Senior Data Engineer/Data Systems Engineer

Summary

SUMMARY

The Senior Data Engineer/Data Systems Engineer serves as a technical expert and strategic partner responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining advanced data architectures and processing systems that support the National Park Service’s mission. This role oversees the full data lifecycle from requirements capture and database design to the creation and optimization of complex data pipelines. The position involves working with large and diverse datasets, ensuring data quality and integrity, and enabling secure and efficient data access across the organization. By collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, the Senior Data Engineer helps translate business needs into scalable technical solutions that enhance decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and advance data governance objectives. This role requires strong technical expertise, excellent problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to driving continuous improvement and innovation.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000Comprehensive federal benefits package available to full-time employees, including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plan participation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Developing and maintaining data processing software responsible for requirement capture, database development, data documentation, and the development and maintenance of data processing pipelines.
• Coordinating with NPS staff to create unique data infrastructure.
• Running tests on designs to isolate errors and updating systems to accommodate changes in NPS needs.
• Developing data models, database schemas, data pipelines, and performing data migration activities.
• Migrating data from as-is to to-be data structures.
• Maintaining expertise in SQL and Python programming to write procedural code for databases including Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL (T-SQL or PL/pgSQL code).
• Understanding enterprise-level spatial data management, its unique characteristics, and how to effectively store spatial data within RDBMS and geodatabases.
• Creating data migration plans, documenting key activities, tasks, and risks.
• Building required coding and/or infrastructure for optimal extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) of data from various data sources using Cloud and SQL technologies.
• Performing analysis to assess quality and meaning of data; documenting data business and quality rules and implementing them.
• Designing quality management processes and planning for data migration activities, including validation of loaded data.
• Identifying, designing, and implementing internal process improvements, including redesigning infrastructure for greater scalability, optimizing data delivery, and automating manual processes.
• Working with stakeholders and customers, assisting them with data-related technical issues and data infrastructure needs.
• Working with NISC and other NPS staff to identify process improvement opportunities and propose system modifications; creating presentations and reports.
• Structuring small and large data sets appropriate to the intended audience or application to support efficient retrieval of usable information; performing data requests as needed.
• Defining and maintaining domain definition requirements for attributes/columns.
• Working with a team of analysts, database administrators, GIS specialists, and other personnel to process alphanumeric and geospatial information and support data governance activities.
• Developing and documenting appropriate metadata records for data management systems and data standards.
• Showcasing advanced expertise in developing and optimizing complex data pipelines and analytics solutions that significantly enhance decision-making capabilities and operational efficiency.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Senior level: Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge across key tasks and high impact assignments.
• Plans and leads major technology assignments.
• Evaluates performance results and recommends major changes affecting project growth and success.
• Functions as a technical expert across multiple project assignments.
• May supervise others.
• Strong understanding and ability to plan and design modern databases and data structures, including geospatial.
• Strong analytical and time management skills.
• Experience with computer programming, distributed systems, database design and administration.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated and able to handle tasks with minimal supervision or questions.
• Ability to deliver a high level of customer service.
• Understanding of data governance and stewardship processes and activities.
• Ability to develop, implement, deploy, and maintain data management solutions.
• Focus on continuous data quality improvement and innovative ways to leverage data.
• Effective communication skills to operate with others and communicate clearly.
• Ability to partner well within a collaborative, national, matrixed team environment.
• Eagerness to advocate for data management best practices.
• Proficiency in relevant tools and technologies for data analysis and engineering.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Engineering, or a closely related technical field is required; a Master’s degree is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in data engineering, data systems development, or a similar technical role, including designing and maintaining complex data architectures and pipelines.
• Extensive hands-on experience developing and optimizing data models, database schemas, and ETL/ELT processes in enterprise environments.
• Strong expertise in SQL and procedural database programming languages (e.g., T-SQL, PL/pgSQL), with demonstrated experience on platforms such as Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL.
• Proven experience working with cloud-based data platforms and services (e.g., Microsoft Azure, AWS), including cloud-native data integration and storage solutions.
• Experience with large-scale data migrations, performance tuning, and supporting data governance and quality initiatives at the organizational level.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, mentor junior engineers, and provide strategic input on data architecture and system design.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• Supervision may be required for this position. 
• As a Senior level personnel, this position may provide oversight of others.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work can be performed at the contractor's facility or at the National Park Service (NPS) facility at Building 50, Denver Federal Center, Lakewood, CO 80225.
• Remote work is allowed with COR or task inspector approval.

Our Values:

Native American Owned & Proud | Accountable | Team Focused | Innovative | Visionary | Excellence

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Frequently required to sit, talk, and use hands to operate equipment.
• Occasionally required to lift objects up to 25 pounds.
• Requires close vision, distance vision, and the ability to focus for extended periods.

AAP/EEO Statement

Ho-Chunk, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. However, preference may be extended to persons of Indian descent in accordance with applicable laws.