Business Systems Analyst 3

Salary : $88,566.40 - $143,707.20 Annually
Location : 390 Robert St. N St. Paul, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Division: Community Development
Department: Research
Opening Date: 10/23/2026
Closing Date: 11/6/2026 11:59 PM Central

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Business Systems Analysts (BSA 3) will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary team of data scientists, economists, ecologists, sociologists, qualitative and climate researchers. Given the business functions and systems specific to the research department, the best-qualified candidates will have technical knowledge and skills in database management systems, data modeling, and data integration.

The BSA 3 position provides advanced analytical, coordination, and technical support for the department's data development and analysis functions. The position leads efforts to modernize and standardize data documentation, metadata management, data cataloging, and related data-management practices; identifies and implements improvements to data development and documentation processes; supports department's use of Databricks; and serves as a primary business liaison between the department and Information Services (IS).

The position works collaboratively with researchers, data scientists, data developers, subject-matter experts, management, and IS staff to develop sustainable standards and processes that improve the discoverability, usability, quality, transparency, and maintainability of departmental data assets. The position does not supervise staff but provides managerial functional leadership, coordination, guidance, and technical expertise across the department.
This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

What you would do in this job
Lead Data Documentation, Metadata Management, and Data Cataloging

Develop, coordinate, and maintain standards and processes for documenting departmental datasets, data products, and related data-development activities. Example of activities, but not limited to are:

• Assess existing documentation practices and develop recommendations for a modern, consistent, and sustainable departmental documentation framework.
• Develop and maintain documentation standards, templates, conventions, guidance, and minimum documentation requirements.
• Collaborate with data developers, analysts, and subject-matter experts to document datasets and associated business and technical information.
• Establish processes and responsibilities for maintaining metadata throughout the lifecycle of departmental datasets.
• Coordinate maintenance and continued development of the department's data catalog.

Analyze and Improve Data Development and Data-Management Processes

Analyze departmental data-development and data-management processes and coordinate improvements that increase consistency, efficiency, reproducibility, and maintainability.

• Analyze current business processes, data workflows, documentation practices, and technology use to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Work with staff to document current-state and future-state process improvement using process maps, workflows, procedures, business rules, and other appropriate methods.
• Facilitate collaborative development of departmental standards, procedures, naming conventions, and other common practices.
• Define and document roles and responsibilities associated with data ownership, stewardship, documentation, metadata maintenance, and data-quality activities.

Serve as Business Liaison to Information Services

Serve as a primary liaison between departmental business users and Information Services for technology matters affecting data development, data management, analysis, and related departmental systems.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Information Services staff, enterprise architects, application and platform administrators, and other technology partners.
• Identify, gather, analyze, document, and communicate departmental business and system requirements.
• Translate data-development and analytical needs into business and functional requirements that can be evaluated by technical staff.
• Coordinate departmental technology requests, system enhancements, integrations, platform changes, and related initiatives.
• Represent departmental business needs in meetings, working groups, governance activities, and technology projects.
• Evaluate proposed technology changes for potential impacts on departmental data, workflows, applications, documentation, and analytical processes.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Any of the following combinations of education (in Computer science, Data science, Geographic information systems, Data engineering, or related field) and experience in management analysis or related analytical experience:

• Master's degree and 2 years of experience, including at least 1 year performing configurations and modifications within the specific business application
• Bachelor's degree and 4 years of experience, including at least 1 year performing configurations and modifications within the specific business application
• Associate's degree and 6 years of experience, including at least 1 year performing configurations and modifications within the specific business application

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Experience developing or implementing organizational data-documentation standards
• Experience managing projects involving database migration
• Experience with metadata-management or data-catalog systems
• Expert or proficient SQL
• Knowledge of R and/or Python
• Knowledge of geospatial analytics (Spatial SQL, ESRI ArcGIS)
• Experience working with Databricks or similar platforms
• Experience working with Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul) regional data
• Experience promoting an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values cultural diversity among all employees

Knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for this position:

• Advanced computer skills in word processing, complex spreadsheets, graphics presentations and database management required (Word, Excel, Access and Power Point).
• Ability to clearly describe technical processes throughout the data lifecycle.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Azure Databricks or comparable cloud-based data platforms.
• Ability administering, coordinating, or serving as a business owner for a shared data or analytical platform.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff with varying levels of technical knowledge.
• Ability to work independently and in a team-orientated, collaborative environment
• Ability to be flexible during times of change, to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem-solving capabilities

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance
• We encourage and support staff in bringing the full range of experiences and identities that define them to the workplace
• We encourage and support staff in contributing to a dynamic work culture that improves the Council's ability to serve the region and strives to effectively support all employees

Additional information

Union/Grade: AFSCME / Pay Grade H
FSLA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

Work Environment:
Work is performed in a standard office setting. Requires travel between priority work site to other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

• We review your minimum qualifications
• We rate your education and experience
• We conduct a structured panel interview
• We conduct a selection interview

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

01

Applicant Instructions: It is important that your application shows all relevant education and experience you possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely, and please do not type "see resume." Otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a resume and/or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step.I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.

• Yes
• No

02

How did you first hear about this job opening?

• CareerForce Center
• Community Event/Organization
• Employee Referral
• Facebook
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Metro Transit Bus Advertisement
• X (formerly known as Twitter)
• Website: governmentjobs.com
• Website: metrocouncil.org
• Website: metrotransit.org
• Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com
• Other

03

If you selected 'Other', please describe where you first h