SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
Data Scientist I/II
SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Salary:
$74,423.00 - $127,234.00 Annually Location :
1011 Union Street, San Diego Job Type:
Full-Time Remote Employment:
Flexible/Hybrid Department:
Data Science Division:
Program Management, Data Acquisition, and Quality Assurance/ Quality Control Opening Date:
09/05/2025 Closing Date:
9/19/2025 11:59 PM Pacific FLSA:
Non-Exempt
Description Overview of the Data Science Department The Data Science Department provides SANDAG member agencies, elected officials, other organizations, and the public with information and technical resources for regional planning, funding, and policymaking efforts. The department represents a broad range of expertise from land use and transportation modeling, applied social research, public safety, demographics, economics, and quality assurance. The information the department gathers, analyzes, produces, delivers, and maintains is essential to the success of SANDAG. Overview of the
Data Quality Assurance/Quality Control Team
The Data Quality Assurance/Quality Control team provides independent verification of data acquired or produced by SANDAG modeling, forecasting, analysis, mapping, and visualization efforts. In addition to conducting data verification steps, the team also develops and implements formalized policies and processes around data quality management. Role
The Data Science Department is hiring a Data Scientist in the Data Quality Assurance/Quality Control team. Under supervision from the hiring manager, the position will support the development and implementation of quality control checks on datasets used and produced by teams across the agency to ensure quality and reliability. Salary Range:
This position will be filled at the I or II level depending on qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. Annual Salary Ranges: Data Scientist I: $74,422-$115,357
Data Scientist II: $82,077-$127,234
Job Responsibilities
Analyze and validate regional economic, demographic, land use, and transportation data for use in operational, procedural, and policy decision-making activities; interpret multi-disciplinary data demonstrating a thorough understanding of issues that could affect the validity and reliability of information. Develop and perform quality control tests and analysis of data using tools such as Python, R, ArcGIS, and SQL to identify and report data anomalies and identify root cause patterns. Examine datasets and supporting documentation to identify risks and problem areas and recommend standards, policies, and procedures to facilitate a comprehensive data quality management system. Support Peer Review Process through review of datasets and methodologies, including suggestions for improvement as well as documentation, including meeting notes and action items. Create and maintain documentation related to data compliance, business rules, data flows, process flows, and reporting. Coordinate the preparation of metrics and statistical reports, perform reviews, and complete special studies; prepare spreadsheets, charts, maps, and data visualizations to support information sharing. Participate on inter-departmental and interagency teams assembled for various agency projects. Prepare and present written, oral, and visual reports and recommendations to various teams and upper management. Typical Qualifications
The minimum education, training, and experience include a bachelor's degree with major course work in data science, computer science, management information systems, regional planning, geography, demography, economics, statistics, mathematics or a related field, and one to two years of professional experience in data analysis and programming. Intermediate-advanced level programming experience in Python (and other object-oriented program languages) is critical. Knowledge of design principles for relational database management systems; experience creating SQL queries, stored procedures, and data views; familiarity with MS SQL Server or other enterprise relational database systems. Experience using geographic information system software such as ESRI ArcGIS or QGIS. Experience using Business Intelligence/Information Sharing software (Power BI, Tableau, etc.) to create reports and dashboards. Experience updating and maintaining project databases, files, and records, including data documentation. Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control practices used for validating data and ensuring data accuracy and integrity, including statistical analysis and sampling techniques, preferably for demographic and economic data. Experience with data analysis and research methodologies; knowledge of data acquisition and quality control methods used for gathering and compiling various types of information; knowledge of factors that contribute to the reliability and integrity of collected data. Experience analyzing, organizing, interpreting, and exploring data with the ability to discover patterns, meaningful relationships, anomalies, and trends. Experience communicating highly technical information effectively to a broad range of audiences Familiarity with the principles, practices, and objectives of regional planning and forecasting. Familiarity with formalized data governance processes and procedures.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including:
Hybrid work options 9/80 flexible work schedule Pay-for-performance merit increases Retirement - Defined Benefit Plan with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) Retirement - 457 Defined Contribution Plan with Voya Excellent health insurance options for employees and their eligible dependents Free dental and vision insurance for employees and their eligible dependents Education Assistance of up to $5,250 a year for regular employees Free transit pass for use throughout the San Diego region, bus, Rapid Express, Trolley, and COASTER Paid time off including 12 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, generous paid time off (PTO) per year, depending on length of service
01
SANDAG employees are expected to live within the San Diego region and work in-person in our San Diego office; there are hybrid work schedule options available, as well as a 9/80 work schedule (every other Monday off).This is not a fully remote position.Are you able and willing to adhere to the onsite and work schedule described above?
Yes No
02
Will you now or will you in the future require employment visa sponsorship?
Yes No
03
What is your highest level of education?
Some or no college Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree Law Degree Other
04
Do you have a bachelor's degree with major course work in data science, computer science, management information systems, regional planning, geography, demography, economics, statistics, mathematics or a related field?
Yes No
05
How many years of professional experience do you have in data analysis and programming?
0-1 years 1-2 years 2 or more
06
What is your level of understanding of Python?
No Experience Beginner Intermediate Advanced
07
What is your level of understanding of R?
No experience Beginner Intermediate Advanced
08
What is your level of understanding of ArcGIS?
No experience Beginner Intermediate Advanced
09
What is your level of understanding of SQL?
No experience Beginner Intermediate Advanced
Required Question
$74,423.00 - $127,234.00 Annually Location :
1011 Union Street, San Diego Job Type:
Full-Time Remote Employment:
Flexible/Hybrid Department:
Data Science Division:
Program Management, Data Acquisition, and Quality Assurance/ Quality Control Opening Date:
09/05/2025 Closing Date:
9/19/2025 11:59 PM Pacific FLSA:
Non-Exempt
Description Overview of the Data Science Department The Data Science Department provides SANDAG member agencies, elected officials, other organizations, and the public with information and technical resources for regional planning, funding, and policymaking efforts. The department represents a broad range of expertise from land use and transportation modeling, applied social research, public safety, demographics, economics, and quality assurance. The information the department gathers, analyzes, produces, delivers, and maintains is essential to the success of SANDAG. Overview of the
Data Quality Assurance/Quality Control Team
The Data Quality Assurance/Quality Control team provides independent verification of data acquired or produced by SANDAG modeling, forecasting, analysis, mapping, and visualization efforts. In addition to conducting data verification steps, the team also develops and implements formalized policies and processes around data quality management. Role
The Data Science Department is hiring a Data Scientist in the Data Quality Assurance/Quality Control team. Under supervision from the hiring manager, the position will support the development and implementation of quality control checks on datasets used and produced by teams across the agency to ensure quality and reliability. Salary Range:
This position will be filled at the I or II level depending on qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. Annual Salary Ranges: Data Scientist I: $74,422-$115,357
Data Scientist II: $82,077-$127,234
Job Responsibilities
Analyze and validate regional economic, demographic, land use, and transportation data for use in operational, procedural, and policy decision-making activities; interpret multi-disciplinary data demonstrating a thorough understanding of issues that could affect the validity and reliability of information. Develop and perform quality control tests and analysis of data using tools such as Python, R, ArcGIS, and SQL to identify and report data anomalies and identify root cause patterns. Examine datasets and supporting documentation to identify risks and problem areas and recommend standards, policies, and procedures to facilitate a comprehensive data quality management system. Support Peer Review Process through review of datasets and methodologies, including suggestions for improvement as well as documentation, including meeting notes and action items. Create and maintain documentation related to data compliance, business rules, data flows, process flows, and reporting. Coordinate the preparation of metrics and statistical reports, perform reviews, and complete special studies; prepare spreadsheets, charts, maps, and data visualizations to support information sharing. Participate on inter-departmental and interagency teams assembled for various agency projects. Prepare and present written, oral, and visual reports and recommendations to various teams and upper management. Typical Qualifications
The minimum education, training, and experience include a bachelor's degree with major course work in data science, computer science, management information systems, regional planning, geography, demography, economics, statistics, mathematics or a related field, and one to two years of professional experience in data analysis and programming. Intermediate-advanced level programming experience in Python (and other object-oriented program languages) is critical. Knowledge of design principles for relational database management systems; experience creating SQL queries, stored procedures, and data views; familiarity with MS SQL Server or other enterprise relational database systems. Experience using geographic information system software such as ESRI ArcGIS or QGIS. Experience using Business Intelligence/Information Sharing software (Power BI, Tableau, etc.) to create reports and dashboards. Experience updating and maintaining project databases, files, and records, including data documentation. Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control practices used for validating data and ensuring data accuracy and integrity, including statistical analysis and sampling techniques, preferably for demographic and economic data. Experience with data analysis and research methodologies; knowledge of data acquisition and quality control methods used for gathering and compiling various types of information; knowledge of factors that contribute to the reliability and integrity of collected data. Experience analyzing, organizing, interpreting, and exploring data with the ability to discover patterns, meaningful relationships, anomalies, and trends. Experience communicating highly technical information effectively to a broad range of audiences Familiarity with the principles, practices, and objectives of regional planning and forecasting. Familiarity with formalized data governance processes and procedures.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including:
Hybrid work options 9/80 flexible work schedule Pay-for-performance merit increases Retirement - Defined Benefit Plan with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) Retirement - 457 Defined Contribution Plan with Voya Excellent health insurance options for employees and their eligible dependents Free dental and vision insurance for employees and their eligible dependents Education Assistance of up to $5,250 a year for regular employees Free transit pass for use throughout the San Diego region, bus, Rapid Express, Trolley, and COASTER Paid time off including 12 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, generous paid time off (PTO) per year, depending on length of service
01
SANDAG employees are expected to live within the San Diego region and work in-person in our San Diego office; there are hybrid work schedule options available, as well as a 9/80 work schedule (every other Monday off).This is not a fully remote position.Are you able and willing to adhere to the onsite and work schedule described above?
Yes No
02
Will you now or will you in the future require employment visa sponsorship?
Yes No
03
What is your highest level of education?
Some or no college Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree Law Degree Other
04
Do you have a bachelor's degree with major course work in data science, computer science, management information systems, regional planning, geography, demography, economics, statistics, mathematics or a related field?
Yes No
05
How many years of professional experience do you have in data analysis and programming?
0-1 years 1-2 years 2 or more
06
What is your level of understanding of Python?
No Experience Beginner Intermediate Advanced
07
What is your level of understanding of R?
No experience Beginner Intermediate Advanced
08
What is your level of understanding of ArcGIS?
No experience Beginner Intermediate Advanced
09
What is your level of understanding of SQL?
No experience Beginner Intermediate Advanced
Required Question