Spatial Data Analyst with Statistical Competency

Role Overview:

We are looking for a highly analytical, hands-on Spatial Data Analyst with Statistical Competency to join our team, focussed within the property (primary) and retail (secondary) arms of the business. This role is designed for a self-starter who loves digging into data, applying statistical principles to real-world geography, and using modern tech to quickly bring data concepts to life.

In this role, you will bridge the gap between deep data interrogation, spatial analytics, and client-facing prototyping. You won't just analyze data in isolation—you will query massive datasets, run statistical models in Python, and build lightweight, interactive dashboards to showcase your concepts to clients and internal stakeholders before we build them into production.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Data Interrogation & Spatial SQL

• Query, clean, and manipulate massive, complex datasets using SQL.
• Leverage Spatial SQL to perform geographic joins, buffer analyses, and distance calculations to understand spatial relationships.
• Investigate and profile data to identify anomalies, trends, and structural patterns.

2. Statistical Analysis & Modelling

• Conduct exploratory data analysis (EDA) and run hypothesis tests using Python.
• Assist in the build and calibration of predictive and descriptive models (e.g., regression analysis, spatial clustering) to support our property and geographic risk engines.
• Translate complex statistical findings into practical, real-world business insights.

3. Rapid Prototyping & Client POCs

• Use Power BI (or Python-based web frameworks) to quickly "hack together" interactive dashboards and Proof of Concept (POC) tools.
• Present raw data concepts visually to clients and stakeholders to gather feedback and prove business value before committing engineering resources.
• Design and maintain reports that track spatial trends and model performance.

Requirements

Qualifications / Experience:

• BSc or BCom (Hons preferred) in Statistics, Geoinformatics / GIS (with a strong stats focus), Econometrics, or a highly quantitative field
• 1 to 3 years of professional, hands-on experience in a data-heavy corporate or consulting environment.

Technical skills:

• SQL: Strong query-writing skills are essential. You must understand database structures and have practical experience with Spatial SQL concepts (spatial joins, working with geometry/geography data types).

• Python: Proficient in Python for data manipulation and spatial analysis (geopandas, shapely, and GDAL).
• Power BI: Skilled in building interactive, user-friendly dashboards, setting up data relationships, and writing DAX where needed.

Non-technical skills:

• Mindset: A "builder" mentality. You enjoy tinkering with tools to find creative ways to visualize and solve problems. A passion/interest for the Automotive Industry

Benefits

Company overview:

Lightstone is an intelligent solutions company with strong, industry-specific expertise and core capabilities in data management, GIS, analytics, and software development. 

We specialize in delivering integrated, online knowledge solutions, batch and real-time data quality solutions.

We hire exceptional people and provide them with the environment where they can excel. Our non-corporate culture encourages flexibility, collaboration, and innovation. 

We pride ourselves in our core values to Encourage Participation, Respond to Changing Needs and Win Together, which are reflected in each development, project, product, or service we undertake to deliver.

What we offer:

• Rich Datasets: Work with some of the most comprehensive property, automotive, and spatial datasets in South Africa.
• Fast-Paced Innovation: A collaborative space where you can quickly test out new ideas, build prototypes, and see your work impact real clients immediately.
• Mentorship & Growth: Learn from senior data scientists and GIS experts in a supportive, hybrid environment.
• Market-related salary
• 25 days Leave
• Hybrid working model