survey sample creation and administrative requirements. Prepare and update methodology documents and communications to authorities and schools. Respond to survey‑related inquiries and support manual data entry as required. 3. Analysis and Reporting for Senior Leaders Analyze quantitative data and prepare stakeholder‑appropriate reports. Contribute to research summaries, program evaluations, and briefing materials. Recommend opportunities to streamline and automate reporting processes. 4. Research and Analytical Support Apply statistical methods to support Ministry initiatives and system performance analysis. Suggest improvements to reporting mechanisms and schedules. 5. Consultative and Advisory Support Collabete with Ministry staff on research design and ad‑hoc analyses. Support development and refinement of performance measures and indicators. Provide input for annual reports, audits, and emerging research needs. Competencies Drive for Results: Be a part of the project team to collect and analyze school authority data with projected planning, allocating of resources, and enabling communication between internal staff and external stakeholders. Creative Problem Solving: When inconsistencies are found between data sources and reports, the role leverages experience from others within the Ministry to improve data accuracy and improve future survey cycles. Agility: To meet the business needs of the Ministry, the role adapts to changes while maintaining timelines. Change is seen as a catalyst to update methodologies where appropriate, streamline data entry and validation processes, and try to minimize future workload and error rates. Build Collaborative Environments: Facilitate collaboration between technical teams, branch members, and other ministry stakeholders to ensure reports and data products meet operational and strategic needs. Systems Thinking: Ensures that data of high quality is used within the Ministry for reporting and supports long‑term decision‑making and continuous improvement across the education system. Qualifications University graduation in a related field like Social Sciences, Business, Data Science/Analytics, and 2 years of progressive experience; or equivalent as described below. Equivalency Directly related education or experience is considered on the basis of one year of education for one year of experience or one year of experience for one year of education. Assets Knowledge in performance measurement, evaluation and business analysis in large organizations. Knowledge of the application of advanced statistical and research methodologies. Knowledge of the development and administration of surveys for data collection. Knowledge of the K‑12 education system in Alberta is an asset, although not required. Working knowledge of the flow of data through Ministry systems from initial collection to production of information products for stakeholders and the public. Ability to develop, implement, and maintain programming scripts for statistical analysis, data manipulation, and business productivity. Proficiency in Excel, SPSS and Python an asset; other relevant programs include SQL Server Management Studio, R, PowerPoint. Project management skills, including the ability to plan, manage, and execute research projects. Strong analytical, research, and investigation skills, including ability to synthesize and analyze information obtained from broad and varied sources and develop solutions and recommendations for consideration of decision‑makers. Strong written and verbal communication skills, from writing technical documentation to briefing notes for senior leadership; must be able to express complex ideas in plain language. Excellent organizational skills, including ability to adapt to change, multi‑task and prioritize multiple responsibilities. Strong interpersonal, listening, and facilitation skills to interact effectively with various stakeholders and develop solutions for issues involving a variety of perspectives. Function well independently and within a collaborative team environment. This is one (1) permanent, full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. This position is based in Edmonton. We require you to attach a Cover Letter with your application explaining your qualification and suitability for this role. Positive workplace culture and work-life balance. Leadership and mentorship programs. How to Apply Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies. It is recommended that applicants include the assessment certificate from IQAS or any other educational assessment service as part of their application. Closing Statement This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level. We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates' qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted. If you require any further information on this job posting or require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Rashi Vaktania at #J-18808-Ljbffr