Research Analyst Apprentice

Note: Employees for the State of Montana must reside within Montana. All applications and required application documents must be submitted through the MT Careers site at: https://mtstatejobs.taleo.net/careersection/200/jobdetail.ftl?job=26141324&tz=GMT-06:00&tzname=America/Denver

Launch your data career with hands-on training and mentorship. As a Research Analyst Apprentice, you’ll learn by doing, analyzing data, building dashboards, and helping shape workforce decisions. With guidance from an assigned mentor and experienced team members, you’ll collaborate across teams and build skills that turn insight into impact. If you’re curious, analytical, and ready to grow, apply today and start building your future.

MISSION STATEMENT:

Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.

It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Research Analyst turns complex information into clear, useful insight that supports data-driven decisions for programs, leaders, and stakeholders. Working with data from studies, administrative data systems, and other sources, this role identifies patterns, evaluates reliability, and highlights trends that matter. The analyst organizes and interprets results using tools such as spreadsheets, databases, and statistical software, and then translates findings into reports, charts, and dashboards that are easy to understand. By delivering accurate, meaningful analysis, this position helps shape policy, improve services, and advance workforce outcomes across the organization.
 

Through a structured four‑level apprenticeship, the position blends on‑the‑job learning with a clear evaluation framework, so the apprentice always knows what skills they are building and how they are progressing. Under the guidance of an assigned mentor or supervisor, apprentices hone their data mining and presentation skills, learn to utilize a variety of analytical tools, provide high-quality support and insight, and gain confidence in team collaboration and data management that are essential skills in modern data analytics.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU:

When you join the Montana Department of Labor & Industry as a Research Analyst Apprentice, you’re not just starting a job, you’re beginning a structured journey that helps you develop your skills and advance your career. Here’s what you can expect:

• Build practical data skills by learning how to collect, organize, validate, and interpret information to answer questions and support decisions.
• Strengthen communication skills by turning data into clear tables, charts, summaries, and recommendations for both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Gain experience with workplace tools and systems such as spreadsheets, databases, data visualization platforms, and document management tools that are valuable across many roles and industries.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by identifying patterns, spotting data issues, weighing information quality, and helping improve processes.
• Grow collaboration and project support skills by working with multiple teams, responding to feedback, and contributing to shared research and reporting projects.
• Build a strong foundation for future career growth in research, analytics, program operations, project coordination, policy support, and other roles that value curiosity, organization, and data-informed decision-making.
• Earn a nationally recognized Certificate of Completion upon successfully finishing the Registered Apprenticeship program, supporting your continued career growth and advancement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Support data collection efforts by assisting in identifying credible data sources, selecting appropriate data-collection methods, and helping design basic studies or surveys that respond to division and program needs.
• Compile and validate data by gathering information from studies, administrative data systems, and other sources; reviewing it for completeness and accuracy; and helping evaluate the reliability of source information, including adjusting raw data as directed.
• Conduct basic analyses by organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data using established tools and methods to identify key patterns, differences, trends, or issues that inform decision-making.
• Prepare reports and summaries by drafting clear tables, charts, spreadsheets, and written materials that explain methods, findings, limitations, and recommendations for technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Develop visual aids by creating or refining graphs, dashboards, infographics, and other presentation materials that help stakeholders quickly understand complex information.
• Contribute to research projects by collaborating with staff across teams, coordinating input from multiple sources, and supporting the integration of data into cohesive and useful final products.
• Maintain data and documentation by organizing files, datasets, codebooks, and research materials so information can be located, understood, reused, and shared appropriately.
• Progress through apprenticeship levels by taking on increasingly complex assignments, learning new tools and systems, and building the knowledge and independence needed to perform at the Research Analyst 1 level within approximately 12–18 months. 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

This position follows a structured four-level apprenticeship designed to build the knowledge, skills, and independence needed to perform at the Research Analyst 1 level within approximately 12–18 months.

• Level 1 focuses on data analytics, reporting, evaluation, and collaboration
• Level 2 adds broader research coordination and report development
• Level 3 emphasizes model design and external collaboration
• Level 4 focuses on advanced technology use and readiness for work distribution

As an apprentice, you are not expected to arrive with fully developed technical skills; instead, you bring curiosity, reliability, and a willingness to learn while you gradually grow in the following areas:

• Emerging data analytics and reporting skills: Shows interest and aptitude in learning how to collect, organize, review, and summarize information to support data analysis, reporting, evaluation, and communication of results.
• Developing research support abilities: Desire to learn how to contribute to studies, surveys, and other research activities by identifying data sources, applying established methods, and supporting descriptive and evaluative reporting.
• Growing collaboration with varied stakeholders: Builds comfort working with technical and nontechnical staff, contributing to team projects, and gradually coordinating across programs, departments, and work units.
• Building analytical reasoning and problem solving: Demonstrates potential to interpret information, notice patterns or issues, consider data quality, and apply sound judgment with guidance in support of research and operational decisions.
• Learning research reporting and recommendations: Develops the ability to produce clear summaries, charts, reports, and other materials that explain findings, document methods, and contribute to recommendations.
• Growth in research design and model development: Progressively gains exposure to and participation in modifying or helping develop data collection methods, statistical models, and research tools as apprenticeship levels advance.
• Advancing tools and technology skills: Willingly learns and practices using analytical and operational tools such as Excel, Tableau, RStudio, Snowflake, ServiceNow, and document management systems, building proficiency over time.
• Demonstrated adaptability, initiative, and progression mindset: Brings curiosity, responsiveness to feedback, and reliability, showing steady growth in independence and judgment so that by the final apprenticeship level, the incumbent is ready for work distribution and full Research Analyst 1 responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience)This apprenticeship is designed for candidates who bring foundational experience and a strong interest in learning, with successful progression requiring development to the Research Analyst 1 level within approximately 12–18 months.

• Demonstrated ability, through work, education, projects, internships, or other lived experience, to collect, organize, or review information and use it to answer questions, support decisions, or improve processes.

• Foundational experience using spreadsheets, databases, or similar tools to enter, manage, organize, or summarize information and produce basic tables, charts, or reports.

• Demonstrated ability to learn new tools, processes, and technical concepts and apply that learning in a work, academic, or project setting.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including sharing information, asking questions, explaining work, and responding constructively to feedback.

• Experience working in a team setting where priorities may shift and where coordination, reliability, and attention to detail are important.

• Curiosity, initiative, and interest in building stronger analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills through training and hands-on experience.

• Comfort using computers and standard office software, along with the willingness to develop stronger skills in data, reporting, and document management systems over time. 

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY:

A complete state application is not required; however, you will need to initiate the application and attach the resume, cover letter or other required documents at time of application to be considered for this position. Resume will auto fill the application, but the application will not be scored or reviewed.

Failure to attach the cover letter and resume will result in your application being considered incomplete and will not be considered further. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.

Tip: When attaching your resume, cover letter or other required documents you must mark the attachments as “RELEVANT” or we will be unable to view your documents.

Required application materials:

• Cover Letter - Your Cover Letter should explain how your experience and education meet the identified required skills and competencies, with examples that demonstrate your qualifications.
• Resume - include all work experience you have held that would help you qualify for this position, including duties, dates of employment.

Only online applications will be accepted. By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. You will receive an application confirmation email with instructions on acceptable preference documents and how to submit such documents.

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.

BENEFITS:

Being able to enjoy the quality of life in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Our mountains, waterways and open spaces provide not only beautiful scenery but year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, skiing and snowmobiling. Montana boasts a high-quality education system and a variety of entertainment including fairs, rodeos, and theaters. Read more about our great state here.

See our other incredible benefits here. These are some of our benefits just to name a few:

• Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
• 38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
• Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
• Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP - click here to learn more.
• Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - click here to learn more.
• Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. – Click here to learn more.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click here to learn more!
• Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
• State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.

This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.

*This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)

E-Verify: This agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.