Data Science • Go Government

Did You Know?

If you would like to apply for these positions but have limited or no work experience in the necessary fields, do not give up. You may still qualify if you have 30 or more semester hours of study in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or a related field. (Source: Data Science Series 1560)

Data science involves using scientific methodology, processes, algorithms and systems to extract insights from structured and unstructured data, and to provide guidance to agencies for data-driven decision-making. (Source: Position Classification Flysheet)

Sample Positions in Different Agencies

Agency: General Services Administration
Salary Range: $57,118 to $91,873 / per year

As a Data Scientist, you will:

Use quantitative and qualitative methods to collect, validate, analyze and visualize data.
Analyze large datasets using scripting languages and/or modern statistical and computational languages (e.g. Python, R, SQL).
Build models and other solutions that utilize machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques, including supervised learning, unsupervised learning, natural language processing and deep learning.

Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Salary Range: $69,107 to $122,459 / per year

As a Data Scientist, you will:

Develop, innovate, and/or maintain monitoring and analytical data programs and projects that meet organizational needs, security and timeliness requirements.
Carry out operational assignments related to the use of a variety of analytical and programming tools to design and implement analytical projects (e.g. R languages, Oracle, SQL).
Coordinate with contacts throughout the organization, and with other government agency employees and partners, to modify, adapt and refine existing applications and techniques.

In addition to data scientists, agencies also need experts to ensure data is managed, stored and used effectively. The government has many positions for people to help agencies create and maintain well-functioning data systems and infrastructure. Examples of other careers in federal data include:

Data engineering.
Data architecture.
Data stewardship.
Data management and governance.

Data scientists play an important role in the federal government by analyzing large quantities of information, conducting research, and developing innovative tools to support learning and decision-making at federal agencies.

Data helps agencies stay aligned with their mission. Without it, they would be less effective at serving the public.

Take the example of a data scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The individual in this position uses data for generating reports to inform public health professionals of emerging infectious diseases and outbreaks. At the Federal Emergency Management Agency, data scientists support disaster relief efforts by enabling employees who run response programs to make evidence-based decisions.

Data science is a cross-disciplinary field, requiring knowledge of data, mathematics, information technology and computer science. Check out the top agencies that need these skills for roles in the fields of computer science, mathematics and engineering: