Data Scientist I

Company: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Location: Arlington
Posted on: March 18, 2023

Job Description:

Job Description

Position Summary:

Coordinates and executes member dues-funded data science and analytics projects, programs and initiatives at BTS. Explores cross-functional innovative use of data sets in possession by NRECA using cutting-edge data science for obtaining insights and value beyond traditional statistical data analysis.

Works with staff, and member co-ops to create and disseminate tools and resources that can be used to perform data analytics on electric utility data that will inform decision-making. Participates in the ideation, design, and execution of applied research projects to create easily usable solution platforms including creation of relevant data analytics tools and modules in existing software packages.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Contributes to the creation and execution of data science and analytics projects across BTS that utilize data from a variety of sources including data from NRECA, consumer-members, electric utility operations and business models, and grid planning and operations to create deep and broad descriptive, predictive and prescriptive insights that can be used in impactful decision making by utility leadership. Explores whether challenges faced by NRECA members are amenable to a data science and analytics solution. Manages standard data science assignments from idea generation through completion, including needs assessments, technology surveillance, scoping projects and deliverables, and developing project and work plans. Contributes to efforts using data science methodologies (spanning from basic statistics to machine learning) to analyze electric utility planning and operations datasets. Disseminates data science insights and/or techniques to members through creation of tools and resources easily usable by cooperatives. Contributes to efforts to effectively visualize and communicate utility data to accomplish the objectives of projects. Creates novel data visualization techniques. Identifies, acquires and explores the data required to provide insights for a challenge, develops trains and tests data analytics models, performs data analysis and creates solutions. Ensures that all work is documented to ensure that subsequent users can diagnose and fix any problems that might arise with designed systems. Contributes to the development and delivery of interim, draft, and final reports, software manuals or other product forms (i.e., videos), and formal research (i.e., journal) papers by obtaining expert and NRECA reviews thereof, integrating reviewers' comments into the drafts, producing final deliverables, and reporting research results. Communicates data science project learnings through writing technical papers on emerging technologies and analysis of technical and business conditions, and participation in NRECA webinars, podcasts and other outreach. Supports creation of recommendations to co-op representatives to frame uses of data science and analytics applications.

Direct Reports to this Position:

No Direct Reports

Qualifications

Formal Education Required:

Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering or a related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and additional experience required.

Master's degree in Data Science and Analytics preferred.

Experience Required:

• 3+ years of combined progressive coding, database, data science and analytic experience, and technical research experience or equivalent.
• Two years of progressive experience working directly with electric utilities preferred.
• Experience with modern software development and project management tools and creating and maintaining secure databases in AWS or Azure other cloud-based systems preferred. FLSA Status: Exempt
  
  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required (as demonstrated by prior work experience):
  • Knowledge of coding in Python and/or other coding software as well as knowledge of data analysis tools such as R, Stata, SAS, SPSS or similar.
  • Knowledge of data visualization tools such as Tableau and/or PowerBI.
  • Knowledge of general mathematics, operations research, statistical methods and artificial intelligence and programming.
  • Knowledge of data mining and warehousing concepts, big data and applying machine learning concepts and software packages for data analytics.
  • Knowledge of electrical grid, power distribution networks and power engineering terms preferred.
  • Ability to work with multidisciplinary advanced technology research project teams.
  • Ability to use analytical expertise, data manipulation and modeling skills, and machine learning experience to drive successful electric utility technology development.
  • Ability to effectively find, evaluate, test, and integrate (when appropriate) open source software components or libraries into software engineering projects.
  • Ability to manage competing deadlines and multiple projects at various stages of development using effective organization skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to define issues, establish facts and draw valid conclusions and apply to work environment.
  • Ability to work with a wide variety of people to foster cooperation in sharing information and materials.
  • Ability to apply marketing theory and practices in the execution of duties and responsibilities.
  • Ability to conceptualize, produce and disseminate high-quality materials.
  • Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, with a diverse membership, employees and/or vendors in a clear and precise manner.
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point) and to operate various office equipment such as personal computer, copier, printer, fax machine or other job-related equipment.
  • Ability to provide service excellence by building relationships, being resourceful, responsive and respectful.
    Additional Requirement:
    
    The preceding job description has been written to reflect management's assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
    
    NRECA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail humanresources@nreca.coop or call: 703-907-5992 - NRECA Arlington Human Resources. Please call 402-483-9275 - NRECA Lincoln Human Resources, for Lincoln, NE employment opportunities. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
    
    The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released the 'Know Your Rights' poster, which updates and replaces the previous "EEO is the Law" poster and "EEO Is the Law Poster Supplement".
    
    Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination. NRECA will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision for more information.
    
    E-Verify. As a Federal Contractor, NRECA is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. For information please click on the following link: E-Verify.

Keywords: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Arlington , Data Scientist I, Other , Arlington, Virginia