This professional technical position supports the Property Appraiser's Office by performing advanced data analysis, data engineering, reporting, and visualization to improve valuation accuracy, operational efficiency, and statutory compliance. The Data Scientist develops dashboards, analytical tools, automated workflows, and high quality datasets that enhance the work of the Appraisal Department.
The Data Scientist improves data quality, prepares and integrates datasets, develops decision support tools, and conducts analytical studies used in mass appraisal, valuation, and roll production. Work is performed under the direction of the Appraisal Director and the Land Manager.
Responsibilities also include performing database administration duties such as monitoring, routine maintenance, supporting performance tuning, and ensuring data integrity and security.
- Collaborate with senior-level staff to build and maintain a complex code base that performs a wide range of production and analytic tasks.
- Integrate data from CAMA systems, GIS platforms, deeds, permits, and external sources, ensuring consistency across internal systems.
- Build, maintain, and optimize SQL queries that support modeling, appraisal, and data entry operations.
- Maintain data dictionaries, documentation, and technical specifications for datasets used across the office.
- Develop dynamic and interactive dashboards using Power BI (or similar tools) for appraisers, management, and leadership.
- Create tools and data products that assist staff in understanding parcel characteristics, value changes, and classification trends.
- Develop visual tools and summary reports that help communicate model performance, market behavior, and data distributions.
- Manage complex interfaces with senior-level staff to deliver data science projects that provide improvements to efficiency, transparency, and fairness.
- Assist in evaluating sales data and land location factors to support the Manager and Regression Modeler.
- Assist in training staff on data literacy, dashboard usage, and accessing analytical tools.
- Research and recommend new tools, technologies, and methods that enhance analytics, visualization, automation, and reporting.
- Manage data collection, cross-channel data integration, predictive analytics, reporting, dashboards, and data visualization.
- Collaborate with senior-level staff to develop strategies to identify and pursue opportunities to use data science within the PCPA to improve services.
- Identify data inconsistencies and collaborate with appraisal, GIS, and IT staff to resolve issues and improve data quality.
- Create repeatable workflows for high volume or statutory tasks (e.g., annual updates, abstract validation, roll monitoring).
- Perform other duties as assigned and must participate in departmental meetings, cross-training, educational courses, seminars, and organizational efforts as directed.
- Position may require driving to offsite training, occasional travel to agency offices and other required work-related locations.
Essential Physical Skills
The essential physical skills described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description provided they are reasonably related to, and consistent with, the responsibilities of the position as if they were expressly included in this job description.
- Ability to regularly stand, walk, sit, stoop, crouch or crawl.
- Ability to speak and hear.
- Ability to effectively communicate with others, verbally and in written form.
- Ability to use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls.
- Ability to reach with hands and arms.
- Ability to sit at a desk and view a display screen for extended periods of time .
- Ability to read, spell, understand, and interpret words, letters, and other symbols.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
- When working outside, the employee may be exposed to and must be able to endure extremes of weather conditions common to Central Florida.
- Position may also require driving.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Technical Skills
- Knowledge of utilizing SQL applications for ad hoc queries and reporting.
- Skill in developing dashboards and visualizations (Power BI, Tableau, etc.).
- Ability to analyze large datasets using statistical or analytical tools (Python, R, SPSS, etc.).
- Ability to develop automated workflows, scripts, and quality control processes.
- Familiarity with GIS concepts and spatial analysis tools.
- Ability to design reports, metrics, and data models that support decision making.
- Skilled in utilizing statistical software and analytical tools to evaluate sales data and model performance.
Appraisal Concepts
- General knowledge of principles, practices, techniques, standards, procedures and terminology required to estimate the market value of real property.
- Knowledge of appraisal software applications and valuation systems.
- Familiarity with mass appraisal techniques and assessment practices.
- Knowledge of statistics and other quantitative tools of data analysis and their application to the appraisal process.
- Knowledge of IAAO standards for mass appraisal.
- Knowledge of Florida Statutes and ordinances governing practices and principles of real property appraisal.
Analytical
- Strong ability to collect, validate, compare, and analyze complex datasets.
- Synthesizes complex or diverse information.
- Applies principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
- Collects and researches data.
- Uses intuition and experience to complement data.
- Designs workflows and operational procedures to improve efficiency and quality control.
- Uses experience and professional judgment to complement quantitative analysis.
- Identifies trends, anomalies, and valuation outliers for corrective action.
Cooperation / Teamwork
- Skilled in effectively working in a dynamic environment, both independently and in a team setting.
- Builds and maintains professional working relationships with other deputies, county departments and governmental agencies and businesses.
- Meets statutory and internal production deadlines while maintaining quality standards.
- Balances individual responsibilities with team objectives.
- Demonstrates tact, professionalism, and openness to diverse viewpoints.
- Provides and receives constructive feedback.
- Contributes to building a positive and collaborative work culture.
- Offers support and assistance to colleagues as needed.
Job Knowledge
- General knowledge of the ethical guidelines applicable to the position as outlined by professional standards.
- Ability to interpret and comply with Florida Statutes, federal, state or local laws, rules and regulations, administrative rules, and departmental policies.
- Capable of learning assigned tasks readily, following instructions, and adhering to prescribed departmental and administrative policies and procedures.
- Adapts to policy changes due to internal or external sources, adjusting business processes.
- Ability to analyze facts, exercise judgment, make independent decisions, solve problems, arrive at valid conclusions, and meet production deadlines.
- Ability to read and interpret maps, blueprints, plats, and aerial photos.
- Understands CAMA systems, internal applications, mapping systems, and public-facing property websites.
- Knowledge of office-wide processes, tax roll preparation procedures, and statutory deadlines.
- Adapts to policy, legislative, or procedural changes and adjusts business processes accordingly.
- Exercises sound judgment in analyzing facts, solving problems, and meeting production goals.
Self-Management
- Functions effectively in a mass appraisal environment with minimal supervision.
- Dresses appropriately for position and keeps self well groomed.
- Consistently at work and on time, and arrive at meetings and appointments on time.
- Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
- Observes safety and security procedures; and reports potentially unsafe conditions.
- Ability to work with the public under stress, difficult and/or sometimes unpleasant circumstances.
- Prioritizes workload to meet productivity standards and statutory deadlines.
Use of Technology
- Proficient in personal computer operations and standard office software (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.).
- Skilled in CAMA systems, mapping applications, and internal valuation platforms.
- Generates analytical and quality assurance reports.
- Adapts to emerging technologies to improve productivity and accuracy.
Communication
- Communicates clearly and concisely in both written and verbal formats.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Understand and interpret oral and written instructions.
- Demonstrates strong listening and comprehension skills.
- Keeps others appropriately informed.
- Select and use appropriate communication methods based on audience and purpose.
- Presents numerical and statistical data effectively.
- Reads and interprets technical, legal, and procedural documentation.
- Ability to prepare clear written, visual, and verbal presentations.
Education and/or Work Experience
Education: Equivalent of two years of college level classes with major coursework in Computer Science or a closely related field – AND –
Experience: Two or more years' knowledge of software development and maintenance through prior work experience in-house or with another county agency or Property Appraiser's office. Knowledge of Power BI and SPSS or Python is desirable.
Each year of post-secondary education may be substituted by one (1) year of work experience.
NOTE: Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
The deputy will be required to complete the following training after hiring:
- Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL-300)
- At least one of the following cybersecurity training courses:
- CyberReady Florida Technical Foundations from USF/Cyber Florida
- The Cyber Florida Class: Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 (CSF 2.0) Practitioner Course
At the discretion of the management team, the deputy may also be required to complete and successfully obtain the following certifications and training:
- UWF Florida Cybersecurity Training Program
Florida Driver's License
To operate a Polk County vehicle and/or personal vehicle for county business, the employee must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver License. Employees who use a personal vehicle for county business shall maintain the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage a vehicle operator must keep and maintain as required by Florida Statute 324.021 (7) (a)(b)(c).
Work Environment and Special Work Conditions
The work environment for administrative and/or customer service positions involves a safe and secure general office setting. The work environment for appraisal and/or investigative positions involves general office settings along with outdoor / field work environments that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.
Outdoor fieldwork involves exposure to weather conditions and environments common to Central Florida.
SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS: All county employees may be called upon to assist other departments in a declared emergency situation (i.e. hurricane).
Stipulations of Employment
PCPA employees shall not either for gratis or for compensation engage in any licensed real estate activities such as, but not limited to, buying, selling or acting as a broker for others; appraising property inside Polk County; selling PCPA computerized database information; engaging in any outside assessment / appraisal computer programming or consulting. Furthermore, employees and members of their household may not own or hold financial interest in an assessment / appraisal business.
At Will Statement
Employment at the Polk County Property Appraiser's Office is on an “at-will” basis. Employment may be terminated at any time, with or without cause by either the employee or employer. Employment is not guaranteed, contracted or promised for any length of time. No person other than the Polk County Property Appraiser has the authority to alter the at-will status of your employment or to enter into any employment contract with you. The Polk County Property Appraiser reserves the right to change, amend or revoke rates of pay, terms and conditions of your employment and job offers at any time.
Veteran's Preference
Veterans' preference in appointment and retention will be provided in accordance with Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, where applicants are determined to be substantially equally qualified for a position. Eligible veterans and eligible spouses must submit the required supporting documentation at the time of application.
Equal Employment Opportunity/ADA Statement
The Polk County Property Appraiser is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.