Data Consultant 3 (Internal Opportunity Only)

Are you energized by tackling large projects, analyzing and interpreting complex data, and ensuring data integrity? Does being part of talented team focused on providing accurate and reliable data that will directly support the success of a multi-year, multi-million-dollar complete data transformation sound appealing to you? Can you see yourself playing a key role in one of the state's largest IT moderation efforts - where your expertise will help shape the future of how the Department of Retirement Systems serves thousands of public employees across Washington State! If this sounds like an exciting opportunity to you, the Data Consultant 3 at the Information Services Division could be the perfect next step in your career!

Please do not apply if you are not a current employee of the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). This recruitment is open to permanent and current DRS team members only.
Please be sure to apply before 11:59 PM on Sunday, September 21, 2025.
Virtual Interviews will be scheduled on October 2 and 3, 2025.

This project role is funded through June 2027 with the potential be extended through January 2028.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a highly skilled Data Consultant 3 to play a key role in the Creating an Outstanding Retirement Experience (CORE) Pension Administration Modernization (PAM) project, a multi-year initiative to replace the Department of Retirement Systems' (DRS) legacy pension administration system with a modern SQL-based platform. In this role, you will conduct data cleansing and conditioning activities to prepare legacy retirement system data for transition to the new platform. This is a project-based role located in the Information Services Division (ISD) and fully allocated to CORE:PAM and offers the opportunity to directly influence the long-term quality and reliability of Washington's pension data.

• Conducting in-depth research and analysis to identify data errors, anomalies, and root causes, and recommending corrective strategies.
• Developing and implementing scalable data transformation processes that prepare legacy retirement system data for migration into the new SQL-based Neospin platform.
• Designing, testing, and refining logic frameworks to ensure accurate and consistent conversion of decades of complex historical data.
• Documenting transformation logic, assumptions, methodologies, and decision points to ensure auditability and long-term knowledge retention. Providing subject matter expertise and quality control on peer and vendor data transformation work.
• Communicating findings, risks, and recommendations clearly to project leadership and stakeholders to inform executive decision-making.
• Collaborating with business analysts, IT experts, and vendors to align data cleansing strategies with system requirements, business rules, and policy constraints.
• Building tools, templates, dashboards, and tracking mechanisms to monitor and report on data quality and migration progress.
• Contributing to a culture of collaboration, open communication, and continuous improvement within the project team.

NOTE: This is a fully remote role, however you must live within a reasonable commuting distance (less than 50 straight-line miles) to the DRS building in Tumwater, WA, to attend mandatory regularly scheduled on-site meetings. In addition, you must be willing and able to adjust your telework schedule whenever necessary to complete work assignments, attend trainings, etc., at the DRS facility.

What we're looking for (required qualifications):

Proven experience understanding and working with pension related data. This experience is typically gained through two (2) years of experience working in a state or local pension system;

OR

Proven experience reading, understanding, and interpreting complex information, rules, laws and/or policies in a professional setting. This experience is typically gained through at least three (3) years of professional experience. A Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, data/mathematics or closely allied field may substitute for up to two years of experience. Experience can be gained through various combinations of professional employment and volunteer/personal experience. Experience may be concurrent.

Additional required qualifications include:

• The ability to develop, organize and conduct difficult research;
• Experience analyzing and interpreting complex data;
• Knowledge of data management concepts including data normalization; techniques for collecting, compiling, evaluating and correcting data;
• Demonstrated ability to comprehend and understand new, complex information quickly and easily
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams; and
• Demonstrated proficiency in the following competency areas:

Problem Solving - Analyzes problem to identify the root cause(s). Evaluates possible courses of action; uses reason, logic, and creativity to reach conclusions. Develops timely, effective solutions that take into consideration alternatives, risks, and consequences in relation to organizational goals, resources and constraints.

Analysis - Studies and reviews documents and information closely; readily identifies information that is not pertinent and understands when additional or verifying data is needed. Uses data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make recommendations/decisions.

Attention to Detail - Plans and organizes time and resources efficiently. Follows processes and procedures in the completion of work. Carefully monitors the details and quality of work and double-checks work product to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Communication - Effectively conveys information in writing and through the spoken word, using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience. Sees communication as a vital component of high performing teams.

Learning Agility - Uses challenges as opportunities to improve ;turns mistakes into learning opportunities. Is a proactive learner and seeks opportunities to stretch skills and gain additional exposure and experience.

Be sure to read this entire section - We promise, it'll be helpful.

How to Apply: Interested applicants who are a current employee of DRS and meet the qualifications and competencies in this announcement are encouraged to apply.

• To be considered for this position, please be sure to attach the following to your online application:
  (Applications without these required attachments will not be accepted).
  1. A cover letter clearly describing how your knowledge, skills and abilities align with the job duties and qualifications of this position.
  2. A chronological resume outlining your experience to-date. Please keep in mind that professional or verifiable volunteer experience may be relevant.
• Be sure to complete all sections of the on-line application and answer all supplemental questions. The work history section of the on-line application should be completed fully. Application fields that say "see resume/attachment" will not be considered. Only those applicants whose background and experience most closely matches the desirable qualifications and competencies of this position will be considered for this opportunity.
• Please do not apply if you are not a current employee of the Department of Retirement Systems.

References, Personnel File Review, and Background Checks

• If you are the preferred candidate for this position, a professional reference from your current or most recent supervisor will be required;
• If you are current or recent state employee, we may also review your personnel file as part of our selection process;
• A job offer is contingent upon completion of a background check that includes a criminal record review.