Data Scientist 2

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

IPERS

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous vacation, sick leave, and 13+

Life and disability insurance

Retirement savings options (RIC)

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

State of Iowa - Executive Branch is seeking a Data Scientist 2 to lead the Iowa JDW program, overseeing strategy, operations, and data governance across justice-related data assets.

The role involves managing large datasets, collaborating with state agencies, and delivering dashboards and analytics to support policy decisions. Strong SQL/R/Excel skills and public-sector data experience are highly valued. This is an onsite Des Moines role with potential hybrid arrangements.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualification requires nine years of full-time work in analytics, economics, or data science; or a qualifying degree with five years of experience.
• Or combinations with three years of work plus specific education for a total of four years of education/experience.
• Current state-level experience in data governance, data integration, and analytics tools is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the enterprise-wide Iowa JDW program, including strategy, operations, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement data governance frameworks ensuring privacy and security compliance.
• Manage large-scale data sharing with key partners (Judicial Branch, HHS, DOC, DOM).
• Oversee ingestion and integration of new datasets for JDW.
• Administer Business Objects: user access, security groups, reports.
• Monitor the JDW cloud environment and web apps for data integrity and reliability.
• Lead production of Correctional Impact Statements and data validation for Prison Population Forecast.
• Develop public dashboards and internal analytics tools to promote transparency.
• Respond to data requests from the public, media, legal professionals, and policymakers.
• Compile, clean, and standardize complex datasets for analysis and reporting.
• Utilize SQL, R, and Excel for data transformation, analysis, and visualization.
• Serve as backup to Iowa Data Hub for broader enterprise data initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Data analytics

Program management

SQL

R

Excel

Data visualization

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business analytics, economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, MIS, or industrial management

Master’s degree in business analytics, economics, data science, statistics, MIS, or industrial management

Tools

Business Objects

Job description

Job Description

This is a non-merit position. Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.
The Department of Management (DOM), Division of Data, Planning, and Improvement is seeking a

Job Description
This is a non-merit position. Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.
The Department of Management (DOM), Division of Data, Planning, and Improvement is seeking a Data Scientist 2to join our team!

This role is responsible for overseeing the strategic vision, development, and daily operations of the Iowa Justice Data Warehouse (JDW), a critical enterprise data and analytics resource supporting justice-related decision-making across the state.

What You Will Do

• Lead the enterprise-wide Iowa JDW program, including strategy, operations, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement data governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with data privacy and security regulations.
• Manage large-scale data sharing initiatives with key partners including the Judicial Branch, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Corrections (DOC), and DOM.
• Oversee the ingestion and integration of new datasets to enhance the JDW’s value and robustness.
• Administer Business Objects for the JDW, including user access, security groups, and report development.
• Monitor and troubleshoot the JDW’s cloud environment and web applications, ensuring data integrity and system reliability.
• Lead the production of Correctional Impact Statements (approx. 115 per legislative session) and data validation for the annual Prison Population Forecast.
• Drive the development of public-facing dashboards and internal analytics tools to promote transparency and data accessibility.
• Respond to data requests from a wide range of stakeholders including the public, media, legal professionals, and policymakers.
• Compile, clean, and standardize complex datasets for analysis and reporting.
• Utilize SQL, R, and Excel for data transformation, analysis, and visualization.
• Serve as a backup resource to the Iowa Data Hub, supporting broader enterprise data initiatives.
  

What We Are Seeking

• Proven leadership experience in data analytics, program management, or a related field.
• Strong technical expertise in data governance, data integration, and analytics tools.
• Proficiency in SQL, R, Excel, and data visualization platforms.
• Experience working with justice system data or public sector data is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to think strategically while managing complex, detail-oriented projects.
  

What We Offer

• Flexible work environment
• Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement savings options (RIC)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
  

Why Work with Us?
At the Iowa Department of Management (DOM), we help government agencies across the state perform at their best by managing financial resources, technology, and information. Our mission is rooted in service—we provide efficient, innovative, and strategic solutions that empower agencies to fulfill their goals.

We’re Guided By Four Core Values

• Integrity – We act with honesty and accountability.
• Teamwork – We collaborate to achieve shared success.
• Service – We are committed to excellence in public service.
• Partnership – We build strong relationships to drive results.
  

Working Arrangement
This position requires onsite work in Des Moines, IA each week. Employees meeting all expectations of their work responsibilities may request remote work and develop a hybrid/remote schedule collaboratively with their manager.

Please note, candidates for this position must reside in the state of Iowa at the time of starting the role.
Background Check Requirements
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Worklaws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov .

Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Nine years of full-time work experience in business/data/statistical analytics, economic research, or data science.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in business analytics, economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, management information systems, or industrial management, and experience equal to five years of full-time work (as described in number one).
• All of the following (a, b, and c):
• Three year of full-time work experience in business/data/statistical analytics, economic research, or data science; and
• A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in business analytics, economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, management information systems, or industrial management equals one year of full-time experience; and
• A total of two years of graduate-level education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in business analytics, economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, management information systems, or industrial management equals one year of full-time experience.
• All of the following (a, b, and c):
• Three years of full-time work experience in business/data/statistical analytics, economic research, or data science; and
• A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience in (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in business analytics, economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, management information systems, or industrial management.
• All of the following (a, b, and c):
• Five years of full-time work experience (as described in number one); and
• A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and
• Possession of a professional certificate in data science, business analytics, or data analytics.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Data Scientist 1.
  

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description .