Lead Data Scientist

Who We Are

Want to make an impact? Join our pack and come work (and play!) with us.
At Rover, our mission is to make it easier to experience the unconditional love of a pet. We connect dog and cat parents with loving pet sitters and dog walkers across the US, Canada, and Europe. Our community of trusted pet sitters and dog walkers runs their own businesses supported by our tools and security.
We have been recognized as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in Seattle Business Magazine, showcasing our reputation as a great workplace. Our headquarters is in Seattle, but we have teams in Barcelona, San Antonio, Spokane, and remote locations. We are an agile and fast-growing company driven by esteemed tech leaders. We emphasize diversity, inclusion, and community within our workforce.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking a Lead Data Scientist to enhance our Booking Data Science team. You will lead projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. We particularly welcome candidates experienced in Search, Ranking, and Recommendations.
In this hybrid role, candidates are expected to work in the office in Barcelona two days a week (Mondays and Thursdays) and must be based locally or willing to relocate.

What Being a Data Scientist at Rover Means

Our organization is driven by data and analytics, focusing on improving customer journeys and optimizing outcomes in our marketplaces. As a Data Scientist, you will define metrics, comprehend marketplace dynamics, and develop models that underpin our business and technology.
You will tackle matchmaking issues through search and recommendations, collaborating with Lifecycle Marketing and Operations to enhance user retention.
In your role, you will:

Iterate on Rover’s search ranking algorithm, developing new context features and researching improvements.
Lead cross-functional projects in collaboration with product, engineering, and data engineering, mentoring junior team members while maintaining high quality.
Analyze marketplace dynamics, generating insights and strategic recommendations.
Implement best practices in machine learning model development and oversee operational improvements.
Design and maintain data pipelines that aid decision-making and system monitoring.

Tools and Qualifications

Your toolset will include:

SQL: Comfortable leading a SQL 101 course.
Python: Proficient in common data science libraries (scikit-learn, xgboost, numpy, scipy, pandas).
Data Visualization: Familiarity with tools like Mode, Tableau, or libraries like Matplotlib and ggplot.
Big Data Tech: Experience with AWS, Spark, or Redshift is a plus.

Your qualifications:

At least 6 years in data science and 1 year mentoring others.
A BS in a quantitative field; an advanced degree is preferable.
Understanding foundational statistical concepts and experience in machine learning or predictive modeling.
Collaborative experience with teams of developers, analysts, and marketers, particularly in two-sided marketplaces.

Why We’ll Hire You

You demonstrate the ability to structure data for insight while being passionate about analytics and model building. You thrive when working through ambiguous questions and are eager to understand the pet-sitting experience intimately. The ideal candidate showcases:

Self-driven learning and improvement mindset.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
A collaborative spirit and a love for teamwork.

Benefits of Working at Rover

Rover provides:

Competitive compensation and a long-term incentive plan.
Permanent contracts and pension plans.
Meal tickets, generous PTO, and a hybrid work model.
Health insurance, gym membership discounts, and dog-friendly policies.
Flexibility in work hours along with snacks and regular team activities.

Rover is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, ensuring every employee can succeed and thrive.