Program Data Scientist

Agency DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work up to 2 days/week

Job summary

The Agency Department of Transportation in New York is seeking a Program Data Scientist to design and lead analytics for the traffic signal capital program. The role converts project and asset information into delivery insights using Python, GIS, and rigorous data quality practices.

You will collaborate with leadership to map performance, identify bottlenecks, and support on-schedule program delivery through advanced data systems and reporting.

Qualifications

• Assignment Level I requires a master’s degree in a relevant scientific field.
• Assignment Level II+ requires a doctorate with 1 year supervisory/administrative/research experience or a master’s in a relevant field with specialization.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop analytical systems providing a unified view of a large portfolio of signal projects.
• Build and maintain data pipelines to ingest, clean, and join project, contract, and asset data.
• Use GIS methods to map distributed infrastructure and link delivery information to intersections.
• Develop metrics to show project progress, trends, bottlenecks, and risks.
• Assess data quality and coordinate with divisions to improve data capture.
• Present findings and recommendations to division leadership in clear terms.

Skills

Python

GIS

ArcGIS

QGIS

Education

Master's degree

Doctorate degree

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

The Program Data Scientist will design and lead analytics for the Division of Traffic Operations’ traffic signal capital program, converting project, contract, and asset information into delivery insights that can be used by leadership. The role supports NYC Streets Plan transit priorities through applied research, Python and GIS, and a focus on rigorous data quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop analytical systems that provide a unified view of a large portfolio of signal projects across stages of work, contracts, and contractors, ensuring each project remains accounted for.
• Build and maintain data pipelines and analytical tools to ingest, clean, and join project, contract, and asset data from across the division.
• Use GIS methods to analyze and map geographically distributed infrastructure, linking delivery information to the intersections New Yorkers use every day.
• Develop metrics and analyses that show how projects progress through delivery, highlighting trends, bottlenecks, and risks early enough to support on-pace program delivery.
• Assess data quality and analytical methods across the program, and coordinate with other division units to improve how delivery data is captured and applied.
• Present findings and recommendations to division leadership, translating complex analysis into clear direction for a citywide program.

Required Education and Assignment Level

• Assignment Level I: A master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental science, or public health.
• Assignment Level II and above: Candidates must have one of the following:
  • A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental, or social science, plus one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative, or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
  • A master’s degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physi... (continuation not provided in the source data).

Probationary Period

Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

Technologies

• Python
• GIS
• ArcGIS
• QGIS

Preferred Skills

• Strong proficiency in Python for data analysis, pipeline building, and automation.
• Experience with GIS tools and spatial analysis, including ArcGIS, QGIS, and geospatial Python libraries.
• Experience designing analyses or data systems for tracking capital projects, infrastructure, or other complex operational programs.
• Ability to communicate analytical findings clearly to non-technical and executive audiences.

Work Location and Schedule

• Location: New York, NY (hybrid)
• Office address: 34-02 Queens Blvd. LIC, NY 11101
• Hours: 35 HRS/Mon-Fri/9am-5pm

Division and Unit

• Division: Traffic Operations
• Unit: Finance, Contracts and Innovation Unit

Salary

USD 109,565 - 142,112 per yearly.

Benefits and Remote Work

• This position may be eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week under the City of New York Remote Work Pilot Program agreed to between the City and DC37.
• As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs (visit StudentAid.gov/PSLF/).

Additional Information

This position is open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a program. Indicate in your resume or cover letter that you would like to be considered under the 55-a program.

Residency Requirement

• New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment.
• City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County.
• To determine whether the residency requirement applies, discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.