Data Scientist

Data Scientist for Public Health Data Modernization

Employment Type: Contract-with up to 4 one-year renewal options

Background Check: Fingerprint background check required

Position Summary

The Data Scientist will support a state public health data modernization initiative, helping curate, integrate, and transform health datasets for use in an interactive statewide platform featuring maps, charts, tables, and analysis tools. This role works closely with state agency staff and external health partners to ensure data is accurate, well-governed, and accessible.

Key Responsibilities

• Support ingestion, curation, and integration of datasets from state agency systems, federal sources, and local/county data into the platform
• Develop and maintain metadata, including data dictionaries and documentation of data element/variable changes
• Apply data governance standards — including rate/stabilization rules and small cell suppression safeguards — in coordination with the platform vendor
• Apply knowledge of data privacy, de-identification methodologies, and statistical disclosure limitation protocols
• Help identify solutions for information access, including data repositories and visual tools for data quality review and decision-making
• Support reporting and dashboard development using Power BI, ESRI, Tableau, and related platforms
• Communicate effectively with internal system/data users and external stakeholders (hospitals, community coalitions, Tribal Nations, rural health clinics, academic and research organizations)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field
• Knowledge of statistical methods, data modeling, and analysis software (e.g., SAS, R)
• Experience with Power BI, ESRI, Tableau, or other data visualization software
• Experience with SQL, Python, or other scripting languages
• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools
• 2+ years of experience working in a public health setting

Additional Candidate Requirements

• Ability to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical staff, verbally and in writing
• Ability to provide technical assistance, training, and support based on applicable principles and standards
• Ability to pass a fingerprint background check

Pay: From $45.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field?
• Do you have at least 2 years of experience working in a public health setting?
• Are you able to pass a fingerprint-based background check?
• Which of the following data visualization tools do you have hands-on experience with? ( Power BI / ESRI / Tableau / None of the above)
• Are you currently a resident of South Dakota, or able to be available to the project locale (Pierre, SD) as needed, including any required travel?

Work Location: In person