Senior Data Scientist (2-Year Temp Position with Potential for Permanent Hire)

The Senior Data Scientist will directly support the research department's mission to provide relevant, timely, and accessible data about the Twin Cities region to the public and organization through two key assignments: 1) a modernization of Community Profiles (an interactive application on Metropolitan Council's public website) and 2) the design and development of the Imagine 2050 Outcomes Measurement Program dashboard (an expansive regional trend monitoring program). Both projects will generate innovative digital research products that are guided by user experience (UX) research and use data visualization best practices.

The Senior Data Scientist will be responsible for data transformations and statistical modeling applied to a variety of data sources and types (e.g. time-series, spatial, etc.). Given the research department's recent adoption of a new, unified cloud-based analytics platform (Azure Databricks), the best-qualified candidate will also have technical knowledge of data modeling and/or experience collaborating with data engineering teams in the context of developing web based, interactive applications or similar digital products.

• This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin., * Collaborate with research staff to develop conceptual, logical, and physical data models in a new enterprise-wide Azure Databricks open lakehouse environment to support external applications.
• Lead data analysis efforts by developing innovative approaches and applying advanced statistical methods across diverse data sources, delivering trustworthy, well-documented data pipelines.
• Partner with subject matter experts and data stewards across the division to develop short- and long-term best-fit data ingestion and maintenance strategies for internal data sources that meet product-based data specifications.
• Participate in relevant communities of practice; share and learn from staff peers to advance the department's practices and governance of the division's lakehouse.

Build and support digital research products

• Collaborate with team to scope, design, build, and performance-tune digital research products using Tableau, R and R Shiny, ESRI ArcGIS Online and Enterprise Portal, and other software/tools as required.
• Use data visualization best practices to translate complex research concepts and findings into usable and accessible tools for a diverse user base.
• Apply user experience and user interface (UX/UI) design principles and findings from user experience research to digital research products to ensure successful outcomes.

Do you have experience in Statistical modeling?, Do you have a High school diploma or GED?, Any of the following combinations in completed education (degree field of study in Mathematics, Applied Data Analytics, Data Science, Computer Science, Social Sciences, or another related quantitative field) and experience (in advanced data analysis and statistical modeling; developing web based interactive applications or similar digital research products for data visualization or modeling; applied data modeling or engineering):

• High school diploma/GED with eight (8) years of experience
• Associate degree with six (6) years of experience
• Bachelor's degree with four (4) years of experience
• Master's degree with two (2) years of experience

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Experience working with Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul) regional datasets.
• Proficient programming skills in SQL, R, and/or Python for statistical modeling, data analysis, data visualization, and/or data engineering.
• Experience with Tableau, R Shiny, and/or equivalent business intelligence software to build interactive applications.
• Experience working in racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environments.
• Experience with cloud-based data platforms or warehouses like Azure Databricks (preferred), Apache Spark, Snowflake, or equivalent database management systems.
• Experience with geospatial analysis and databases, and/or ESRI GIS software, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online (AGOL), and Enterprise Portal., * The Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota region, including its geographic, planning, and data landscapes.
• Database design and management, including relational database systems, data architecture, and metadata standards.
• Product development strategies.
• User experience and user interface design principles.

Skilled in:

• Advanced statistical modeling and analysis; machine learning techniques.
• Programming and scripting language skills, including proficient SQL, R, and Python.
• Data pipeline/workflow/ETL design and documentation in cloud-based data platforms and relational database systems.
• Developing web based interactive applications.
• Data visualization and/or visual analytics.
• Written communication, including the ability to document methods, workflows, and procedures for non-technical audiences.
• Managing workflow and prioritizing work tasks; adapting to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines to meet concurrent deadlines with strong attention to detail.

Ability to:

• Lead complex data development projects to fulfill data requirements.
• Exercise sound professional judgment and promote an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values cultural diversity.
• Work independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment of internal stakeholders and product users.
• Learn new work styles, software/tools, and collaboration strategies to advance product-thinking.

Pulled from the full job description

• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Commuter assistance, * We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. The Community Development division is responsible for the Council's regional long-range planning efforts; planning and technical assistance to local governments; planning for and funding the regional parks and open space system; delivering rent assistance through the Metropolitan Housing and Redevelopment Authority; and delivering the Livable Communities Act grant programs. The Community Development Research department collects, disseminates, and analyzes quantitative and qualitative data about demographic trends and inequities, development patterns, climate change, parks visitation, long-range forecasts, and the regional economy. We believe research can improve the lives of residents in our region and see our skills, creativity, and platforms as resources to further shared understanding about regional issues that matter. This position is part of the Strategy and Product Design team, a specialized group within the research department. We center people, integrate equity, and transform technical into accessible through-and by-design. All team members are skilled in data visualization, committed to web accessibility, and leverage user experience (UX) design principles and product-thinking to develop and deliver digital research products. How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region, We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below: * Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund * Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan * Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80% * Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free: * Well@Work clinic * bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year * parking at many job locations * fitness centers at many job locations * Employee Assistance Program * extensive health and wellness programs and resources   You must create an Indeed account before continuing to the company website to apply