Data Scientist

Job: Data Scientist
Location: 615 E. 4th Street, Pierre, South Dakota 57501

Scope / Background

The South Dakota Rural Health Data Atlas is a state-led initiative designed to improve how rural communities access and use health data. It will integrate datasets from state health agencies and other public sources into a platform with maps, charts, tables, and point-and-click analytical tools. SD DOH is seeking contractual staffing support to curate data, document data governance, perform QA, transform datasets, maintain interfaces with source systems, and support broader data/information systems.

Project Overview

Provide data science and public health informatics staffing support for the Rural Health Data Atlas. Resources will help extract, transform, load, curate, and maintain data; support automated processes and interfaces; apply data governance standards; prepare reports/performance measures; provide technical assistance; and support data modernization activities.

• Support ingestion, curation, and integration of datasets into the Rural Health Data Atlas platform from SD DOH systems, other state agencies, federally curated sources, and local/county datasets.
• Develop and maintain metadata for Data Atlas datasets and indicators, including data dictionaries and data element/variable change documentation.
• Apply data governance standards to Data Atlas indicators, including rate/stabilization rules and small cell suppression safeguards, in coordination with the platform vendor.
• Knowledge of data privacy, deidentification methodologies, or statistical disclosure limitation protocols.
• Assist in identifying solutions for information access, such as data repositories, visual display of information for data quality review and decision-making, and concerns related to legal, confidential, and security aspects of data collection, storage, and access.
• Support the State's ability to manipulate Data Atlas data, run reports, and develop dashboards through Power BI, ESRI, Tableau, and associated platforms.
• Ensure communication with system and data users within the department of health and with external Data Atlas 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 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 use of Microsoft Office tools
  • Two years' experience working in a public health setting