Associate Data Scientist (GIS Specialist)

The Metropolitan Council's Community Development Division is seeking an Associate Data Scientist (Geographic Information Systems GIS - specialization).

We will NOT be reviewing resumes or cover letters for this position, so it is not necessary to attach them.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework arrangement (both remote and onsite). Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

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. More information about us is on our website.

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 team collects, disseminates, and analyzes data about demographic trends, development patterns, climate change, parks visitation, equity, regional forecast, 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 Data Development and Analysis team, which is responsible for collecting and analyzing quantitative data, including core functions outlined in state statutes (e.g., population estimates and parks use estimates). This team supports the regional planning process through socioeconomic and land-use modeling and other quantitative data analysis and produces reports and interactives.

This position is part of the Research team within the Community Development Division. The Associate Data Scientist (GIS Specialist) conducts and implements GIS and data science work that supports regional planning and policy.

• Provide GIS technical support to both internal and external data stakeholders.
• Design, evaluate, and recommend specifications for data maintenance and development.
• Designs, develops, implements, and maintains web applications using ArcGIS Online and Enterprise Portal, leveraging Experience Builder, Instant Apps, and Dashboards to support geographic information needs.
• Assist in the support and update of GIS datasets; review data for completeness and accuracy; and develop and edit datasets using standard data practices, processes, and Council software to provide consistent and readily available access to GIS data for internal and external customers.
• Serve as the GIS Subject Matter Expert for Parks data and other departments on the Community Development Division.
• Use statistical software packages (primarily R) to analyze and summarize data.
• Apply advanced statistical methods (e.g., regression, cluster analysis, Bayesian methods, and machine learning methods) in support of advancing actionable and relevant insights on broad issues of regional concern, such as affordable housing, racial disparities, climate change, and sustainable growth.
• Collect or organize primary and secondary data. Plan, develop, and maintain database systems in partnership with Information Services, ensuring data quality.
• Analyze, examine, and display spatial information in static and interactive maps.
• Develop public-facing reports and web-based, interactive data visualization, analysis, and dissemination tools in partnership with Information Services, Communications, Research staff, and others.
• Respond to requests for data and information, including requests from the media, other Council staff, or local partners, by summarizing data in a clear, coherent manner. Responses provide sufficient detail to address the inquiry and generally include a mix of data tables, visualizations, and brief accompanying narratives that describe relevant trends or highlight key points.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Any combination of completed education in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Analytics, Geography, or other related quantitative fields and experience in geographic information systems (GIS), and statistical and/or machine learning modeling, web-based interactive data, using the "R" and "Python" programming languages; construction of datasets and employment of statistical techniques.

• High school diploma/GED with four (4) years of experience
• Associate degree with two (2) years of experience
• Bachelor's degree or higher with 0 years of experience
• Master's degree with 0 years of experience

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with Esri GIS software, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online (AGOL), and Enterprise Portal.
• Experience with Machine Learning Methods and applications.
• Experience with programming in R and Python for data engineering, analysis, visualization, and statistical modeling, including use of geospatial libraries (e.g., sf).
• Experience with the cloud-based data platform Databricks.
• Writing SQL queries and extracting data from relational databases.
• Experience working with Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul) regional data.
• Experience working in racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environments.

What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• GIS data management and modeling, including data editing, maintenance, and governance
• Development of geospatial solutions using ESRI ArcGIS platforms (ArcGIS Online and Enterprise)
• Database design and management, including relational database systems, data architecture, and metadata standards
• Cloud-based data platforms and big data processing, including Databricks
• Application of GIS and geographic analysis methods to research, analyze business problems, and recommend data-driven solutions
• Statistical analysis and machine learning techniques
• Web-based application and visualization development, including interactive tools (e.g., R Shiny) and dashboards
• Knowledge of regional GIS datasets and systems, including:
  • Regional Parks and Trails datasets
  • GIS processes used by park implementing agencies
  • Metropolitan Council GIS resources

• Familiarity with the Twin Cities, Minnesota region, including its geographic, planning, and data landscape

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey technical information clearly to diverse audiences
• Collaborative teamwork, with experience working effectively with planners, policy staff, and cross-functional stakeholders
• Project management, including planning, organization, administration, and successful project delivery
• Applied mathematics and statistical analysis, including regression and quantitative problem-solving
• Data analysis and programming, with intermediate proficiency in R and/or Python for data engineering, statistical modeling, and analysis (including use of geospatial libraries such as sf)
• Database querying and management, including intermediate SQL skills
• Data visualization and interactive tool development, using tools such as ggplot2, Shiny, D3.js, and Tableau
• Creative data problem-solving, including combining datasets, identifying new data applications, and developing innovative approaches to generate insights

Ability to:

• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including Regional Park Implementing Agencies, and effectively elicit requirements for data, maps, and tools
• Facilitate collaboration and consensus-building, working with stakeholders to define problems and develop mutually agreeable solutions
• Develop GIS-based products and solutions, including dashboards (e.g., Regional Parks and Trails Dashboard) using Esri tools (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Enterprise Portal, geodatabases, and web services)
• Evaluate and improve GIS data processes, including recommending enhancements to data request workflows and systems
• Organize, document, and maintain data workflows and processes to support transparency, reproducibility, and long-term usability
• Analyze data using statistical methods to identify trends, patterns, and root causes
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences through presentations, reports, and written materials
• Produce high-quality written deliverables, including summary reports, technical documentation, and literature reviews
• Work across programming languages and data formats, translating between tools such as SAS, R, Python, and formats like shapefiles, GeoJSON, and Parquet
• Collaborate using version control tools, including GitHub
• Apply equity-focused thinking, including participating in discussions on race and equity and identifying opportunities to incorporate equity considerations into projects and decision-making
• Demonstrate familiarity with regional GIS datasets, including those of the ten Regional Park Implementing Agencies

What you can expect from us:

• 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.

More about why you should join us!

Union/Grade: AFSCME/Grade F
FLSA Status: Non -Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you will be required to successfully complete a drug test (for safety-sensitive positions) and a background check verifying your education, employment history, and criminal record. Depending on the role, a driving record check and/or physical examination may also be required. A criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify a candidate; the Metropolitan Council evaluates felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, considering their relevance to the position and evidence of rehabilitation.

If you are a current Metropolitan Council employee, you will be required to complete a drug test if transitioning from a non-safety-sensitive role to a safety-sensitive position. Additionally, criminal background checks are required for positions that are safety-sensitive, supervisory, or managerial, within Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources, or involve access to financial records, databases, cash, vouchers, or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical examination may also be conducted, as applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the region's diversity and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.