Senior Data Scientist

Company Description

Job Description

*ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT FULL-TIME ANNUALLY PAID PARKS EMPLOYEES*

Data Analytics at the division of Innovation & Performance Management is responsible for fostering a data-informed Parks by leveraging data to produce insights that cross divisional perspectives. This strategic initiative aims to solve problems and conduct research that improves the effectiveness and efficiency of Parks programs through the lens of data, advancing a vibrant and sustainable park system.

Major Responsibilities

-Under direct supervision of the Chief Data Officer, exercise a high degree of independent initiative and judgment to serve as the agency's lead data scientist, guiding complex analytics and data engineering projects from conception through implementation with a focus on rigor, scalability and long-term sustainability.
-Perform applied research and develop analytical frameworks that integrate geospatial, and operational data to answer complex questions and generate actionable insights (e.g., Vital Parks accessibility analysis, usership estimation). Identify trends, relationships and opportunities to improve operational efficiency and strategic planning.
-Lead the design, development and refinement of analytical models and methodologies, including the integration of multiple data sources for operational insights (e.g., sensor and mobility data for visitation estimates and usage patterns). Continuously iterate on methods to improve accuracy, reproducibility and practical application.
-Serve as a technical lead in shaping and improving the agency's data infrastructure by designing and optimizing data pipelines, automating workflows, and restructuring data systems to support scalable analytics and public-facing tools (e.g., Vital Parks data pipelines, Tableau integration, Open Data outputs).
-Partner with internal and external collaborators including Digital Media, City Planning, academic institutions and private vendors to define project goals, refine methodologies and align data products with operational and policy needs. Facilitate stakeholder engagement to build alignment and ensure successful project implementation.
-Provide technical leadership in data engineering and analytics best practices, including code modularity, reproducibility, version control and data pipeline optimization contributing to the long-term sustainability and maintainability of agency data systems.
-Translate complex analytical processes and results into clear compelling narratives, visualizations and presentations tailored to diverse audiences including executive leadership, technical staff and the public.
-Represent the agency in external forums and professional settings, including leading workshops and presenting at conferences (e.g., Open Data Week, AnEx, Pitchfest) contributing to knowledge sharing and elevating the Agency's data analytics profile.

Work Location: Arsenal, Manhattan

How to Apply: Go to cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for Job ID# 785565.

All applicants must apply via cityjobs.nyc.gov. The City is no longer using ESS to accept applications.

*Current Employees please include your ERN on your cover letter and resume.

NOTE: All resumes must be received no later than the last day of the posting period. *Posting period extended to 07/24/2026. Previous applicants to Job ID# 781719 are still under consideration and need not reapply. References will be required upon request.


nyc.gov/parks

MOVEMENT IN THE FACE OF CIVIL SERVICE LISTS IS PROHIBITED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW.

For information about applying for Civil Service Exams go to: Civil Service Exams - Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov)

CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 21744

Qualifications

1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.


NOTE:
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.