Data Science Contract Jobs in Helena, MT (NOW HIRING)

This first review of applications will be August 3, 2026. Please submit the following required documents on the State of Montana Careers website:

• Resume - Please include dates of employment and your supervisor's name/phone number for each position.

For a complete job description, please email opi.careers@mt.gov

To be considered for this position, you must reside in Montana.

Why you would enjoy working here; Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200 unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPI's purpose with applicable knowledge in education, health, research and analysis, nutrition, finance, administration, human resources, licensing and regulation, information technology, and many others. We are proud to serve 149,000 students pre-K to grade 12, their parents and guardians, 400 school districts, 16,000 educational professionals, and 3,000 adult learners. 

Benefits of working for OPI:

         Work/life balance

         Family friendly

         Dedicated and caring colleagues

         Health coverage

         Retirement plans

         Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)

         Opportunities and room for professional growth

         Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Job Overview: The Science Assessment Specialist is the primary liaison between Montana schools and state and federal science assessment requirements. Reporting to the Director of Assessment, this role provides training, technical assistance, and resources to ensure effective administration of statewide science assessments and appropriate use of results within the Montana Comprehensive Assessment System (MontCAS). This position has no supervisory duties.

The science assessments supported by this position include:

         Montana Science Assessment (grades 5 and 8)

         ACT with Writing - science (grade 11)

         MAST Science Pilot

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors):

         Knowledge of assessment policies and practices that ensure technical quality, validity, reliability, and proper use of results.

   Knowledge of federal and state laws, including FERPA, related to assessment, accountability, and studentlevel data management.

         Knowledge of educational administration principles, program management, and organizational operations.

         Skill in data analysis, interpretation, and communication of implications for varied audiences.

         Skill in organizing and managing multiple projects, timelines, contracts, and assessment deliverables.

         Skill in developing and delivering professional development and communications to the field.

         Ability to plan, oversee, and evaluate statewide assessment programs and processes.

         Ability to interpret and apply federal and state laws, regulations, and policies.

         Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse professionals and stakeholder groups.

         Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing.

         Ability to evaluate program materials, test items, and assessment specifications for quality and alignment.

         Ability to manage data privacy, confidentiality requirements, and secure data practices.

         Ability to navigate political and educational environments when presenting data or explaining assessment issues.

         Ability to access, retrieve, and synthesize information from educational databases and national clearinghouses.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

         Bachelor's degree in education, assessment, measurement, data science, or a related field.

         Three (3) years of science instruction in a K-12 classroom experience.

         Five (5) years of professional experience in K-12 education or assessment.

Preferred Experience

         Master's degree in education, leadership, assessment, or a related field.

         Experience working with large-scale assessment systems at the district, state, or consortium level.

         Experience with federal education programs or accountability systems.

         Other combinations of related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Does this sound like you?

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume online, including any veterans or disability preference documentation. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. 

OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position is in the TRS retirement system.