Job Announcement

Under limited direction and general supervision of Principal Data Scientist and/or Senior Data Scientist, serves as a subject expert for demographic, economic and statistical research (EDSR); serves as a technical specialist to generate, collect, analyze, manage, and interpret large amount of economic and demographic data from multiple sources, and to synthesize data and deliver tangible research products to communicate to various stakeholders. We are seeking a well-rounded, data-driven individual with mid-level technical skills who can build complex quantitative algorithms to create, organize and synthesize large amounts of information used to identify and answer relevant questions, and to provide unbiased data to support decision-making. Has a holistic understanding of data science and its usage. Has a strong quantitative background in research, data analysis, statistics, linear algebra, and programming knowledge with focus on data warehousing, mining, and modeling to build and analyze algorithms. Manages and conducts all aspects of research and analyses processes including problem definition, research design, primary and secondary data collection, data analysis, and report writing. Develops, utilizes, updates and documents complex computerized models, databases, methodologies, and statistical tools for obtaining, analyzing, and creating land use, demographic, social and economic information, and generating forecasts. Utilizes software such as SAS, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Power BI to conduct spatial and statistical analyses and to visualize information. Possesses communication skills (written and oral) to explain highly technical results to their non-technical counter parts. Designs and develops materials and approaches for disseminating conclusions and products to decision-makers, planners, and the public. Designs, creates, and updates web pages. As part of the selection process, candidates may be asked to complete written exercises and provide work samples.

Position may be underfilled as a Data Scientist I (S22); the Underfill Requirements are stated below in the Employment Standards section.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

Knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of economic, demographic, and statistical analysis and research.
Knowledge of data science life cycle and processes.
Ability to perform quantitative analysis and economic and demographic forecasting.
Ability to conduct complex research project.
Ability to perform complex mathematical and statistical analysis and modeling.
Ability to effectively organize, prepare and disseminate information through reports, studies, and presentations.
Ability to use computer software (such as SAS, R, SQL, Python, ArcGIS, and MS Power BI) to analyze data and present results of studies.
Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software to prepare documents.
Ability to conduct research to assess database and technology needs, and evaluate intactness, connectivity, and accuracy of data.
Skills of data mining and data wrangling, to be able to source data and deal with imperfections in data.
Skills of programming: a statistical programming language such as SAS, R or Python; and a database querying language like SQL.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in economics, mathematics, statistics, data science, geoinformatics, applied sciences or a related field; two years of professional work experience in research, quantitative analysis, modeling and forecasting, economics, demographics, statistics, data science or policy analysis.

UNDERFILL REQUIREMENTS:
This position may be underfilled as a Data Scientist I (Grade S22; $54,219.36 - $90,365.81). The employment standards for the Data Scientist I are: Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in economics. mathematics, statistics, data science, geoinformatics, applied sciences or a related field; one year of professional work experience in research, quantitative analysis, modeling and forecasting, economics, demographics, statistics, data science or policy analysis.

Applicants hired at the Data Scientist I position will be non-competitively promoted to the Data Scientist II level upon successful completion of an underfill agreement.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., economics, mathematics, data science, geospatial informatics, statistics, demography, applied sciences). Knowledge of demographic and economic research techniques and experience working with large, complex relational databases. Knowledge of Census databases, tools and techniques for extracting census data, and the appropriate statistical techniques for compiling and employing these data. Significant demonstrated experience in quantitative research, and demographic and economic analysis involving managing, synthesizing, and using information in various formats. Significant demonstrated experience using and developing analyses employing ArcGIS, SQL, Python, SAS or R, and Microsoft Power BI or other data visualization products. Ability to write clearly, synthesize complex information, and present findings to audiences without technical backgrounds.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
None.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work is generally sedentary. Ability to use keyboard driven equipment. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include a practical exercise.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or status as a veteran in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.