Data Analyst

Do you have a background championing data use within government to tackle complex issues and improve programs and services? Then consider joining our team of open data experts, where you will lead initiatives to enable the province to be data informed and people led. We are looking for leaders to help deliver Ontario's Open Data program in accordance with theSimpler, Faster, Better Services Act and Digital and Data Directive.

Ontario has a bold vision: To become the leading digital jurisdiction in the world. In order to achieve this goal, we need seasoned digital policy practitioners who can build the policies that will equip us to lead in the digital and data economy, and build a digital government that works for everyone.
The Ontario Digital Service (ODS) is responsible for leading the digital and data transformation of our province's public sector--a transformation that has become even more important since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We tackle complex public problems, from digital identity to smart cities, by building a people-centred approach to the design and delivery of government services, programs and policy.
The ODS is helping transform the Ontario Public Service (OPS) into a digital organization, and as a Data Analyst you will apply your data analytics expertise within a variety of digital products, services and policies

Note: This position is located at 595 Bay Street, Toronto. However, alternate work arrangements may be available.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

As a Data Analyst, you will:
- maintain, manage, and improve Ontario's Data Catalogue for government data access by the public and Internal Data Catalogue for data sharing across the Ontario Public Service
- build data pipelines, data queries and scripts to automate data quality checks and determine compliance of datasets with the Digital and Data Directive and the Open Data Publishing Guidebook
- conduct jurisdictional scans and user research into trends, best practices, standards and tools used in support of dataset publication and data catalogue construction and design
- federate Ontario's data catalogue with catalogues from other jurisdictions
- deliver presentation and conduct consultations with a broad range of internal and external partners and stakeholders

Experience with the following:
- open source programming languages such as Python or R and
- open source data portal platforms such as CKAN
- multiple data formats such as JSON, CSV, XML
- multiple ways to access data such as via database queries and APIs
- different metadata schema and data standards
- Ontario's open data publication process

How do I qualify?

Data Catalogue Expertise

- you have extensive knowledge of and skills in establishing, administering, and maintaining a government-wide data catalogue
- you have knowledge of open data principles, methods, tools and techniques
- you have knowledge of metadata cataloguing principles, practices and methods

Research and Computer Skills

- you can assess the effectiveness of Open Data systems/processes, identify issues, and develop innovative recommendations
- you can use modern software programs and tools to maintain data catalogues
- you can contribute to the development of Open Data recommendations that encompass a range of considerations (e.g. political impact, internal capacity, risk management factors, stakeholder priorities, emerging trends/developments) needed for an effective evidence-based approach to the management and release of government data

Project Management and Organizational Skills

- you have knowledge of project management principles and methods to design, plan and deliver projects
- you demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills to manage conflicting work demands and tight deadlines

Policy Skills and Knowledge

- you have knowledge of government strategic directions and key objectives, plans and priorities pertaining to Open Data
- you have knowledge of legal, privacy and policy processes to administer the government-wide Open Data approval and release process
- you are able to interpret the Digital and Data Directive and conduct reviews of policies, best practices, methodologies, procedures, standards and tools

Relationship Management, Advisory and Communication Skills

- you demonstrate strong communication, advisory, consultation and relationship management skills to build relationships with and provide consultation to a broad range of stakeholders, partners and key decision-makers
- you have excellent presentation and persuasion skills to respond to inquiries, provide briefings and promote the principles and objectives of the government's Open Data systems, processes and standards

A few more details:

The Ontario Digital Service is very serious about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We apply that lens to every aspect of our work. Traditional schooling is only one of many paths to knowledge and experience. If you're interested and feel you're a good fit for the role, apply.

We encourage applications from all people, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized people, people from diverse ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

The Ontario Digital Service is a remote-friendly organization and encourages productivity and work-life balance. While this position is headquartered at 595 Bay Street in Toronto, we encourage you to apply as flexible work arrangements may be considered.

We try to recruit as fast as we can, but hiring the right candidate takes time. Currently, the average recruitment can take up to 4 months. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Friday, September 16, 2022 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.