Salary: $95,676.00 - $125,544.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Licensing
Division: Director's Office
Opening Date: 07/07/2026
Closing Date: 7/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionThis is a non-permanent position anticipated to last two (2) years.At the
Department of Licensing (DOL), we recognize the importance of work life harmony and strive to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers and help build trust in our government.
We are currently recruiting for a Data Specialist to support the Office of Equity Performance and Accountability within the Directors Office Division. As one of the most visible state agencies and the second-largest revenue generator in Washington State, we engage with over 6 million residents each year and collect nearly $3 billion in taxes and fees. We understand that our services are vital to the daily lives of our customers, enabling them to live, work, drive, and thrive. We take this responsibility to heart and are dedicated to providing equitable and meaningful access to our services for every resident.
If you are someone with technical skills who enjoys explaining complex findings to customers, we invite you to apply!
DutiesAs a Data Specialist, you will support our Office of Equity, Performance, and Accountability by providing advanced data analysis, reporting, and visualization. You will design and implement innovative data solutions, develop interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) and web-based tools, and deliver meaningful insights that support agency goals, policy development, and executive decision-making. Using your ability to communicate complex datasets to both technical and nontechnical audiences, you will help inform decisions and drive improvements that advance our mission of helping every Washington resident live, work, drive, and thrive.
Some of what you will do:- Design and create new proprietary data structures.
- Employ complex strategies and technologies to inter-relate data from distinctly different sources.
- Visualize information in an intuitive manner to ease its use and comprehension by others.
- Build a Geographic Information System (GIS) map and data services in an interactive web application.
- Make recommendations regarding highly complex data analysis to resolve unprecedented issues involving organizational change, process improvement and policy development.
- Provide expert advice and consultation to executive management, internal departments and outside organizations.
Qualifications What you will bring to the role:Six (6) years of professional experience performing data science or informatics data work.
ORMaster's degree in informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, or related technical or quantitative field.
A combination of relevant education in informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, or related technical or quantitative field and experience may substitute year for year for experience.Experience must include:- Three (3) years working with a querying language (e.g., SQL) in a relational database
- Three (3) years using one or more scripting languages (e.g., Python or R)
- Three (3) years using descriptive statistics to summarize data, identify patterns, interpret results in context, and translate findings into actionable insights
- Three (3) years visualizing structured and unstructured data to extract insights (e.g. using Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, or Python/R visualization libraries)
- One (1) year experience with any ETL tool (SSIS, Azure Data Factory)
- One (1) year providing data acquisition, modeling, and analysis guidance based on research, policy analysis, and business analysis.
- Representing a private entity or public agency, presenting findings and recommendations on teams or projects with other public and private entities.
- Producing or overseeing the production of complex reports for use by diverse groups such as highest levels of management, boards, commissions, elected officials, and/or other governmental entities.
- Learning the technical functionality and data structure of complex proprietary or highly configurable systems and applications.
- The ability to create, compose, and edit written and illustrated materials using tools such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio.
- The ability to:
- Understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity, and inclusion through behaviors, and decisions.
- Promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees.
- Promote and support respectful, equitable, and inclusive delivery of services to customers.
- Take action to learn and grow.
- Take action to meet the needs of others.
What may help set you apart: - One (1) year of experience with hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and multivariate analysis to model relationships and predict outcomes.
- One (1) year of experience developing solutions in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software platforms (e.g. ArcGIS or QGIS).
- One (1) year of experience with a machine learning toolkit (e.g., SciKit-Learn).
- Three (3) years of experience providing technical support to non-technical customers.
- One (1) year of experience implementing automated data quality and process checks into ETL processes
- One (1) year of experience working in Databricks or Synapse Analytics.
- One (1) year of experience with Enterprise Data Management principles and best practices.
- Two (2) years of experience supporting one or more DOL business processes and/or DOL information systems.
- A Masters of Science degree in a quantitative discipline.
Additional Conditions of employment:- While positions in this unit work remotely most of the time, this is a hybrid position. You might be required to work in one of our Thurston county locations as business needs dictate.
- Prior to a new hire, a pre-employment check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
DOL is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.
For information about available accommodations, the interview process, or the position contact Nicole Walters.Supplemental InformationCome join us in changing the way government delivers services and help build a legacy of commitment to and excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion! How to Apply:- Select the apply button at the top of this job announcement.
- Attach a current:
- A cover letter explaining your experience as it relates to this position and why you are interested in this opportunity.
Incomplete applications may disqualify you from eligibility for the position. You must ensure all application areas, including supplemental questions and attachments, are completed in full.
Candidates who are offered a job with DOL must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences.We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. We value the unique traits and attributes that each employee brings to the job. Through the diverse perspectives of an inclusive workforce, we will create a more respectful, productive, and unified team to better serve the public of Washington.
