Data Scientist - Climate Data Initiative Ministry for the Environment Wellington Central, Wellington Database Development & Administration (Information & Communication Technology) Fixed term/Secondment to 31 December 2024 Influential opportunity to be involved in major transformation in how central government uses climate data for policy development, reporting, and local climate action Calls for an experienced data scientist to co-design and build an integrated, All-of-Government climate data infrastructure with modern data integration, modelling, and machine learning capabilities Newly created role The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) was recently funded to lead an 'All of Government' Climate Data Initiative which aims to transform the way climate data, evidence, and insights are used across the motu. The initiative will deliver a wide range of integrated data evidence and tools which will transform how climate data is used in every-day personal decision making for iwi/Maori, property owners & local businesses, and to develop government policy. The Climate Data Initiative team needs a creative and resourceful data scientist to lead the delivery of the integrated data infrastructure and develop climate data models, insights, and solutions which helps support on-the-ground climate action and institutional decision making. The mission for the Data Scientist is to challenge the way in which we use climate data to develop policy, report on progress, and support on the ground decision making with new integrated datasets and data models. You will work across the Ministry and government to identify new data sources, develop methodologies to integrate and model data, and present insights in digital products that speak to every New Zealander. You will work with our Principal Data Analyst, Senior Data Architect and Product Manager to build a robust data ecosystem to support the exploration of high-quality climate data and transform how we use climate data for decision making at all levels. Inspired by this kaupapa and keen to make a difference? Let us know if you have: Extensive experience as a Data Scientist. In-depth experience using advanced statistical techniques (e.g. classical machine learning or deep learning). In-depth experience in developing and implementing workable modelling solutions to ambiguous and complex policy problems. Demonstrable experience in using R, Python, and SQL to derive actionable data insights. Demonstrable experience in integrating or managing large climate, socio-economic, environmental, or geospatial datasets on a cloud platform (e.g. Snowflake, Amazon Web Services). Experience in using PowerBI or Tableau, and ArcGIS Pro. Experience in designing, developing, and implementing database or datalake schemas and pipelines. Experience in the development, evaluation, monitoring, and use of machine learning models. Some experience in mining data to develop evidence-based policy progress reporting indicators. Cultural capability in te ao Maori, with experience of engaging with and working alongside iwi/Maori in developing digital products. Credible stakeholder engagement skills and an ability to connect at the highest levels - you advise with impact. Working across a range of different partners, clients, customers, and personalities. Demonstrable leadership qualities with experience of and a willingness to coach and uplift the capability of others around you. A commitment to developing your cultural capability and capacity in te ao Maori. Salary range for this role is $140,222 to $170,467 pa effective from 1 December 2023. Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience. Nga hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE a flexible by default approach to create a healthy work-life blend agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as 'One MfE' active employee networks including Maori Ropu, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network opportunities for development and education. The Ministry's purpose is He taiao tonui mo nga reanga katoa - a flourishing environment for every generation. We are the New Zealand government's primary advisor on the natural and built environment, and climate change. A key priority for the Ministry is building Te Ao Maori capability. This means we work with our Treaty partners to advance Maori priorities for the environment and for environmental success. We will be confident and coordinated in our ongoing engagement with Maori and lead the natural resources system in engaging for success with tangata whenua. We will grow our capability and capacity to accurately reflect Maori views in our work. We accurately reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Maori into our everyday work, by delivering on Te Ao Hurihuri, our Maori capability strategy. Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter. Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role. If you require further information about this position please contact ****** or ******. To access the position description, please go to and click through to view the advertisement and position description. The location for this role is flexible which means you can work anywhere in New Zealand and there is an option to work from home. However, a Wellington based candidate is preferred for this particular role. As a flexible friendly employer, we are happy to discuss solutions that may work for you and the business. We value and care about enabling our people to work in a way that means they can work at their best. We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you. Please contact us at ****** if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have. You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role. Note: Please don't delay your application as we may progress interviews prior to the close date. #J-18808-Ljbffr