Job Information
Xcel Energy Data Scientist - Wildfire/ Meteorology Focus in Denver, Colorado
Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled Data Scientist to join our team focused on innovative Wildfire Mitigation strategies. As a Data Scientist specializing in wildfire mitigation, you will play a crucial role in leveraging data-driven insights to develop and implement proactive measures to mitigate the impact of wildfires on communities and utility infrastructure. This position will analyze historical wildfire data, data on weather patterns from our Meteorology team, data on wildfire ignitions, data from vegetation management, and other relevant datasets to develop predictive models to assess wildfire risks and behavior to aid in prevention of wildfire events. Some weather forecasting knowledge/experience would be helpful, but not required.
This is a hybrid position with 3-days per week (T-W-Th) in office at the Xcel Energy location listed for this position.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time for this position.
Essential Responsibilities
Data Wrangling/Exploration: Follow consistent practices to ensure data integrity and deal with imperfections in data. Champion the acquisition of new data sources to enhance value and fill gaps; automate collection processes; effectively process structured and semi-structured/unstructured data; proficiently integrate varied datasets; collaborate with business stakeholders as needed to ensure solid data understanding and proper data transformation; work cross-functionally with development and engineering teams; analyze large amounts of information to discover trends and patterns; draw conclusions and gain actionable insights.
Machine Learning: Build predictive models; propose solutions and strategies for business problems; apply the appropriate machine learning algorithm to data problems (e.g. supervised vs. unsupervised machine learning, clustering, ensemble methods, etc.); validate model results. Work closely with architecture and engineering team to deploy models; communicate results in a clear and non-technical manner.
Communication & Relationship Building: Interact with senior management and effectively communicate technical information to numerous audiences (e.g. senior management, client community, peers and junior associates);effectively develop relationships with individuals inside and outside of IT; deliver difficult messages and express disagreement with others with confidence and self-control; address challenges to analytic processes and influence others to change their approach and work collectively to implement new tools/techniques; gain support from related stakeholders for analytic solutions and champion data driven business decisions.
Statistics: Apply appropriate statistical techniques to data exploration and model development/assessment; communicate complex statistical concepts to non-technical audiences; maintain skills through continuing education.
Data Visualization: Create meaningful data visualizations to communicate results and highlight business impact; utilize various techniques and delivery methods of visualization that are audience appropriate.
Programming: Effectively collaborate with others to deliver efficient and high quality code; implement solid validation process to ensure consistency and minimize errors; champion more efficient ways to produce code iteratively; maintain skills through continuing education; stay up to date on new technologies/ tools; seamlessly transition between languages to apply the right approach to the problem.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree in IT or Computer Science, Atmospheric Science/Meteorology, or othermath related field and 7 years of experience in analytics OR Master's degree in IT or Computer Science, Atmospheric Science/Meteorology, or other math related field and 5 years of experience in analytics.
Background in Meteorology or wildfire mitigation is preferred, but not required.
Familiarity with the utility industry and wildfire mitigation practices is a strongly preferred.
Problem solving skills, business acumen, and demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
Expert SQL, Python, R, database management skills.
Distributed Computing experience.
Excellent data visualization skills.
Knowledge of data architecture and structure.
Experience with machine learning, statistical modeling, predictive modeling are imperative; text mining and topic modeling are plus.
Experience with Neural Networks and corresponding technologies.
As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you’re ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com .
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $92,300.00 to $130,566.66 per year
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave
Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
Deadline to Apply: 07/10/24
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ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
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