Labor Market Research Specialist

Labor Market Research Specialist

Salary

$63,585.60 - $98,633.60 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-01111

Agency

309 Iowa Workforce Development

Opening Date

10/20/2026

Closing Date

11/3/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Katie Green (mary.green@iwd.iowa.gov)

To Apply

To ensure full consideration for this position, please attach an unofficial transcript. Candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume in addition to their application.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Note: This is not an Information Technology (IT) position. This role is based in Des Moines, Iowa. The new hire will be required to work full-time in the office for the first six months of employment.

Iowa Workforce Development is seeking applicants for the position of Labor Market Research Specialist (Data Analyst 1) at our 1000 E Grand Ave., Administration office in Des Moines, Iowa.

Position Details

• Location: 1000 E Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA
• Schedule: Full-time | Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Work Flexibility: Hybrid telework and alternate schedules available after six months of employment and training have been completed.

Position Overview

Are you ready to join a team that is growing as a Data Analyst 1? This role emphasizes statistical analysis on survey data, report writing and presentations, familiar with workforce and labor market information (LMI), and experience with NAICS (industry codes) and SOCs (occupational codes).

Key Responsibilities

Analysis

• Use statistical and economic techniques to measure, analyze, and report supply and demand of the labor market.
• Perform complex analysis utilizing data from multiple sources to prepare written reports.
• Prepare and deliver formal presentations to various stakeholder groups, and report labor market data and research.
• Use computer software to collect, analyze, display, and report labor market data and research.

Research

• Conduct specialized research using data for industries and occupations in Iowa.
• Design research projects that require specialized statistical and economic skills to determine appropriate research techniques, methods and benchmarks.
• Respond to requests pertaining to the labor market and workforce.
• Prepare, design, and deliver formal reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent the agency in work groups, consortia, partnerships, and conferences.

Workforce Survey

• The Laborshed Survey/program is the main focus of this role. The candidate in this role will design, implement surveys, collect, enter, code, and analyze data resulting from surveys.
• Knowledge of statistical, data management, data analysis, data visualization, and data mapping software.
• Understanding of industry codes (NAICS) and occupational codes (SOCs) to correctly select codes from verbatim answers.
• Prepare and deliver written reports and oral presentations using applicable software to appropriately display and disseminate labor market and economic findings while providing exceptional customer service to agency stakeholders in a timely manner.

Outreach

• Assist with promoting, planning, and implementation of the agency's LMI products and services.
• Participate in economic development and workforce conferences.
• Travel as needed for presentations.

Essential Functions

• Experience is use of data management software, data analysis software, data displaying software, and data mapping software.
• Enter ZIP code data received from employers through the fax server and group email inbox.
• Review, clean, validate, and clarify Laborshed Survey data collected by the survey vendor to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Analyze and interpret Laborshed Survey data using statistical software.
• Prepare, write, and finalize accurate Laborshed Study reports within established timelines.
• Develop maps using GIS software to illustrate Laborshed areas and related geographic data.
• Present Laborshed Study findings and results to stakeholders, organizational leadership, and community organizations.

Complete other duties as assigned.

About Iowa Workforce Development

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is a state agency dedicated to providing exceptional employment services and connecting employers with skilled workers. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and aligning services with workforce demands, IWD offers comprehensive support to job seekers and employers through a statewide network of IowaWORKS Centers.

Benefits

Joining the IWD team and becoming a State of Iowa employee comes with a range of valuable benefits, including:

• Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including nine paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with no cap on the sick leave accrual.
• Prepare for the future with the IPERS retirement package, as well as an additional optional deferred compensation retirement plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Free Life and Long-term Disability Insurance with the option to purchase additional coverage.
• Employee Assistance Programs and Discount Programs for support.

Click here to learn more about all of the amazing benefits the State of Iowa offers.

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify; a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

No applicant seeking employment with the Iowa Department of Workforce Development can have a current, ongoing overpayment balance with Iowa Workforce Development without a payment plan in place.?Selected positions will be subject to a criminal background check.

Iowa Workforce Development is not currently offering sponsorship nor compensation for relocation.

Applicants are advised to fully complete ALL employment and education fields within the online application. We strongly encourage you to attach a resume and cover letter.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

It is highly recommended that applicants provide an unofficial transcript for verification

1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in business analytics, economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, management information systems, or industrial management.

2) All of the following (a and b):

a. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience in business/data/statistical analytics, economic research, or data science, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

b. Possession of a professional certificate in data science, business analytics, or data analytics. Please attach a copy of the certification to your NeoGov application.

3) All of the following (a and b):

a. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience in business/data/statistical analytics, economic research, or data science, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and

b. A total of one year of graduate-level education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in business analytics, economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, management information systems, or industrial management equals one year of full-time experience.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in business analytics, economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, management information systems, or industrial management?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you meet A AND B: A.A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience in business/data/statistical analytics, economic research, or data science, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience. B.Possession of a professional certificate in data science, business analytics, or data analytics.

• I do meet A and B
• I do not meet A and B

05

Do you meet A and B: a.A TOTAL of four years of education and/or full-time experience in business/data/statistical analytics, economic research, or data science, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and b.A TOTAL of one year of graduate-level education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in business analytics, economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, management information systems, or industrial management equals one year of full-time experience. Applicants must attach an unofficial transcript for verification

• I meet A and B
• I do not meet A and B

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 309 Iowa Workforce Development Address 1000 E Grand Ave

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/