Research and data analyst

Description

Summary

Why it's a great opportunity: In this role with the Finance and Enterprise Services Department, you will be supporting data-informed decision-making across the County by analyzing data, conducting research, and preparing program evaluations. As a member of the Research and Data Analysis team, you will work with several County departments on a variety of topics, such as behavioral health and public safety. Utilizing robust statistical approaches and effective data storytelling practices, you will help inform policy development, enhance programs, and guide other critical decisions that positively impact the residents we serve. By utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods, this role allows you to introduce innovative strategies that deliver actionable insights, ultimately contributing to the betterment of the County.

Why it's a great department: The Finance & Enterprise Services Department delivers enterprise-wide services that support every County department and many external partners, ensuring Pierce County operates effectively, efficiently, and with strong public stewardship. Finance & Enterprise Services staff provide a broad portfolio of high-impact, countywide services, including budgeting and performance management, fiscal services, procurement and contracting, information technology, general services, fleet services, and risk management.

Employees have the opportunity to work on strategic, enterprise-level initiatives, collaborate across departments, provide the operational and technical backbone which ensures the smooth delivery of services across the organization, and deliver critical analysis and decision support that informs leadership and shapes County priorities. The Finance & Enterprise Services Department is focused on creating a culture where employees can help improve service delivery to make a meaningful impact on County operations and the community. The Department leads with safety, empowerment, and collaboration to create an environment where every person can contribute, challenge ideas, and continuously improve.

Learn more about the Finance & Enterprise Services Department here.

How to be successful in the role: Your success will come from translating complex methods into accessible insights, while prioritizing data stewardship at every step. By combining your technical expertise with strong organization and communication skills, you will effectively collaborate with subject matter experts across the County, paving the way for impactful results.

Your future in this role: We are excited to foster professional development opportunities, including online learning, peer coaching, and comprehensive training to support your career growth. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities to build a great career with the County while directly impacting the communities we serve.

Core daily responsibilities:

• Use data and analysis of outcomes to inform budget and program decisions, including system and/or process changes, program improvements, and new program development.
• Use state-of-the-art software and data analytical tools (such as SQL, Python, R, GitHub, Socrata, Power BI, and Tableau) to acquire, evaluate, extract, and process data from a wide range of sources.
• Exercise judgment regarding the validity of data sources and techniques used to analyze data based on research.
• Determine and apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative statistical and analytic methods and techniques to evaluate how to use data from internal and external sources.
• Distill complex information into clear and concise themes for use in a variety of communication materials.
• Develop data-driven reports and visualizations for various audiences that help convey a range of outputs and outcomes of County programs.
• Build internal capacity so that reliable and accurate data can be better used to inform strategy, communications, and investment-level decisions.
• Present data at Executive, County Council, and community meetings; represent Pierce County at data-related meetings.
• Develop and maintain methodologies for pulling and analyzing data and quality control processes.
• Help interested groups become more data-driven through development and use of comprehensible dashboards and data reports.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Minimum Qualifications

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience is required
• Two or more years of professional work experience in data collection, analysis, design and display.
• An Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree or two-year college diploma in data science, data management, business analytics, statistics, public or business administration, or a related field.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.