Data Scientist - IFD Planning

The Planning Data Scientist’s primary purpose is to analyze incident, demographic, socio-economic, enterprise, and internal program data to discern baseline performance levels, establish benchmarks, and identify performance gaps. IFD is committed to a data-driven, continuous improvement approach that relies on the proper collection and analysis of several disparate data sources. A formally trained data scientist will allow the department to optimize resource placement (stations and apparatus), thoroughly analyze current performance levels, and project future needs and service demand to inform hiring and program development (operations and community risk reduction). This information also helps drive the budgeting process and ensure capital resource needs are proactively addressed. Their work will help the department better tell its story to both internal and external stakeholders., * Performing specific and comprehensive analysis of operational performance to support the agency’s mission and presents conclusions in visually appealing ways using integrated technology solutions (i.e. ArcGIS).

• Cleaning and synthesizing data from various inter- and intra-agency systems into helpful reports that support strategic, data-based decisions and grant writing efforts.
• Analyzing current resource placement (stations, apparatus, and community risk reduction program delivery areas).
• Projecting future service demands in 1/5/10 year increments.
• Analyzing operational unit utilization, reliability rates, and systemic resiliency
• Preparing data for use in ArcGIS and joining and editing data and boundaries
• Utilizing ArcGIS skills to edit and manage GIS resource and create and execute GIS queries.
• Publishing maps in multiple formats, including bulk printing, map books, and paper files.
• Developing PowerBI dashboards to provide meaningful metrics related to performance to a variety of audiences.
• Creating monthly, quarterly, and annual performance assessments for the Chief of Fire and program leads.
• Contributing to the agency’s continuous improvement program and helping maintain accreditation and ISO classification status.
• Maintaining data integrity and working with IT and external partners to improve data availability bilaterally.
• Supporting intelligence gathering and analysis in support of the agency’s emergency management and homeland security activities.
• Coordinating with applicable outside agencies for GIS support during EOC activation
• Performing cost benefit analyses of current and proposed equipment, operations, and programs.
• Providing data and insight to drive the budget process.
• Serving as a liaison between system users and information systems staff in the development, implementation, administration and maintenance of systems and software.
• Developing written technical documentation, internal operating procedures, and user manuals and instructions covering the agency’s data analysis procedures.
• Performing statistical research, developing questionnaires and surveys, determining and applying effective research methods, and writing follow-up reports.
• Researching and recommending innovative and, where possible, automated approaches to system administrative tasks.
• Attending special events, symposiums, seminars, and classes on behalf of the agency and/or the fire chief and reporting with a thorough account of activities.
• Managing various special projects assigned.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

The Planning Data Scientist must possess a Bachelor’s of Science in data analytics or a related field, with 5 years of related work experience. The position will be mentored by the planning manager and division chief of planning to gain a better understanding of the agency’s inner workings., Master’s of Science preferred. Fire service experience (sworn or civilian) is preferred. Knowledge of and experience with ArcGIS and similar tools is strongly preferred. Knowledge of and experience in script and report writing is strongly preferred. Knowledge of and experience with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International’s international accreditation process and the Insurance Services Office’s Fire Suppression Ratings Schedule is preferred., * Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10) pounds

• Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or workstation
• Tasks require the ability to perceive and hear sounds and see visual cues or signals
• Tasks require the ability to communicate orally