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15-2051.00 · Task explorer

Data Scientists: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

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This source lists 16 tasks, including 15 marked Core and 1 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2026.

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16 tasks shown

Core · Task 21823 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Analyze, manipulate, or process large sets of data using statistical software.

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Core · Task 21828 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Create graphs, charts, or other visualizations to convey the results of data analysis using specialized software.

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Core · Task 21837 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Test, validate, and reformulate models to ensure accurate prediction of outcomes of interest.

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Core · Task 21829 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Deliver oral or written presentations of the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.

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Core · Task 21836 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Recommend data-driven solutions to key stakeholders.

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Core · Task 21831 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Identify business problems or management objectives that can be addressed through data analysis.

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Core · Task 21827 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Compare models using statistical performance metrics, such as loss functions or proportion of explained variance.

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Core · Task 21826 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Clean and manipulate raw data using statistical software.

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Core · Task 21833 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Identify solutions to business problems, such as budgeting, staffing, and marketing decisions, using the results of data analysis.

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Core · Task 21824 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Apply feature selection algorithms to models predicting outcomes of interest, such as sales, attrition, and healthcare use.

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Core · Task 21832 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Identify relationships and trends or any factors that could affect the results of research.

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Core · Task 21838 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Write new functions or applications in programming languages to conduct analyses.

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Core · Task 21835 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Read scientific articles, conference papers, or other sources of research to identify emerging analytic trends and technologies.

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Core · Task 21834 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Propose solutions in engineering, the sciences, and other fields using mathematical theories and techniques.

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Core · Task 21825 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Apply sampling techniques to determine groups to be surveyed or use complete enumeration methods.

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Supplemental · Task 21830 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Design surveys, opinion polls, or other instruments to collect data.

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Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.