WHO WE ARE

After an initial period of on-site work, this position is eligible for a hybrid (both onsite and remote) telework arrangement. Candidate’s permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

This position will initially be located at our St. Paul office.  After an initial period of time, the position will be located at our Minneapolis office.

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. 

The Office of General Counsel provides a wide range of legal and advisory services for the Metropolitan Council board and the organization’s regional administration, management, and staff of its operating divisions.  The Council’s Data Practices Office is housed within the Office of General Counsel. It receives and responds to data requests; partners with all five divisions; and ensures that the Council complies with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. The successful applicant will coordinate data requests involving the Council’s Metro Transit division and work closely with Metro Transit leadership and staff. They will be under the general supervision of the Head of Data Practices.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Data Practices Specialist will support public access to Metropolitan Council information as well as data privacy rights. The position manages data requests involving the Council’s Metro Transit division by collecting, reviewing, and redacting government data in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and other privacy and disclosure laws.

What you would do in this job

• Under the supervision of the Head of Data Practices, ensure the Council’s compliance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA).
• Communicate with data requesters and respond to data requests.
• Work with Metro Transit staff to understand responsive data and gather documents and data that respond to data requests.
• Track outstanding documents and data needed to respond to data requests; follow-up with Transit staff regularly to ensure timely receipt of the data. Assist Transit staff with questions about data requests.
• In consultation with the Head of Data Practices, review documents and data for responsiveness. Mark for redaction data that are classified as private, confidential, nonpublic, or not public under the MGDPA, or nonpublic data under federal laws and regulations.  
• Work with technology, software, and audio/video platforms to gather data and help requesters of various skill levels access the data.
• Manage data request documentation in the Data Practices Office’s data request management system.   
• Represent the Data Practices Office within the Metro Transit division. 
• Communicate and build trust across the Metro Transit division; with other Council stakeholders; and with data requesters.
• Work with Data Practices Office colleagues to develop internal guidance, systems, and processes to support the work of the Office and its internal customers, including Metro Transit.  
• Remain current in and participate in continuing education and training opportunities related to data practices, e-discovery, records management, and commonly used standards, methods, and procedures.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Any of the following combinations of experience (in legal assistance, document management, discovery, data practices or related area) and completed education (degree field of study in Law, Paralegal Studies, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field):

• Bachelor’s degree or higher with two (2) years of experience
• Associate degree with four (4) years of experience
• High school diploma/GED with six (6) years of experience

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• One (1) year working with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA).
• Demonstrated experience applying the MGDPA to a wide variety of types of data typically held by government entities.
• Experience working with electronic data and records management systems.
• Advanced computer skills including use of software redaction tools, e-discovery software, and document management software.
• Experience working across groups in a large, complex organization.
• Public sector experience or demonstrated knowledge of public sector obligations.
• Experience working with diverse internal and external customers. 

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

Knowledge of:

• Data privacy and transparency concepts, including specific knowledge of the MGDPA and other data privacy laws and regulations. 
• Document review, e-discovery, or similar data review processes.
• Data management concepts, principles, and processes.
• Records management concepts, principles, and processes.

Skills in:

• Communicating both orally and in writing.
• Time management and organization.
• Reviewing, understanding, and applying laws, statutes, and regulations. 
• Interpersonal relationships, and comfort working with individuals at all levels of the organization as well as a broad range of external customers.
• E-discovery and document retention platforms and the use of redaction tools.

Ability to:

• Work both independently and in a team setting.
• Collaborate and problem solve.
• Prioritize and organize tasks effectively to meet deadlines.
• Work in, learn and help others understand a wide variety of technology, software, data storage, and audio/video platforms. 
• Exercise independent judgment and apply redactions consistent with state and federal privacy and disclosure laws.
• Work in a setting requiring confidentiality and sensitivity to privacy needs.
• Work within and meet deadlines with a minimum of oversight, with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Promote an equitable, positive, and respectful environment that values culture and diversity.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area. 
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement. 
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Additional information

Union/Grade:  AFSCME / Grade F
FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive:  No

What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.
 
What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications. 
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history.  A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job.  If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a criminal background check if the job you’re applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards.  A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. 
 
If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.