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Data Specialist

Town of Normal
Full-time
On-site
Normal, Illinois, United States
$71,028 - $112,958 USD yearly
Data Specialist

Job Description

Applications will be accepted from qualified applicants until position is filled.  Review of applications will begin immediately.


The starting salary is $71,028 to $92,232, depending upon qualifications. The full salary range for this position is up to $112,958.


Are you passionate about harnessing data to drive smart city transformation, elevate government performance, and foster a culture of transparency and innovation? The Town of Normal, a What Works Cities Silver–certified city recognized for its commitment to data-informed governance, is seeking a mission-driven and collaborative Data Specialist to join its Innovation & Technology (I&T) Department and help shape how data empowers our community.


In this exciting role, you will lead end-to-end data initiatives, from collecting and transforming data to visualizing insights and developing data governance frameworks. You’ll work closely with departments to solve problems, identify opportunities for data-driven improvements, build capacity through training, and champion open data and transparency efforts.


You will play a critical role in maintaining and advancing the Town’s What Works Cities Silver Certification, a prestigious international standard for data-informed governance, by supporting assessments, performance tracking, and aligning Town practices with best-in-class benchmarks. Additionally, you’ll contribute to shaping the Town's Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy and integrating data into cutting-edge technologies like IoT and digital twins.


If you thrive in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment and are excited to use data for the public good, this role is for you!

Duties/Essential Job Functions

Data Collection, Integration & Automation

  • Extract, transform, and load (ETL) data from multiple sources and systems.
  • Develop automated data pipelines and scripts to streamline data workflows.
  • Integrate data from APIs, databases, and third-party platforms.
  • Maintain a comprehensive data inventory across departments, including metadata, source, and access levels.

Analysis & Visualization

  • Conduct exploratory and statistical analysis to uncover trends and patterns.
  • Build interactive dashboards and reports using Power BI, ArcGIS, or similar tools.
  • Develop predictive models and perform hypothesis testing to support strategic initiatives.
  • Communicate findings effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.

Data Governance & Quality Assurance

  • Assist in implementing data policies, including data classification and open data policies.
  • Evaluate and improve data quality, completeness, and readiness for publication.
  • Ensure datasets meet compliance and security standards such as PII and sensitive data.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration, Training & Certification Support

  • Partner with departments to define KPIs and metrics that align with business goals and support accountability measures.
  • Lead the Town's Data Innovation Team (iTeam) and create resources to improve data literacy.
  • Provide technical documentation, user guides, and process maps.
  • Support transparency by contributing to open data initiatives and public-facing dashboards.


Innovation, Research & Smart City Integration

  • Collaborate on the Town’s pursuit and maintenance of What Works Cities Certification by contributing to data assessments, benchmarks, and reporting deliverables.
  • Help track progress toward certification standards and assist in aligning departmental practices with What Works Cities’ data-driven governance criteria.
  • Monitor industry trends and recommend enhancements to the Town’s data strategy.
  • Contribute to integration of data with smart city tools such as IoT sensors, digital twins, or AI-based analytics.
  • Participate in special projects and assume additional responsibilities as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skill and Abilities

Technical Skills

  • Intermediate to advanced understanding of
    1. SQL skills and experience working with relational databases; 
    2. data visualization platforms (e.g., Power BI, ArcGIS); 
    3. Python or other scripting languages and automated data workflows; 
  • Working knowledge of
    1. HTML and CSS
    2. windows PowerShell. 
    3. connectors such as APIs, and ODBC; 
    4. Machine Learning and Large Language Models (LLMs); 
    5. Generative AI models & frameworks e.g. OpenAI family, open source LLMs, Dall-e
    6. DevOps tools like GIT
  • High level proficiency with ETL tools and techniques, reporting systems, and data modeling.
  • Understanding data classifications, privacy regulations, and governance standards.

Analytical & Communication Skills

  • Ability to conduct statistical analysis and interpret complex datasets.
  • Ability to think critically and use independent judgement.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills, including ability to translate data concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Strong documentation, report writing.
  • Ability to teach data concepts and tools to various audience.

Organizational & Project Skills

  • Excellent time management and multitasking abilities.
  • Detail-oriented with a strong sense of accountability.
  • Self-starter with a collaborative mindset and ability to work across departments.
  • Ability to ask the right questions and understand business needs

Other Requirements

  • Must have permanent authorization to work in the US.
  • Must possess a valid Driver’s License.
  • Must pass a criminal background check.
  • Public sector experience is a strong plus.

Desirable Training and Experience

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in data science, mathematics, statistics, economics, or computer science or four years of relevant data management and/or data as a service experience  Completed coursework, training, or continued education in a related field including but not limited to Data Analytics, Computer Science, and / or skills based training; Three (3) plus years of experience preferred.

The Town of Normal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Town of Normal does not use artificial intelligence to screen applications.