Data Scientist I - #1693886

Position Description

This position is situated in the Data Insights and Geospatial Information Team, a component of the Enterprise Data and Solutions division in IT. The position involves working collaboratively across the organization to derive insights, enhance clarity, and propose actionable measures through the application of data analytics tools and techniques, ultimately driving positive change in the City of Minneapolis.

Work Location

This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work with some days working remotely and some days working in the office.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Independently conceptualize, design, and build data visualizations involving medium to large data sets from beginning to end to improve data transparency for the public. This includes extracting raw data, data cleansing, performing calculations/transformations, and building dashboards and/or presenting data via other user interfaces.
• Work with subject matter experts to understand data from a business perspective.
• Design and build data pipelines of simple to moderate complexity. Partner with data engineers to provide requirements for larger and more complex data pipelines.
• Design and build dashboards and other user interfaces.
• Collaborate with employees (analyst and non-analyst) in other city departments on the conceptualization, design, and visualization of their data projects.
• Gather and identify business requirements and data sources, working closely with business partners and business analysts to determine quality expectations.
• Anticipate and solve strategic and high-risk business problems with broad impact on the business area.
• Break down data and analytics projects into smaller, actionable plans to guarantee the end user (whether internal or public) will be engaged and have their real-world questions answered in a timely manner.
• Prepare prototypes of potential solutions.
• Manage expectations related to completion dates, workload, priorities, and related matters.
• Remain flexible/nimble as requirements evolve. Multitask as needed.
• Review analyst dashboards prior to publication on the city website, providing friendly and constructive feedback to improve dashboards and to meet standards.
• Configure and maintain analyst access to data tools.
• Gracefully engage with respect and patience with those who are not familiar with data analysis and advanced technology concepts.
• Tailor communications to the audience’s knowledge level and serve as a mentor/subject matter expert.
• Clearly articulate good data practices to leadership, both verbally and in writing, on the uses and limitations of data to provide context beyond the numbers.
  
  

Required Qualifications

Minimum Education

Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Mathematics, or Computer Science with significant comparable coursework in statistics or applied statistics.

Minimum Experience

Six years of experience in a similar role, using statistical programming languages, including the use of software packages for data management and statistical analysis.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience and/or an oral examination (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Background Check

The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Background Check (Police)

The City has determined that a thorough Minneapolis Police Department criminal background check is necessary for positions with this job title. Applicants must sign an informed consent allowing the City to obtain their criminal history information in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be considered for the position.

Union Representation

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Professional Employees Association (MPEA). For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit: Professional Employees - City of Minneapolis (minneapolismn.gov)

Eligible List Statement

The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire two months after it has been established.

Interview Selection

The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate’s education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Essential technical and project management skills:

• Strong data analysis with a working knowledge of Python, SQL, and/or R
• Solid experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau, PowerBI, and/or Esri ArcGIS
• Extensive project conceptualization and project management skills
• Experience with basic statistical analysis
• General curiosity with a strong desire to learn and to use data analysis to solve business problems
• Ability to consolidate and concisely present the results of complex data analysis for consumption by decision makers to drive effective decision making
• Ability to break larger projects into smaller phases, working in an iterative, fail-fast environment
• Experience with messy data and data cleansing
• Able to meaningfully prioritize work to reflect organizational goals
• Detail oriented, process driven, and results focused
• Self-motivated, adaptable, timely, and resourceful
• Solid problem solving skills, whether working autonomously or collaboratively
  
  

Essential People Skills

• Strong desire and ability to mentor other data analysts
• Passionate about fostering a data-driven culture
• Strong ability to communicate both verbally and in writing
• Comfortable communicating with people at all levels of the organization
• Strong ability to adjust verbal and written communications for people with a range of analytical and technical skills, including those with little to no knowledge
• Strong ability to engage effectively and gracefully with individuals and groups through Microsoft Teams
  
  

Desired Skills

• Experience with machine learning and artificial intelligence
• Experience with designing, building, and validating statistical models
• Experience with designing, coding, and testing data models to support business requirements
  
  

Benefits Summary

Our employees enjoy competitive salaries and generous benefits. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive benefits program that supports employees' health and financial well-being. Programs, resources, and benefit eligibility varies based on position, average hours worked, location and length of service. For detailed benefits information, pleasevisit the benefits page .

New12 weeks of paid parental leave

City employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the event of a birth or placement for adoption of a child.

Insurance

Health insurance

Eligibility for benefits begins the first of the month following employment date. The City of Minneapolis offers eligible employees one plan design with a choice of six provider networks, allowing you to select the best option for you. Available plans include Medica Choice Passport, Medica Elect, VantagePlus with Medica, Park Nicollet and HealthPartners Medical Group First with Medica, Ridgeview Community Network powered by Medica, and Clear Value with Medica.

Dental insurance

The City of Minneapolis offers dental insurance through Delta Dental of Minnesota and pays 100% of the monthly premium for eligible employees.

Benefits

Paid time off

Our generous leave package includes vacation, holidays and paid sick leave, which gives employees the opportunity to enhance their quality of life outside work. Amounts and accrual rates are based on years of experience and collective bargaining agreements .

Retirement

City employees earn a pension and may choose to participate in additional retirement savings programs.

• Pension:The City of Minneapolis participates in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Employees and the City both contribute a percentage of your pay to fund future benefits.
• Deferred compensation: Employees may choose to participate in pre-tax or after-tax savings plans through the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS).
  
  

Transportation

Eligible City employees may choose to participate in the following transportation programs:

• Metropass:The Metropass program allows eligible employees to enroll in a pass for unlimited bus or light rail rides at a discounted price.
• Parking or Van Pool: The City of Minneapolis Transportation Benefits Plan gives you options to pay certain commuting costs, such as qualified parking and van pool expenses, with pre-tax dollars.
  
  

Learning and development

To engage and develop employees, the City of Minneapolis offers classes in leadership, cultural agility, change management and more. Additionally, educational discounts at Augsburg University, Hamline University, St. Catherine’s, and St. Mary's University of Minnesota are available to City employees.

Other Perks

Employees can also take advantage of optional life insurance, flexible spending accounts, the Employee Assistance Program , health club discounts and more.

Closing Date/Time: 5/13/2024 11:59 PM Central