Data Specialist (DS2)

About the role

We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values: Respect | Trust | Diversity | Inclusion | Equity. This is a non-permanent position anticipated to last two (2) years.

Responsibilities

• Support the Office of Equity Performance and Accountability by providing advanced data analysis, reporting, and visualization.
• Design and implement innovative data solutions.
• Develop interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) and web-based tools.
• Deliver meaningful insights that support agency goals, policy development, and executive decision-making.
• Communicate complex datasets to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Help inform decisions and drive improvements that advance our mission of helping every Washington resident live, work, drive, and thrive.

Qualifications

• Six (6) years of professional experience performing data science or informatics data work.
• OR Master's degree in informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, or related technical or quantitative field.
• Experience Must Include:
  • Three (3) years working with a querying language (e.g., SQL) in a relational database.
  • Three (3) years using one or more scripting languages (e.g., Python or R).
  • Three (3) years using descriptive statistics to summarize data, identify patterns, interpret results in context, and translate findings into actionable insights.
  • Three (3) years visualizing structured and unstructured data to extract insights (e.g. using Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, or Python/R visualization libraries).
  • One (1) year experience with any ETL tool (SSIS, Azure Data Factory).
  • One (1) year providing data acquisition, modeling, and analysis guidance based on research, policy analysis, and business analysis.
  • Representing a private entity or public agency, presenting findings and recommendations on teams or projects with other public and private entities.
  • Producing or overseeing the production of complex reports for use by diverse groups such as highest levels of management, boards, commissions, elected officials, and/or other governmental entities.
  • Learning the technical functionality and data structure of complex proprietary or highly configurable systems and applications.
  • The ability to create, compose, and edit written and illustrated materials using tools such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio.
  • The ability to: Understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity, and inclusion through behaviors, and decisions.
  • Promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees.
  • Promote and support respectful, equitable, and inclusive delivery of services to customers.
  • Take action to learn and grow.
  • Take action to meet the needs of others.

Skills

• Technical skills in data science, informatics, or related fields.
• Ability to explain complex findings to customers.
• Experience with querying languages (SQL).
• Experience with scripting languages (Python, R).
• Experience with descriptive statistics.
• Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, Python/R libraries).
• Experience with ETL tools (SSIS, Azure Data Factory).
• Experience with GIS software platforms (ArcGIS, QGIS).
• Experience with machine learning tools (SciKit-Learn).
• Experience with hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and multivariate analysis.
• Experience with providing technical support to non-technical customers.
• Experience with implementing automated data quality and process checks into ETL processes.
• Experience with Databricks or Synapse Analytics.
• Experience with Enterprise Data Management principles and best practices.
• Experience supporting one or more DOL business processes and/or DOL information systems.

Benefits

While positions in this unit work remotely most of the time, this is a hybrid position. You might be required to work in one of our Thurston county locations as business needs dictate.

Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

DOL is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

For information about available accommodations, the interview process, or the position contact Nicole Walters.

Come join us in changing the way government delivers services and help build a legacy of commitment to and excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion!

How To Apply

Select the apply button at the top of this job announcement.

Attach a current:

• A cover letter explaining your experience as it relates to this position and why you are interested in this opportunity.

Incomplete applications may disqualify you from eligibility for the position. You must ensure all application areas, including supplemental questions and attachments, are completed in full.

Candidates who are offered a job with DOL must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans.

Veteran/Military Spouse Preference Notice

To take advantage of veteran/military spouse preference, please notify the Talent Acquisition Team. Please include the title of this position in the subject line.

The Washington State Department of Licensing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process, during the recruitment process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact the Human Resources Office at 360-902-4000 or may email HRRecruit@dol.wa.gov.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our ASL interpreter via Video Phone at 360.339.7344.

The candidate pool certified from this recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty days.

We do not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

For more information, please visitwww.uscis.gov.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

• Medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.
• Multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
• Medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.
• Basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
• To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
• The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
• Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
• Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
• The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

• State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
• New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.
• For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
• Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).
• This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.