At a Glance
- Tasks: Use data science to tackle social issues and improve decision-making.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council focused on data-driven transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that uses data to reimagine public services.
- Qualifications: Expertise in Python, SQL, and data visualisation tools required.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a new service with strong management support.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Role and our Ideal Candidate
The Data Scientist(s) will be joining the corporate data service and will play a key role in the delivery of the data strategy.
In this role, you will:
- Tackle Big Challenges: Apply data science to help solve critical issues like social care pressures, support residents struggling with their finances, and help tackle homelessness.
- Deliver Insights: Create visualizations and predictions that improve decision-making and help us better understand our residents.
- Collaborate: Work with diverse stakeholders and data professionals to use data more effectively and bring new ideas to the organization.
- Innovate: Use modern data technologies and inspire a data-driven culture throughout the Council.
About You
- Technically Proficient: An expert in Python and SQL, with strong skills in data visualisation tools. You will possess the mathematical and statistical abilities to clean, analyse, and model large, complex datasets.
- A High-Quality Coder: Able to produce well-written, understandable, and reusable code that is optimised for performance.
- A Clear Communicator: Capable of explaining complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, managing stakeholder expectations, and articulating the value of data projects to senior management.
- Experienced in Project Delivery: With a proven track record of leading data projects and delivering data products or services with limited supervision.
- A Continuous Learner: Passionate about self-development, exploring new tools and techniques, and inspiring the organisation to be data-driven.
- Impact-Driven: Able to create insights and predictions that unlock value and help to reimagine public services.
- Committed to Data Integrity: Knowledgeable about data governance, security, and protection regulations for sensitive data.
Supporting Statement
In your supporting statement please tell us "What motivates you to pursue a data science role within local government? Please describe a specific project or accomplishment from your professional experience where you used data to solve a complex problem or drive a positive outcome. (250 to 350 words)". We will not consider applications without a cover letter addressing the question above.
About Us
The new Data Service is part of a shared Digital & IT service for the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and the London Borough of Sutton. Both councils have ambitious transformation programmes that depend on a more effective use of data to gain better insights and improve council services for residents. The team will also play a key role in supporting each Council's AI and digital ambitions. Being a new service the successful candidate(s) will have an opportunity to grow, learn and set direction. Both Councils have data strategies with the strong backing of management and colleagues. The data strategy aims to:
- Set a data architecture and build a platform that makes it easier for the organisation to find, combine and use data.
- Establish a data governance framework to improve quality and handling so staff can have confidence in data products.
- Upskill our data analysts and council employees and recruiting data specialists.
- Select and embed new tools and technologies to improve data usage.
- Promote a more data-driven culture at all levels in the organisation.
The role reports directly to the Head of Data.
Data Scientist in Kingston upon Thames employer: Kingston Council
Contact Detail:
Kingston Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Scientist in Kingston upon Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the data science field. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local events. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your data visualisations and projects. This is your chance to demonstrate how you tackle big challenges and deliver insights that matter.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Being able to explain complex data concepts clearly is key. Try explaining your past projects to friends or family who aren’t in the field – it’ll help you refine your pitch.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate data scientists. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your impact-driven mindset and commitment to data integrity.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Scientist in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for data science in local government. Share what drives you to tackle big challenges and how you envision using data to make a real impact on residents' lives.
Be Specific: In your supporting statement, don’t just tell us you’ve worked on data projects—give us the juicy details! Describe a specific project where you used data to solve a complex problem, and highlight the positive outcomes that resulted from your work.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter directly addresses the question posed in the job description. This is your chance to connect your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kingston Council
✨Know Your Data Tools
Make sure you brush up on your Python and SQL skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these tools to tackle complex datasets. Highlight any data visualisation tools you've worked with, as this will show your technical proficiency.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare a couple of examples where you've used data to solve real-world problems, especially in a public service context. Think about how your insights led to positive outcomes and be ready to explain the impact of your work clearly.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex data concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to present your findings to non-technical stakeholders, so being able to articulate your ideas effectively is crucial. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your communication skills.
✨Emphasise Continuous Learning
Be prepared to discuss how you stay updated with the latest data technologies and trends. Share any recent courses or projects that showcase your commitment to self-development and how you inspire others to adopt a data-driven mindset.