WHO WE ARE

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 on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Metropolitan Council’s Metro Transit Division is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as a resource for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

Metro Transit Data Scientists apply advanced data manipulation and analytical methods, including advanced machine learning and statistical models, in support of data-driven decision-making efforts in all Metro Transit functional areas. Additionally, they support effective use and communication of their work by designing and developing visual, interactive and accessible reports and tools for agency staff. The Data Scientist will be expected to perform professional level research and data science work. The Senior Data Scientist leads advanced, professional research and data science work.

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range:
Data Scientist: $34.95/hr. or $72,696/yr. to $39.67/hr. or $82,514/yr.
Senior Data Scientist: $37.78/hr. or $78,582/yr. to $42.88/hr. or $89,190/yr.

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

This position will establish a six-month eligible list for current and future positions.

What you would do in this job

1. Performs statistical modeling and advanced analysis to guide Metro Transit in all functional areas:

• Collects, cleans, and prepares data for statistical analysis.
• Develops and uses statistical models and state-of-the art methods in data science to analyze and develop insights about transit reliability, ridership, service design, customer information, quality assurance programs, marketing programs, etc.
• Summarizes results and impact of work in language and style that is relevant for functional areas and internal clients.
• Designs and implements advanced machine learning algorithms, including random forest, support vector machines and neural networks.

2. Develops and deploys interactive tools and reports; combining knowledge of business processes; software development tools and techniques; model operation and database management.

• Creates and maintains datasets needed to support tools and reports.
• Designs, implements, and utilizes advanced data management systems to facilitate complex models on very large data sets.
• Performs research to identify industry best practices and to inform modeling techniques or analytical approaches.
• Organizes data and writes code aligned with work unit’s defined standards.
• Summarizes results and impact of work in language and style that is relevant for functional areas and internal clients.

3. Performs research to complement data analyses and build understanding about customer behavior (e.g. travel patterns), transit service design, and performance:

• Reviews scholarly articles and technical papers in academic and industry databases/journals.
• Writes literature reviews and papers for internal and external publication.
• Coordinates transit research projects with University researchers.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Data Scientist:
A high school diploma or GED AND seven (7) years of experience in construction of datasets and employment of complex statistical and econometric modeling techniques; using the "R" or "Python" programming language; parsing and cleaning unstructured, structured, and semi-structured data; full analytics project management life-cycle including communicating analytics results to executive stakeholders AND at least (1) year of experience in the development and deployment of statistical models.

An educational degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Analytics, or closely related highly quantitative field may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis:

• 
  Associate degree and five (5) or more years of experience.
• Bachelor’s degree and three (3) or more years of experience.
• Master’s degree and one (1) or more years of experience.
• Doctorate degree.

Senior Data Scientist:
A high school diploma or GED AND eight (8) or more years of experience working with the construction of datasets and employment of complex statistical and econometric modeling techniques. Experience using the “R” or “Python” programming language; parsing and cleaning unstructured, structured, and semi-structured data. Experience may include full analytics project management life cycle including communicating analytics results to executive stakeholders AND at least two (2) years of experience in the development and deployment of statistical models WITH at least (1) year of experience leading analytics projects or closely related experience.

An educational degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Analytics, or other related highly quantitative field may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis:

• Associate degree and six (6) or more years of experience.
• Bachelor's degree and four (4) or more years of experience.
• Master's degree and two (2) year of experience.
• Doctorate degree and one (1) year of experience.

• Experience working with a diverse workforce.
• Experience with git and GitHub
• Knowledge of statistical methods (e.g., regression analysis, survival analysis, time-series, machine learning).
• Experience with Bayesian statistics including multi-level models.
• Skilled in intermediate or advanced level in a statistical programming language (R, Python, etc.).
• Skilled in data munging with structured, unstructured, and semi-structured data.
• Ability to read and understand complex academic and technical papers.
• Ability to write summary reports, technical papers, and literature reviews.
• Ability to utilize statistical analysis to analyze data, identify trends, and determine root causes of failures or important observations.

Senior Data Scientist in addition to the Data Scientist desired qualifications:

• Knowledge of database systems design and maintenance.
• Ability to guide and lead full analytics project management life-cycle ranging from defining business objectives to communicating, deploying, and training business users on analytic solutions.
• Ability to lead, guide, and mentor other data scientists, interns or analysts.

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

• Knowledge of academic/industry research methods.
• Knowledge of bus and rail transit systems operations principles and practices.
• Knowledge of web-based interactive visualization and modeling tool development.
• Skilled in intermediate level in Excel.

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.

Additional information

Data Scientist:
Union/Grade: NRC/Grade G
Full salary range: $34.95/hr. or $72,696/yr. to $56.72/hr. or $117,978/yr.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

Senior Data Scientist:
Union/Grade: NRC/Grade H
Full salary range: $37.78/hr. or $78,582/yr. to $61.32/hr. or $127,546/yr.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:

You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We rate your education and experience.
• We conduct a structured panel interview.
• We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if 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 diversity of the region 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.

We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

• Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
• Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
• Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
• Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:

• Well@Work clinic
• bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
• parking at many job locations
• fitness centers at many job locations
• Employee Assistance Program
• extensive health and wellness programs and resources