Senior Data Scientist

Job Description

Job Specifications

The Data Scientist Senior will join a dynamic quantitative analytics and modeling team that will play a critical role in advancing the state of statistical forecasting, mathematical optimization, and econometric modeling in the organization. This role will drive the development and implementation of a new suite of models, tools, and services to provide data-driven insights that empower the enterprise with data and analytics to elevate capabilities and help realize strategic goals.

SALARY RANGE:   $87,600 - $144,400  (Determined by the knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant.)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:   Manager, Enterprise Data and Analytics

LOCATION: Our Company Headquarters in Rapid City, South Dakota. 

• A comprehensive relocation package is offered for this position! Details about this package will be shared during the interview and offer process. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs advanced quantitative analyses and model development to drive decision-making. 
• Hands-on experience building econometric and statistical models to solve complex forecasting and pricing/revenue/resource optimization problems.
• Advanced knowledge of best-practice model risk management: validation, testing, and control standards, including testing of assumptions, computational accuracy, and documentation of model weaknesses and risks.
• Passion for and ability to design and develop new applications and decision support tools, including working with technology teams to move models/applications from prototype to production. 
• Ability to extract, clean, manipulate, and visualize large volumes of data to derive insights. 
• Strong professional communication skills, including the ability to explain model design, risks, and outputs, and the ability to collaborate with executive leadership to translate complex analyses into action.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Continuous pursuit of innovative knowledge and skills in the fields of statistic, economics, operations research, computer science, and data science. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of (5) five years of professional experience in a statistician, quantitative modeling, econometrics or data scientist role, with experience in advanced proficiency using statistical programming languages such as R and Python, and a strong proficiency in SQL required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Research, Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Experienced with prototyping and developing applications in R and/or Python. 
• Knowledge of statistical programming languages.
• Experienced with database design and data exploration. 
• Understanding of concepts in machine learning and simulation modeling. 
• Understands the technology development lifecycle.
• Experience with quantitative modeling design and validation.
• Expertise in statistics, mathematics, econometrics, and/or operations research.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced undefined and ambiguous environment.
• Able to apply principles of the scientific method and empirical research.
• Exceptional work ethic and self-motivated.
• Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving skills. 
• Exceptional math skills.

MENTAL/PHYSICAL DESCRIPTIONS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
The mental and physical descriptions are representative of the activities an employee in an office job performs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mental description: Understand, remember, apply oral and/or written instructions or other information, and communicate routine factual information. Apply common sense in performing job functions, usually within a set of rules or guidelines.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee continuously accesses, inputs, and retrieves electronic information and communicates regarding the information.  Employee frequently moves about the office space. Employee may occasionally: push, pull and reach. Employee must be able to operate routine office equipment including computers and similar equipment. 

Must be able to routinely perform this work for an average of 6-8 hours per day and occasional extended hours as necessary. Must be capable of regular, reliable and timely attendance.

Specific lifting abilities required by this job include: Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or continuously to lift, carry, push, pull or sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if moving about is only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work environment: Routinely perform work indoors in climate-controlled shared work area with moderate noise level. Willing to travel up to 10% (e.g. 2 days/month) by automobile (as driver and passenger), commercial airlines, rental vehicles and public transportation and be able to lodge in public facilities. Travel will be necessary to conduct the duties of this job and the employee must have proper licensing to operate a motor vehicle.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package!  Annual incentive program, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, paid time off, additional Veteran PTO, paid holidays and annual floating holidays, company paid short term and long term disability, paid maternity and paternity benefits, health and wellness program, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. 

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.