The Data Scientist develops and applies innovative analytical approaches to support data-driven policy and operational decisions. Data Scientists are technical experts that possess in-depth knowledge and experience in the domains of data engineering, computer programming, statistics, mathematical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization techniques.
Duties
Performs multiple, varying and complex assignments under the minimal direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist. Acts as principal technical specialist or as a project manager or team leader for large work activities.
Applies experience and comprehensive technical knowledge applicable to data engineering, computer programming, mathematical modeling and statistical theories/disciplines, as well as an understanding of new technologies and methodologies, to solve complex problems and develop improved technical processes or systems. Considers the objectives of the organization when developing, integrating, and implementing solutions to diverse, complex problems.
The incumbent leads diverse and complex analytical studies by applying analytical methods to solve problems, identifying methods, processes, algorithms, tools, and systems to extract and interpret findings from varied structured and unstructured data sets related to the data science lifecycle, optimizes the use of data, and provides additional insight and evidence for decision-makers. The work of this position also involves the development of algorithms and/or tools to support data manipulation and processing as well as the use of data visualization techniques to articulate findings.
The Data Scientist defines, organizes, assigns and allocates resources to accomplish large work activities to achieve the organizations objectives. Typical duties include the following:
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify the business requirements and the expected outcome.
• Identify and select relevant and credible data sources, and provide technical instructions to data analysts to collect, integrate, and mine data.
• Create data architectures, including solving data problems with an emphasis on product development.
• Write code in a statistical or computer programming language such as SQL, SAS, R or Python to aid in analysis.
• Build ETL pipeline, which is a set of processes to extract data from one system, transform it and load it into various systems.
• Provide guidance and leadership on methods, tools, and techniques.
• Apply a variety of analytical approaches to solve mission focused policy, methodologies, and/or administrative problems in a fast-paced environment.
• Conduct analysis in a programming or statistical software (e.g. R, Python);
• Build statistical or simulation models.
• Summarize and present results using data visualization tools (e.g. Tableau, Power BI, and R).
• Communicate findings and provide recommendations to policymakers and non-technical audiences.
Contacts are internal and external. The Data Scientist is the project manager or team leader for large work activities. The incumbent works to resolve various kinds of issues related to data, whether its working with an IT developer on creating and collecting data, or working with individuals, teams and management on data requests/projects and then building solutions that derive additional data or data-related solutions needed. The team environment includes working with other Data Scientists, as well as the customers who have data-related challenges that the Data Scientists is working to resolve.
Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues but allow considerable discretion to develop new and innovative approaches. Draws on experience to solve unusual problems and may create new solutions and policy interpretations as the situation requires. Provides guidance to lower-level staff on how to solve difficult technical issues. Resolves all but unique technical problems without the intervention of management or a more experienced technical specialist. Develops plans, techniques, and policies to address current or anticipated problems and issues. Works with management to solve problems.
Other duties as assigned.