Data Science Co-op

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Ontario Digital Service

The Ontario Digital Service (ODS) is a hub of technologists, designers, data and digital government experts who deliver user-centred products and digital policies using agile processes and data-driven methods. We collaborate with ministry partners to deliver services that make interacting with the government simpler and easier for people and businesses. We are responsible for leading the digital and data transformation of our province's public sector —  a transformation that has become even more important since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We tackle complex public problems, from digital identity to responsible use of AI technology, by building a people-centred approach to the design and delivery of government services, programs and policy.

The ODS is helping transform the Ontario Public Service (OPS) into a digital organization, and as a co-op you will apply your data analytics expertise within a variety of digital products, services and policies.

The ODS is relentless about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and applies that lens to every piece of work. We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

As a Data Science Co-op you will be directly involved in developing new, forward-looking training resources. On any given day you may:

• analyze datasets, conduct exploratory data analysis and create insightful visualizations
• review literature, conduct research and jurisdictional scans on statistical techniques
• develop training materials to promote best practices in data science
• organize learning events and communicate with internal/external groups
• help people across government think about data science for social good and responsible use of AI

Our co-op students are interested in complex policy challenges, civic technology, open data and have a collaborative and early-adopter mindset and enthusiasm.

Your impact

You will help ensure that the work we do to deliver services for Ontarians is done using evidence, data and a focus on the needs of users. You will support public servants across government to learn new tools and understand how their programs, policies, and processes can be made better by engaging end users and following Ontario’s Digital and Data Directive and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance.

You will learn how efficient and effective training resources and people-centred approaches impact how people use data and make decisions within the government. You will contribute evaluation and policy perspectives on leveraging data as a strategic asset.

You will contribute to building a culture of open communication and participatory methods to share, critique, and improve not only our work, but our way of working. Most of all, you will inspire your colleagues across the government to improve the experience for the people of Ontario.

What you bring to the team

• You are enthusiastic and eager to learn.
• You are collaborative and willing to pitch in where needed and can manage your time to provide support to a variety of different projects, with a variety of different tasks.
• You are eager to work in new ways and understand how technology and digital approaches can impact government service delivery and the changing demand for government services.
• You are self-motivated and able to learn statistical techniques from a variety of sources
• You believe diversity and inclusion help create the best conditions for people to achieve the best results. Good government services are built to support all users and diverse perspectives, ideas and opinions are essential to doing that.

Requirements of the job

Eligibility

• You must be enrolled in a co-operative education program approved by a college or university.
• You must be eligible to work in Canada.
• You must be available to work from a location within the province of Ontario.

Research and analysis

• You have a basic understanding of statistical methods and data visualization techniques with the ability to extract meaningful insights from datasets.
• You have strong analytical skills to solve problems and hands-on experience in working with either R or Python.
• You are comfortable and experienced in conducting literature reviews and researching complex topics.

Subject matter expertise

• You have some knowledge of - or an interest in - how data science techniques can be applied to the design, development and implementation of public policy.
• You have an understanding of - or an interest in learning about - how bias in data can impact evidence-informed decision making.
• You have some knowledge of – or an interest in learning about – statistical forecasting.

Collaboration and partnerships

• You can work as a part of a multidisciplinary team. This requires strong communication and collaboration skills to balance and mitigate tensions within team members as well as competing interests across a broad range of internal and external partners.
• You can develop and maintain partnerships with other parts of the Ontario government, other jurisdictions and external colleagues to share best practices.
• You work in the open: sharing information, ideas, solutions and encouraging discussion.
• You work as part of a team, but can execute tasks thoroughly and independently.
• You take initiative and step up to support the team; no task is too big or small.

Why join the team

The data team at the ODS is an enthusiastic and collaborative group of individuals making government work better for people by using data science for social good and having fun while doing it.

We offer

• work that makes an impact on people and society
• learning, training and development opportunities
• open and inclusive work environment
• flexible work arrangements
• networking opportunities across government organizations

Job details

• Job title: Data Science co-op
• Area of government: Ontario Digital Service
• Location: Toronto, Ontario (currently hybrid)
• Salary: $669.57 - $892.75 weekly before tax, depending on work term
• Job term: Temporary, generally four months or eight months with some flexibilities (starting from May 2024)
• Hours of work: 36.25/week (Schedule 6)

How to apply

If you’re interested, send us an email with:

• Your cover letter and resume in one attached file
• Highlight your experience in statistical methods, data analysis and visualization

Submit your application by email to ODS.Data.Talent@ontario.ca – put “Data Science co-op” as the subject line.

We’re accepting submissions until Thursday, February 29^th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

All applications will be kept on file, and considered for future roles. If you do not want us to keep you on file, please let us know in your application email. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Inclusion and accessibility

The Ontario Public Service is an inclusive employer.

Accommodation is available under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

If you require a disability-related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know via email at ODS.Data.Talent@ontario.ca.