Data Science & Informatics Specialist

Data Science & Informatics Specialist 3

Full Time | Permanent

Salary Range: $105,612 - $142,020 Annually

This is a telework/hybrid position. The candidate of choice may work from anywhere within the state of Washington with a reliable internet connection. Travel may be required.

Are you an experienced data expert who enjoys solving complex problems and turning data into valuable insights? As a Data Science & Informatics Specialist 3 (DSIS3), you will serve as a senior expert advancing the Washington State Department of Corrections’ mission to improve public safety by changing lives. This role leads high-impact data science projects that shape agency operations, support informed decision-making, and improve outcomes across the Department.

Within the Business Intelligence/Operational Surveillance (BIOS) unit of Research and Data Analytics (RDA), the DSIS3 independently designs, manages, and delivers data-driven solutions aligned with agency priorities and business practices. As a recognized subject‑matter expert, the DSIS3 provides leadership in data science methodologies, systems design, information governance, and the development of innovative analytical solutions.

The DSIS3 translates complex business questions into rigorous analytical strategies, performs statistical analyses, and develops scalable data solutions that deliver actionable insights to DOC leadership, field operations, and policymakers. This position designs and maintains automated data pipelines, data models, decision‑support systems, performance metrics, and visualization standards, strengthening the Department’s ability to use data effectively and responsibly.

This role also advances data science practices across the agency by helping establish data governance frameworks, interoperability standards, and Data Ops and Dev Ops best practices within RDA. The DSIS3 collaborates with internal teams and external partners, mentors business analysts, evaluates analytical work through peer review, and provides expert guidance to ensure alignment with organizational data standards and state and federal information security requirements.

Through innovative thinking, technical expertise, and strategic leadership, the DSIS 3 plays a critical role in strengthening a data‑driven culture and delivering insights that support the Department’s commitment to public safety.

• Translating DOC business requirements into technically sound and operationally defensible analytical plans including:
  • Mapping Design Analyses competency domains: scoping analyses, anticipating competing explanations, and determining appropriate evaluation criteria
  • Leading the scoping and planning of complex analytical projects
  • Ensure conceptual integrity across all components of a project from design through delivery
  • Anticipating and addressing competing explanations and threats to analytical validity
  • Incorporate assumption checks, sensitivity analyses, and experimental or quasi‑experimental design elements into project plans
  • Establishing diagnostic metrics, benchmarks, and key performance indicators to evaluate analytical outputs in the context of DOC operational needs
  • Ensure that results are assessed not only for statistical validity but for operational value relative to prior information
• Conducting Analyses and Incorporate into Pipelines to include:
  • Executing rigorous analyses, build automated infrastructure, and ensuring work is reproducible and scalable.
  • Mapping Conduct Analyses and Incorporate Analyses into Pipelines competency domains
  • Exploring data systematically prior to modeling
  • Characterize distributions, identify anomalies, engineer features, and apply quality control methods
  • Evaluate data for completeness, reasonableness, reliability, accuracy, and consistency
• Incorporating Pipelines into the Business through:
  • Integrating analytical products into DOC operations and ensuring findings reach and are usable by diverse stakeholders
  • Mapping Incorporate Pipelines into the Business competency domains by discovering organizational needs, navigating structure, and packaging technical work for diverse audiences
  • Proactiv…