Data Scientist job at COPA

Job Description

WORKING WITH THE CIVILIAN OFFICE OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY (COPA)

The mission of COPA is to:

provide a just and efficient means to fairly and timely conduct investigations within our jurisdiction.
determine whether allegations of police misconduct are well-founded.
identify and address patterns of police misconduct; and
make policy recommendations to improve the Chicago Police Department, thereby reducing incident of police misconduct.

ROLE SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Deputy Chief Administrator of COPA’s Policy, Research
and Analysis Division (PRAD), the Data Scientist will be assigned to PRAD on a variety
of data engineering and analysis projects to help develop actionable, data driven
solutions that inform strategic decisions, and will perform related duties as required.

Location: 1615 W. Chicago Ave, 4th floor, Chicago, IL 60622
Days: Monday - Friday
Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Salary: up to $90,084
This position is NOT in the career service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Leverages structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data to inform decision making through data mining, statistical methods, applied artificial intelligence/machine learning algorithms, and/or spatial analyses to find patterns and relationships in large volumes of data.
Develops standardized data processing systems for transformation, coding, linking, de-duplicating and combining of data sets.
Uses data to establish, maintain, and improve statistical models addressing departmental needs.
Assists in coordinating access to existing data systems, ensuring data security and integrity.
Develops data processing strategies, application programming interface (API) access and outputs for new departmental projects and programs requiring data.
Produces exploratory data summaries, visualizations, and presentations to highlight topics of potential focus for further analysis, policy review, and/or external collaboration.
Identifies new ways to use existing data, new links between existing data, and new useful data sources.
Works collaboratively to identify and resolve data quality issues.
Documents analysis approach, methods, and programming code to allow projects to be transferred and automated.
Contributes to policy recommendations, advisories, and research/analysis reports where applicable.
Coordinates and communicates across teams to understand their processes and determine project feasibility, deliverables, scope, timeline, reporting, and impact.
Stays abreast of current events and activities and participates in seminars, webinars, and other activities to develop skills and incorporate new advancements in the field of data science.
Presents work at related meetings and conferences.

The list of essential duties is not intended to be exhaustive; there may be other duties
that are essential.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Data
Analytics, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, or Information
Technology/Systems or a directly related field, plus three (3) years of experience in data
analysis or data management; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and
experience.

Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following:

A Master’s degree in Data Analytics, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, or Information Technology/Systems or a directly related field.
Previous professional experience creating, managing, or using databases and database software.
Previous professional experience developing advanced statistical models to inform organizational decision making.
Previous professional experience requiring the collection, analysis, and written summarization of quantitative and/or qualitative data.
Previous professional experience creating data visualizations.
Previous professional experience using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and working with spatial data.
Knowledge of and experience with applied data science in the context of criminal justice, policing, or public policy.
Ability to fluently read, write and speak any language other than English.

ABOUT YOU:

COPA is seeking candidates with a strong focus on the following values:

Integrity: Maintaining a commitment to honesty, personal responsibility, excellence, and utmost professionalism in the work performed by COPA and in all internal and external interactions. This includes a commitment to identifying and dismantling discriminatory systems and culture within COPA, the Chicago Police Department, and the community.
Transparency: Promoting the sharing of information about the work of COPA internally and externally in a manner not in conflict with City and COPA policy, such that the public trust in the mission of COPA is established and maintained. This includes a commitment to cultivating a respectful work environment and team building to ensure effective communication that furthers common goals.
Independence: Conducting the business of COPA in a manner that is objective and free from political or other outside influences, such that the public trust in the mission and work of COPA is established and maintained. This includes a commitment to informed decision making and continual efforts to improves processes and systems to further the mission of COPA.
Timeliness: Conducting the business of COPA in a manner that promotes timely and fair resolution to all matters.

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires applicants to successfully complete an interview.

You must include a writing sample (2-10 pages in length) as an attachment to your
application. The writing sample may be an excerpt from a longer work, a single work, or
multiple single works. All samples provided must be original work (either wholly or
substantially authored by you) and must reflect data analysis conducted by you (e.g.,
analysis summary, methodology section, data visualization with a narrative, etc.).

If you are selected to be hired you must provide, upon request, adequate information
regarding your educational and employment history as it relates to the qualifications of
the position for which you are applying. If you received your degree internationally, all
international transcripts/diploma must be accompanied by a Foreign Credential
Evaluation. If the City of Chicago cannot verify this information, any offer extended to
you will be withdrawn and you will not be hired. Adequate information includes:

transcripts or diploma, professional license, or training certificates at time of processing, if applicable.
information about your educational background and your work experience must include job titles, dates of employment, and specific job duties. (If you are a current City employee, Acting Up cannot be considered.) If you fail to provide this information at the time you submit your application, it will be incomplete, and you will not be considered for this position. There are three ways to provide the information: 1) you may attach a resume; 2) you may paste a resume; or 3) you can complete the online resume fields.

All references to political sponsorship or recommendations must be omitted from all
application materials submitted for City employment.

The City is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:

All employees of the City must be actual residents of the City as outlined in 2-152-050
of the City Chicago Municipal Code. Proof of residency will be required.

Please note, all positions with the City of Chicago close promptly at 11:59 pm C.S.T.

Applications for this position will be accepted from February 07,2023 until 11:59 pm
CST on February 21, 2023. No exceptions will be made.

Interested in this position?

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