Data Scientist- Police Review Commission

Role Responsibilities

The PRC is seeking an innovative and strategic minded individual to serve as a Data Scientist. In this role, you will report to the Director of Corporate Supports and be responsible for analyzing strategic data to support the mandate of the PRC on delivering transparent oversight of the police complaints process in Alberta.  

Key Responsibilities:

•    Supports evidence-based decision-making at all levels of the PRC through the creation of specialized information products that provide leaders, staff and external partners with convenient access to data and other products.
•    Leads the creation, implementation, and maintenance of the PRC's evaluation framework to assess program effectiveness, measure outcomes, and inform continuous improvement.
•    Develops and maintains performance metrics and evaluation tools to assess the impact of PRC initiatives, ensuring data-driven decision-making and accountability.
•    Designs data modeling processes and creates algorithms and predictive models to extract the data the program needs.
•    Applies data science techniques, such as statistical modeling and artificial intelligence technologies, including machine learning, to increase and optimize value for money, return on investment, and other business outcomes.
•    Creates data visualizations and other reporting products, such as dashboards, reports, presentations to the PRC executive team and stakeholders (including, police commissions, police services, the public).

As a Data Scientist, you must have a strong understanding of data creation and analysis to lead the development of the agency's evaluation framework. You will explore data generated by the PRC and other sources, develop analytic reporting, and present visualizations to diverse audiences. You will make data-driven, evidence-based decisions, while developing new approaches to data analyses, information reporting and data dissemination. to anticipate, react to emerging information requirements and to support new policy initiatives and address emergent issues.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following APS competencies:

•    Systems Thinking: Strong strategic orientation, including ability to conceptualize and support a common vision/direction. Apply their understanding of police complaints data to create innovative, accurate and timely data analytics products to support the strategic goals of the PRC.
•    Agility: Lead and coordinate multiple complex projects with competing and strict deadlines. Work in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities. Proactively anticipate and plan for program area requirements.
•    Develop Networks: Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with PRC staff, stakeholders and consultants. Identifies individuals that have significant potential for contribution throughout phases of evaluation and data collection. Brings the right people together to inform evaluation planning and contextual interpretation of results.
•    Drive for Results: Works efficiently to complete tasks and manage own performance. Actions are completed in a way consistent with direction and required timelines.

Qualifications

A university degree (4 years) in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics or a related quantitative discipline, plus four (4) years of related experience.

Required:

•    Knowledge of a variety of machine learning techniques (regressions, clustering, decision tree learning, artificial neural networks, etc.) and their real-world advantages/drawbacks.
•    Knowledge of advanced statistical techniques and concepts (statistical inference, probability theory, hypothesis testing, linear and non-linear programming) and experience with applications.
•    Extensive knowledge in developing and implementing applied statistical and machine learning models. 
•    Experience using data visualization software (Tableau, SAS Viya, PowerBI, etc.)

Assets:

•    Proficient with one or more programming languages (Python, Java, C++, R, SQL, etc.)
•    Experience with querying databases and creating data architectures.
•    Experience in conducting analysis and modeling involving complex data linkages, calculations, and validation. 
•    Strong working knowledge of databases, data models, as well as ETL and data warehouse tools.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This is a full-time permanent position located in Sun Life Place - 10123-99 Street, Edmonton, AB. This position works from Monday to Friday; 36.25 hours, 8:15am-4:30pm.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies at the same or lower classification across the Government of Alberta. 

Other Application Information:

•    A cover letter is required with your application, outlining how your education and experience aligns with the role.
•    A written assessment may be required as part of this competition. 
•    This position may require final candidates to undergo a security clearance.
•    Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees.

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.