Data Scientist or Engineer

Data Scientist/Data Engineer

Location: Anywhere within the United States

Reports to: Senior Data Architect

Salary: $85,000 - $110,000

The Partnership is the data leader in developing solutions for the circular economy. Through developing and maintaining a database of recycling programs and what they accept, we provide residents with accurate local information about what to put in their recycling bin. We have built a cutting-edge system for keeping the data up to date and providing the data to partners. The system can accept information from communities directly through our Solutions Hub, parse guidance from community websites, and conduct internal research. We now have the opportunity to grow this system into new areas and expand the data ecosystem for the circular economy.

This Data & Analytics team member will help develop and oversee numerous data processes and integrations. If you are interested in creating the data and communications systems needed for a high-functioning recycling system, this role could be a good fit for you.

WHO YOU ARE:

We’re inclusive, so be yourself! We celebrate and support the differences that make each of us unique and appreciate the culture-add that each new employee brings to our organization. Since the System Optimization team works with a diverse group of team members and external partners, this job will be well suited to you if:

• You possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• You are naturally curious with a growth mindset
• You are a critical thinker and problem solver
• You have an entrepreneurial nature
• You have an interest and passion for advancing the circular economy.
• You value personal and professional integrity
• You are able to work with and support a dynamic fast-paced team

WHAT WE WILL TRUST YOU WITH – and how you will use your strengths

Update National Database and Expand Analytics (50%)

Our National Database tracks recycling programs all over the country to ensure we know what is accepted and other key details about each program. This data forms the foundation for each of our software tools and for direct data licensing. It also informs the work that everyone does at the Partnership, providing insight on areas to invest in, tracking the impact of our organization, and giving solid data for big strategic decisions. This role will have the opportunity to lead aspects of the work and support the team in this critical process.

• Ensure all recycling programs in the database are updated on a regular basis through manual or automated processes
• Evaluate current text extraction and classification models (1D-CNN)
• Compare manual and machine learning processes to measure the value of automation
• Automate manual steps as much as possible
• Create dashboards and monitoring for quantifying changes in the US recycling system including access to recycling-specific materials
• Provide data exports and analysis to internal stakeholders

Support Data Processing and Existing Products (50%)

The National Database already powers Recycle Check, our on-pack QR code solution for recycling information, the Recycling Programs Solutions Hub, a tool for local recycling program leaders to improve their program, the Circular Packaging Assessment, a tool for package design guidance, and our Chatbot, where residents can ask their recycling questions. There is work to maintain and upgrade the data pipelines for these tools, especially as we continue to expand their capabilities and scale the impact. The person in this role will create new APIs and endpoints, validate that they are giving the proper data, monitor pipelines for errors, identify issues and propose or implement solutions. They will work closely with our Director of Circular Economy Data, Senior Data Architect, and Product Managers to identify priorities, scope level of effort, and collaborate on code. The role requires being organized, comfortable with a fast-paced environment, and willing to dive into the details of our data and processes.

• Develop, update and monitor APIs for internal and external applications
• Monitor and triage Sentry.io error logs
• Develop, update and monitor ETL processes and jobs
• Interface with Product Managers, Developers, and other stakeholders to expand the data ecosystem

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS – things that matter most for this role

• Experience with Python/Pandas/Jupyter notebooks for exploratory data analysis
• Experience analyzing, summarizing, and maintaining large datasets
• Enjoys automating data transformation processes and analyses
• Experience with Python virtual environments, Poetry or Pipenv
• Ability to develop and interact with APIs (understanding concurrency models, CPU/IO limited, documentation)
• Familiar with Deep Learning Models, NLP & text processing
• Familiar with GIT
• Takes ownership of datasets, understands how they work, and how to leverage data in an application
• Experience with or the desire to learn data visualization

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• 4-Year Degree in an analytical field such as Engineering, Economics, Computer Science, Complex Systems, Data Science, Environmental Studies, and many others
• OR equivalent technical education
• Minimum of 1+ years of experience in machine learning
• Minimum of 1+ years of experience in data analysis and data cleansing
• Minimum of 1+ years of data visualization experience
• Experience with data stores, especially SQL databases
• Curiosity about data analysis and desire to grow and learn
• Experience with statistical analysis
• Strong data quality management skills (e.g., identifying edge cases, finding anomalies, etc.)
• Front-end development experience is a bonus
• Passion for the environment, sustainability, reducing waste and creating the circular economy
• Self-management, communication, and people skills

WHO WE ARE:

At The Recycling Partnership, we are solving for circularity. As a mission-driven NGO, our team is committed to advancing a circular economy by building a better recycling system. We are mobilizing the people, data, and solutions across the value chain to reduce waste and our impact on the environment while also unlocking economic benefits.

• On the ground with thousands of communities to transform underperforming recycling programs
• Partners with companies to achieve packaging circularity, increase access to recycled materials, and meet sustainability commitments.
• Works with government to develop policy solutions to address the systemic needs of our residential recycling system and advance a circular economy.

To learn more about The Recycling Partnership, our mission, our vision, and our team, visit

HOW WE WORK:

• Focused on advancing circularity through transforming the recycling system in the United States with a focus on mission, action, and measurement of our impact.
• Actively committed to our Core Values and what they stand for: Act with Intention & Integrity; Embrace Change & Drive Action; Partnership is Part of our Name for a Reason, Play Well with Others; Pursue Growth and Learning; Have Fun; Be your Whole Self and finally, Take Time to Reflect and Dream.
• Employee-focused. Take a look at this short video about The Recycling Partnership team.
• Collaborative in our approach to success.
• Dedicated to excellence in everything we do.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER:

• A comprehensive employee benefits package including:
• Health insurance options under United Healthcare
• Dental & Vision insurance
• Employer paid Life, STD, and LTD insurance
• 11 paid holidays
• 4 weeks of mandatory vacation a year (office closures)
• Unlimited PTO
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with company match
• 529 Education Savings Plan
• Home Office Stipend - $1,500/year
• A company culture that’s unbeatable and includes:
• Work/Life Balance – we don’t just say it, we actually mean it
• Flexible Schedules
• Career Growth
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• DEIB Seminars and Courageous Conversations

and so much more…

WE VALUE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

The Recycling Partnership is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. The Recycling Partnership makes hiring decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.