Data Engineer II
About The Position
The Data Engineer 2 is responsible for the design, development, optimization, and administration of database solutions and data pipelines supporting the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) IT ecosystem. This role requires deep expertise in SQL Server database engineering, data modeling, ETL/ELT development, business intelligence reporting, and database administration across a complex portfolio of interdependent FPAC applications. The Data Engineer 2 provides Tier 3 technical support for data-related production issues, drives database performance optimization, supports cloud migration of data services to AWS, and contributes to the modernization of legacy monolithic database architectures. The role operates with significant autonomy across multiple application domains and serves as a subject matter expert on NRCS data structures, schemas, and cross-system data dependencies.
Requirements
- Ten (10) or more years of professional experience in database engineering, data architecture, or database administration with SQL Server.
- Five (5) or more years of experience with ETL/ELT development using SSIS, SQL Agent, or equivalent tools.
- Five (5) or more years of experience with business intelligence development including SSRS, SSAS, or Power BI.
- Three (3) or more years of experience with logical and physical data modeling usingPowerDesigner, Erwin, or equivalent tools.
- Three (3) or more years of experience supporting federal IT programs or government agency environments.
- Experience with database performance tuning, query optimization, replication, and capacity management.
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment of database changes.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain an USDA security background investigation (FBI fingerprint check and eQIP).
- Must comply with all NIST, USDA, and HSPD–12 security training and reporting requirements.
- Must complete mandatory training: Information Security Awareness (annually) and Section 508 (within 45 days of assignment).
- SQL Server (2016+): stored procedures, views, functions, triggers, query optimization, replication, backup/restore
- SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services), SQL Agent jobs, ETL/ELT pipeline development
- SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services), SSAS (SQL Server Analysis Services), Power BI
- Data modeling: PowerDesigner, Erwin Data Modeler, star/snowflake schema design
- Database versioning: Liquibase
- AWS services: RDS, S3, and related data services
- Source control: Git, TFS/Azure DevOps
- Security scanning: SonarQube, Fortify SCA
- Agile/SAFe methodologies; Jira, Confluence
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related field is preferred.
- Experience with USDA NRCS or FPAC systems and databases (e.g., CD, CART, Registry, Easements, NPAD, Protracts, NOIS, GDAC).
- Experience with Databricks or AWS Data Lake architectures.
- Experience with Tableau or MicroStrategy in addition to Power BI/SSRS.
- AWS certifications (Cloud Practitioner, Database Specialty, or equivalent).
- Experience with Oracle, PostgreSQL, or other RDBMS platforms in addition to SQL Server.
- Experience with Redgate or equivalent database DevOps tooling.
- Experience with NIST SP 800–53, FISMA, FedRAMP compliance frameworks.
- Experience with Section 508 accessibility testing.
- ITIL certification or demonstrated experience with ITIL service management processes.
- Experience with geospatial data services and FPAC GeoBranch architecture.
Responsibilities
- Database Design and Development
- DM&E Feature Development Support
- ETL/ELT and Data Pipeline Development
- Business Intelligence and Reporting
- Database Administration and Operations
- AWS Cloud Migration Support
- Data Management and Governance
- Security and Compliance
- Release and Deployment Management
- Disaster Recovery and Continuity of Operations
- Technical Leadership and Mentoring
- Modernization Assessment
Benefits
- Competitive compensation and benefits packages including paid vacation, medical, dental, vision, matching 401K plan, tuition/training reimbursement, and Long & Short-Term Disability.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
