Data Science and Informatics are professions that utilize raw data to help an organization make data-driven decisions, enhancing the efficiency of industry-specific government services and programs that contribute to the overall well-being of the community. Positions in this series are either a Data Scientist or an Informatics Specialist, as described below.

Data Scientists utilize mathematics, statistics, specialized programming, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to extract knowledge from structured and unstructured data. As a Data Scientist, the positions focus is on data engineering, advanced data analytics and modeling, and applying machine learning techniques to uncover actionable insights hidden in an organization’s data. Examples of the responsibilities include optimizing raw data sets and modeling to ensure data processes and products are efficient for cloud computing; accelerating data into action by providing a comprehensive and robust understanding of data and how it impacts industry-specific government services, programs, and the community; and creating scientific and/or analytic products and visualizations.

Informatics Specialists process raw data and turn it into usable information for the design, development, and maintenance of information/data systems. As an Informatician, the position works directly with information technology staff, industry and organizational partners, and end users, in the design, implementation, and modernization of information/data systems. Informaticians use their knowledge of system interoperability and industry-specific data standards for how data must be stored, exchanged and protected. Informaticians may also engage in the creation of analytic products and visualizations.

This series is separate and distinct from the Data Consultant class series. Data Consultants are primarily focused on utilizing existing data from databases for the purpose of compiling data, providing reports, and analysis; whereas the Data Science and Informatics Specialists extract knowledge from structured and unstructured data sources and directly participate in the design and modernization of information/data systems and their components.

This series is separate and distinct from the Information Technology Professional Structure. Data Science and Informatics Specialists leverage technology by using computers and technical knowledge to perform their duties as super users, not as IT professionals.

Position is either a data scientist or informatician as described in the class series concept, and participates in assignments and/or projects performing two or more of the following:

• Assists in data collection, data validation, data cleaning, data analysis, preprocessing, and integration of structured and unstructured data from multiple sources.
• Assists in the development of data algorithms, modeling, and statistical analysis.
• Utilizes data visualization software.
• Provide a knowledge and application information vocabularies, interoperability, and industry-specific data standards for how data must be stored, exchanged and protected.
• Works collaboratively with higher level Data Science and Informatics Specialists, IT professionals, and business area staff on a data-driven project.
• Assists in the reviews of system designs to ensure they meet interoperability standards and requirements.

This is the entry-level of this professional series. Positions work under close supervision to perform assignments that support data-driven projects and are often working under the guidance of a higher-level professional.

The primary tasks may include data collection, data validation, preprocessing, and integration of structured and unstructured data from multiple sources to create products for modeling, statistical analysis, visualization, and other needs;

Understands and applies industry-specific data, information vocabularies, and data standards to analyze complex data from multiple sources;

Utilizes data visualization software;

Utilizes knowledge of programming, such as R, SAS, SQL, Python;

Supports efforts to leverage technology for efficient data management and processing;

Adheres to agency data privacy rules and data security protocols; understands and follows applicable federal laws, state privacy rules, and governance policies regarding data use and dissemination;

Maintains version control and documentation of data sources, methodologies, processes, and analytic procedures for transparency and reproducibility;

Stays updated on data science and/or applied informatics best practices, emerging technologies, and trends through training and education;

Works collaboratively with internal and external partners;

Assists in data collection (leveraging national standards), validation, cleaning, and basic analysis for projects;

Develops data systems and data products to ensure they meet industry needs and national technology standards;

Ensures data meets state and federal policies; reporting and data dissemination; research and innovation; and/or engagement and collaboration with agency staff, vendors, external partner organizations and the public;

Collaborates with IT professionals in the development, implementation, configuration, enhancement, upgrading, and maintenance of information systems;

Collaborates with senior data science and informatics specialists on data-related tasks;

Reviews system designs to understand how they meet interoperability standards and requirements;

Partners with other agency staff to gather, prioritize, and validate business requirements;

Contributes to the development of data visualizations;

Utilizes research methods commonly used in scientific, surveillance, and/or epidemiological research to analyze, interpret, and report on data;

Troubleshoots issues in a timely fashion and minimizes disruption of data transmission; Identifies errors and anomalies in the data; monitors developments and changes in data systems and implements continuous quality improvement of data used for reporting and evaluation;

Develops or manages the development of process documentation and workflow analyses for information system development;

Develops and implements machine learning solutions to analyze and interpret data;

Works with cross-functional teams to support the design and build of data pipelines and infrastructure for broader industry-related efforts;

Works with industry experts to identify and address challenges using data science;

Interprets, communicates, and presents data science findings to a variety of audiences, including industry professionals, policymakers, and the public;

Supports data-driven decision-making in industry-related programs;

Supports senior specialists in decision modeling and optimization;

Contributes to decision support system development; 

Participates in risk assessment and scenario analysis;

Assists in preparing reports and presentations;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: ethical data collection, management and sharing; data analysis techniques and methods; general mathematic principles of probability and statistics; and familiarity with data visualization software (such as Tableau, PowerBI, other); programming (such as R, SAS, SQL, Python); data extraction, manipulation, and transformation; database design and management, data systems and algorithms; informatics and integration/interoperability practices and standards; data privacy and data security; research methodology; data communication and dissemination; tribal, jurisdictional, state, and federal requirements and laws relating to data governance and use; familiarity with software development life cycle and data system design principles; cloud environments and tools.

Ability to: work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team to plan, organize, and prioritize projects to achieve shared goals; identify and solve problems, recognize opportunities for process improvement, efficiency gain, and automation across work areas; commit to delivering solutions that work for users; engage with diverse audiences and community partners to provide training to end users; commit to ongoing professional development and learning.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Bachelor's degree informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, or a related technical or quantitative field, and one (1) year of experience performing data science or informatics data work.


Equivalent years of relevant experience.

Experience working in a specialty area, such as public health or healthcare; and/or working with data visualization software and programming may be desired.

New classification: Data Science & Informatics Specialist 1, class code: 501L, 42 Professionals, 80148588, range 68; adopted June 23, 2025; effective July 1, 2025.