Data Analyst I

Provides analytical support to the Fire and Rescue Department through extraction of datasets, running database queries, and creating reports. Works with a variety of data sources in a SQL environment, performing queries, creating, and automating reports, and exporting data to support analysis. Uses a variety of proprietary and open-source data sources to prepare comprehensive analysis and reports utilizing business intelligence/visual analytics tools to support the needs of the Fire and Rescue Department. Participates in the analysis of available data, assessing data integrity, defining reporting objectives, and identifying areas for improvement. Collaborates with other analysts to perform reoccurring and special studies of operations data. Supports new application development efforts for data needs. Assists with creating and maintaining metadata, reporting objects, data repositories, and data dictionaries. May participate in the development of metrics and measures.

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

• Assists with the development of data sets and extracts, data standards, and data models to ensure complete, correct, accessible and shareable data for information technology development projects;
• Assists with gathering and documenting business data and information requirements;
• Assists with analyzing business forms, reports, processes, practices, and procedures;
• Assists with the development of logical data models, including the identification of data subject areas, data entities, attributes, relationships, information types, domains, and constraints;
• Assists with the development of structured diagrams, including data flow, entity life cycle, hierarchy, entity/relationships, conceptual schemas, and association matrix diagrams;
• Assists with identifying physical implementation requirements such as denormalization, data types, defaults, keys, referential integrity, and screen/script mapping;
• Assists with the development of logical data standards, definition standards, domain, and type standards;
• Assists with creating and maintaining metadata, reporting objects, data repositories, and data dictionaries;
• Assists with the implementation and training of data administration practices
• and data access tools;
• Designs and runs basic database queries to assess or validate data;
• Performs basic data cleansing and transformations to assess data quality;
• Supports data testing and analysis for initiatives of higher complexity;
• Prepares for physical database design and consolidation, standardization, cleansing,
• migration, or upload of data;
• Maintains data repositories and facilitates data access for users;
• Attends training workshops, product demonstrations, conferences, and technical briefings;
• Stays abreast of technology changes;
• Provides assistance to other staff, as needed.

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Some knowledge of information systems and the components that process data;
• Some knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods related to data administration;
• Some knowledge data administration areas such as policies and standards, data definition, modeling and logical design, database design, and quality control;
• Some knowledge of data concepts such as syntax, taxonomy, and hierarchy;
• Some knowledge of relational databases (such as Oracle or DB2) and CASE tools;
• Skill in brainstorming, presenting, sharing, discussing, and defending ideas;
• Skill in problem-solving, with appreciation and respect for diversity of differing professional views;
• Skill working with data modeling tools and relational databases;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective business relationships.
• Ability to help stakeholders effectively resolve issues related to cross-agency data sharing, usage conflicts, and data inconsistencies;
• Ability to follow special formatting requirements and conventions in work products;
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate version control over work products;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to make use of provided resources and seek guidance as needed;
• Ability to conduct research into new information technology;
• Ability to prepare user manuals and systems documentation;
• Ability to translate technical terminology into simple language and concepts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in information technology, information systems, computer science, business administration, or related field and coursework in analytics, biosystematics, biology, information architecture, engineering, library science, statistics, sociology, demographics, and/or marketing; Plus, one year classification, use, or analysis of data experience in an academic, data administration, or analytics environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated ability to develop logical research methods, conduct data analysis, and produce detailed reports and methodology documents.
• Experience conducting descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.
• Experience conducting data wrangling, data analysis, or advanced analytical reporting.
• Experience working within a public safety or first responder agency (fire department, police department, emergency communications (911), etc.).
• Experience working directly with electronic medical records or other protected health information and in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
• Experience scripting queries and designing objects using relational database software such as Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio or Oracle.
• Experience designing reports with business intelligence software such as Power BI or Tableau.
• Proven ability to work in a collaborative environment, remaining flexible to changing priorities and objectives.
• Knowledge of the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, and National Emergency Management Services Information System (NEMSIS).