Trade Data Scientist

Role Responsibilities

Turn data into decisions that shape the future of global trade. Join us as a Trade Data Scientist.

Reporting to the Manager, Trade Data Assessment, the Trade Data Scientist leads the acquisition, integration, and advanced analysis of Alberta, Canadian, and global trade data to support evidence-based policy and strategic decision-making. The role applies advanced analytics, statistical modeling, machine learning, and data engineering to generate actionable insights on trade performance and competitiveness. The position translates complex trade and related economic policy questions into analytical solutions and communicates findings clearly to diverse audiences, including senior leadership. The Trade Data Scientist position ensures data quality and integrity while advancing automated and scalable data solutions to aid trade policy, mission planning, consulate engagement, and export readiness programming. Working in a collaborative environment, the role provides technical leadership, mentors junior trade data analysts, and supports cross-unit initiatives to enhance the trade competitiveness unit's analytical capacity. Occasionally, the position may also act as Manager, Trade Data Assessment, providing leadership to the team in the Manager's absence. Key deliverables include briefing notes, reports & other analytical products, responding to data requests, create, update, and maintain trade intelligence dashboards, and evidence-based trade/export related policy recommendations.

1. Acquire, manage, and analyze international trade and economic data to support the division and Ministry mandates.

• • Identify key sources of international trade data (Alberta, Canadian, global) and other relevant sectoral data for branch use.
  • Research economic, sector, business, and country-level data to supplement trade analysis and support the division's mandate.
  • Collaboration with staff across the division, Ministry, and government to identify opportunities where data can inform policies, programs, and initiatives.

2. Research, analysis and preparation of briefings, reports, and presentations to inform the Trade Capacity, Collaboration and Competitiveness Branch.

• • Research, analyze, and prepare reports, models, and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
  • Application of statistical modeling, machine learning, and forecasting techniques to identify trends, risks, and opportunities in trade and competitiveness.
  • Integration of quantitative data and qualitative market intelligence from diverse sources to support evidence-based insights.

Role Responsibilities (Continued)

3. Provide data science and analytical support for trade program and service design and delivery.

• • Collaborate with business areas to understand data and analytical needs for trade-related programs and services (e.g., Alberta Export Expansion Program, trade missions).
  • Application of advanced analytics and modelling to support program evaluation, targeting, and performance measurement.
  • Support stakeholders to identify opportunities to apply data science for problem solving.

4. Support managers and senior leadership in achieving the mandate and goals of the Branch and Division.

• • Provide strategic input and recommendations on issues, opportunities, and challenges, including the adoption of new data science, cloud, and analytical approaches.
  • Develop briefing materials and analytical outputs for senior leadership, including the Deputy Minister and Executive Team.
  •  Collaborate across the Division to ensure coordination, integration, and alignment of analytical initiatives.

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.

• Systems Thinking - data analysis undertaken with an understanding of international trade, broad economic trends, and the needs of varied stakeholders, which may not be directly evident.
• Creative Problem Solving - analysis and communication of data to a variety of stakeholders with creativity in finding the best way to communicate difficult concepts to audiences without a background in the subject matter.
• Agility - ability to work within a changing information ecosystem to find the best way to deliver information to stakeholders with the available tools and channels, while maintaining the integrity of the information provided.
• Drive for Results - employ knowledge and experience in data provision and analysis and will be responsible for delivering high volumes of quality information, often in short time frames.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standard:

University graduation in a related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

The selected candidates will be required to complete a written assessment as part of the selection process, in addition to participating in an interview.

Preference will be given to candidates who have a bachelor’s in economics, finance, statistics, mathematics, computing science, data science or related education.

Additional assets would include: -

• Expertise in economic analyses, statistical analyses, or a related quantitative field.
• Knowledge of international trade data, economic indicators, and trade flow modeling approaches.
• Demonstrated experience applying statistical modeling, machine learning, and data engineering to real-world problems.
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or R, SQL or equivalent with experience in data processing, automation, and reproducible workflows.
• Experience designing and managing data pipelines, integrating large and complex datasets, and ensuring data quality and governance.
• Understanding of Alberta's economy, global markets, and emerging trade trends.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms and big data environments.
• Knowledge of best practices in data science, including version control, model validation, and reproducibility
  
  

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

Hours of Work:

Monday to Friday (8:15am – 4:30pm)

Location: Commerce Place Building, 10155 - 102 Street, Edmonton.

A cover letter is required and should clearly demonstrate how your background and experience align with the role's requirements, including sector expertise, regional market knowledge, trade promotion activities, stakeholder relationship management, and the delivery of strategic trade initiatives.

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 we have to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) .
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information.
• Professional learning and development.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.