Climate Data Specialist

About the Operational Services Division (OSD) The Operational Services Division (OSD) is an oversight agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts within the Executive Office for Administration and Finance. OSD's primary focus is to help our government buyers and business customers succeed in meeting their goals by providing outstanding customer service, competent advice and guidance, and high-quality products and services that exceed the expectations of those we serve. Join our Dynamic Team OSD's diverse team of 150 professionals is transforming the way government operates. Our hybrid work environment fosters creativity and collaboration, allowing us to deliver cutting-edge solutions in strategic sourcing, print and mail, surplus property, and more. Join us and make a lasting impact. The Climate Unit is a four-person team led by the Director of the Climate and Sustainability Unit, reporting to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operational Services. The unit supports a broad range of OSD Climate initiatives focused on sustainable purchasing, emphasizing the role of vendors in providing Environmentally Preferred Products (EPP) and implementing sustainable practices within their facilities. Additionally, it highlights the responsibility of buyers to prioritize EPP and partner with vendors committed to sustainability. The Operational Services Division's (OSD) Climate and Sustainability team is seeking a Climate Data Specialist to evaluate vendor and buyer emissions, and to develop models that calculate and compare carbon footprints of public procurement stakeholders. A key responsibility will be ranking vendors based on emissions reporting and sustainability practices, contributing to the development of a vendor scorecard. This role involves data collection and analysis to assess vendor emissions. The Climate Data Specialist will work within the Climate & Sustainability Unit to gather sustainability data, build carbon-related reporting tools, and provide data-driven insights. To succeed in this role, the Climate Data Specialist should possess the following qualifications: Eager to learn and quick to adapt Detail-oriented and highly organized Able to manage and prioritize multiple projects with competing deadlines Capable of working both collaboratively and independently Focused on meeting deadlines and delivering measurable outcomes Job Functions Data Collection & Analysis: Collect and analyze emissions data across various sectors in Massachusetts, monitoring trends in emission reductions or increases. Assess and evaluate the carbon footprint in procurement activities where applicable. Collect and analyze data on vendor sustainability practices, including Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, renewable energy use, energy efficiency, fleet electrification, and waste/water conservation through vendor-reported questionnaires. Maintain and update information Tables and references for a centralized SQL database, CAPPS (Climate Analysis and Public Procurement Scorecard), to store and process carbon footprint data and track sustainability metrics quantitatively. Carbon Cost Assessment & Integration: Develop models to assess the cost of carbon for statewide contracts and individual vendor activities. Integrate carbon cost calculations into procurement processes to measure and compare environmental impacts. Identify opportunities to reduce carbon emissions in procurement and provide recommendations to vendors and procurement teams Data Management and Tools: Oversee data collection and analysis for carbon footprint assessment tools and software tailored to procurement activities. Maintain and regularly update databases tracking the carbon impact of vendors and contracts to ensure accuracy and completeness. Vendor Scorecard Development: Develop and manage a vendor sustainability performance scorecard, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data to rank vendors based on their carbon footprint and sustainability practices. Collaborate with the Climate and Sustainability Unit to ensure vendor data aligns with state procurement policies and climate goals. Collaboration with Stakeholders: Engage with sourcing team to gather vendor sustainability and emission data. Provide guidance on carbon reporting and validate Vendors' carbon footprint. Work with internal teams (e.g., sourcing, compliance, performance analytics) to evaluate carbon cost assessments by procurement activity. Reporting & Insights: Generate detailed reports and provide data to performance analytics teams to display carbon impacts via dashboards that track state procurement activities. Support the Climate and Sustainability Unit in presenting greenhouse gas (GHG) emission data and sustainability insights to state agencies and municipalities. Conduct cost-benefit analyses of climate procurement projects, integrating the social cost of carbon into environmental benefit assessments. Incorporate GHG emission analysis and sustainability practices evaluation into the Climate and Sustainability qualitative bidder "Climate and Environmental Practices" form, as well as the quantitative Post-Award Climate Vendor questionnaire used in the state's Request for Response (RFR) processes. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Economics, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred. A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in data analysis, sustainability, procurement, or environmental policy. Experience in carbon accounting, environmental data analysis, or related fields is advantageous. Proficiency in data management and analysis; knowledge of SQL is a plus. Advanced skills in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and Microsoft Excel. Familiarity with carbon cost models, carbon footprint calculations, and life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies. Experience with procurement systems and sustainability assessments is desirable. Strong understanding of climate change, carbon emissions, and sustainability best practices. Familiarity with Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, carbon accounting standards (e.g., GHG Protocol), and sustainable procurement policies. Knowledge of environmentally preferred products (EPP) and sustainable practices in public procurement. Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills. Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously. In addition to these qualifications, the following competencies are considered key attributes for this role: As a Data Climate Specialist, you will be expected to take initiative in analyzing climate-related data, carbon emissions, and procurement practices, and translate findings into actionable insights. You'll proactively identify opportunities to integrate sustainability into procurement processes and act swiftly to implement solutions. Climate data and sustainability metrics can often involve complex and evolving information. You'll need to navigate uncertainties in carbon accounting and policy interpretation, making informed decisions even when full clarity on data or regulations isn't available. An understanding of how sustainability and carbon data impact procurement strategies and public policies will be essential. You'll use your knowledge of carbon accounting, life cycle assessments (LCA), and sustainable practices to influence procurement decisions that align with both environmental and business objectives. In this role, you will continuously seek out new methodologies for assessing carbon costs and sustainability impacts. This might involve developing new data models for carbon footprint calculations, innovating procurement assessments, or finding creative ways to integrate climate data into procurement systems. You will focus on measurable outcomes, such as reducing the carbon footprint of procurement practices and improving compliance with sustainability standards. Setting high performance standards for climate-related data analysis will help drive actionable results and impact procurement decisions. You will be responsible for promoting a vision of sustainability within public procurement, helping to drive efforts toward reducing carbon emissions and implementing environmentally preferred products. Your role will involve aligning stakeholders with this vision and motivating others to integrate sustainability into their work processes. The Operational Services Division values staff diversity and contributions to an inclusive working and learning environment. DEI Value Statement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are integral to the Operational Services Division's (OSD's) mandate to oversee transparent and equitable practices through a variety of public services and programs within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OSD commits to cultivating and nurturing a diverse workforce, which is reflective of the communities we serve and recognized as our greatest strength. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are our core principles, guiding us in who we aspire to be in our business operations and partnerships. Qualifications: First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have (A) at least two years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional or technical experience performing related duties that include business data recovery, analysis, query design, reporting and statistical analysis; or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's degree or higher with a major in Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Information Management, Statistics or a related field may be substituted for the required experience Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.