Data Scientist

The Data Scientist/Engineering Staff is responsible for supporting Engineering Staff, Operations and
Information Services applications relating to Distribution and Transmission Integrity, Pipeline Safety
Management System, Geographic Information System (GIS), and budgeting software programs. Develop,
test and validate hypotheses through the application of a range of advanced mathematical, statistical,
scientific and/ or computational techniques. Utilizing a variety of data mining/data analysis methods and
data tools, building and implementing models, using/creating algorithms and creating/running simulations.
The incumbent is also responsible for identifying business needs; planning, executing and delivering
machine learning-based projects. The majority of the incumbent’s work will be in management and
problem analysis, machine learning (ML) modelling, data exploration and preparation, operational
analysis, developing standards and overseeing their implementation; identifying and evaluating solutions
and tools to improve operational efficiency and integration with other Company applications utilizing
available data; providing technical support, analysis, and recommendations to System Integrity (SI).

POSITION DIMENSIONS

This position does not have accountability for people. In this position, the incumbent must provide
innovative thinking and creativity and be able to collaborate with functional organizations throughout the
Company.

QUALIFICATIONS

There are clear policies and procedures that the incumbent uses to determine how this job is performed.
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, operations research,
statistics, applied mathematics, economics, engineering or physics, or a related field from an accredited
university. This position also requires a minimum of four years of relevant work experience, or equivalent
combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential job
responsibilities. Knowledge and abilities must include computer and network concepts and strategies,
cognizance of information technology business practices to support Company policies and initiatives.
Good oral and written communications skills are required.

Coding knowledge and experience in several languages such as R, Python/Jupyter, Java, C++, Excel,
SQL MATLAB, and custom spatial data queries and analysis is preferred.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical and business support to Company projects
• Collaborate across the business to understand Engineering and business constraints
• Understand new data sources and process and catalog/document them
• Make recommendations for data science tools for the organization
• Perform in-depth analysis, develop recommendations, and provide consulting services on an as needed basis to address complex customer and/or Company problems/issues which cross organizational boundaries and require thorough technical knowledge to resolve
• Recognize and identify potential areas where existing system policies and procedures require change or where new ones need to be developed
• Ensure integrity of data analytics and processes across the Company
• Develop training materials and conduct training for various division and corporate departments
• Advise and assist the SI management and work groups with problem resolution and workflow implementation
• Oversee Engineering Staff budget and financial research, analysis and work assignments in compliance with all corporate standard practices and facilitate budget variances and three-year plan coordination
• Initiate and manage smaller-scoped projects
• Perform problem determination (i.e., identifying, troubleshooting, and understanding the source of technical problems, assessing their impact, recording diagnostic data, and either resolving or initiating action with others to resolve them)
• Participate in establishment of policies and procedures governing Engineering Staff applications

• Initiate change control for change requests (i.e., a complete request description, define business requirements, identify benefits, schedule testing and approval) originating in and/or impacting their area of responsibility
  

• Perform and/or facilitate User Acceptance Testing of software updates, new software or scripts, and software enhancements
• Communicate change management with other departments, Divisions, and the Help Desk
• Compile data collection and management reporting of system performance
• Assist in responding to data requests from regulatory bodies regarding relating to Distribution and
• Transmission Integrity, Pipeline Safety Management System, and Geographic Information System
• Develop workflows to meet Compliance reporting requirements for new regulations
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned
Regular and predictable attendance is a condition of employment and is an essential function of the job

SALARY DETAILS

Grade: 8

Las Vegas: $95,248.00 - $142,871.00

At Southwest Gas, attracting the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company. We use flexibility to develop competitive compensation offers to ensure we are able to hire the best candidates. The quoted salary range represents the minimum and maximum of the pay range for the position. It is provided as a good faith estimate as to what our ideal candidates are likely to expect, as we tailor our offers within the range based on the selected candidate's experience, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills and other factors that may prove relevant during the interview and selection process.