Data Architect Specialist

Summary You will be a hands-on technologist who serves as the lead architect for the agency's data engineering platforms. You design, build, and maintain a modern data lake architecture using Microsoft Azure and Databricks (or equivalent), providing high-level strategy as well as hands-on code-level execution. You will develop and optimize complex data pipelines using ADF and Python, provide technical mentorship to data engineers, and work closely with IT staff, data analysts, and key stakeholders. Learn more about this agency Duties Specific duties as the IT Specialist (Data Architect) include the following: Develop, support, and modernize data engineering systems which collect, transform, and utilize data from various data providers. Work hands-on with technology including the Azure data platform (ADLS, ADF, Azure SQL, Databricks, Python, Spark) or equivalent; Design, build and maintain optimal data pipeline architecture; Support Data Analysts and other internal data consumers who use BI Tools, Python, and AI workloads; Create proof-of-concepts to demonstrate viability of solutions under consideration; Evolve data engineering practices within the team and across the Division; Oversee software analysis, requirements analysis, peer review, identification of code metrics, and performance monitoring; Proactively engage and collaborate with other offices to ensure that the data engineering solutions are aligned with organizational goals. The duties are written at the VH-40 band level. A key distinction in the duties for the VH-39 and VH-40 band levels are the authority to act, level of supervision, and knowledge required. The VH-39 will be known as a Data Architect and the VH-40 as a Senior Data Architect. Requirements Conditions of employment Must be a U.S. citizen. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. Resume and supporting documents (See How to Apply) Suitability for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a probationary or trial period. Submission of a financial disclosure report may be required. Qualifications Desired Qualifications Seeking an experienced data engineering platform architect with the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: You should be a strong analytical thinker and love working with data with a strong background in data engineering or application development; Must be a hands-on technologist passionate about learning new technologies and help improve the ways we can better support and leverage data engineering platforms for advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI. You must have significant hands-on experience with cloud data lake architectures and related services such as Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, Azure Data Lake Storage (ADLS Gen2), Azure SQL, and other Azure data services (or equivalents). Experience supporting data analysts using Databricks or equivalent analysis/AI platforms. A solid foundation in data technologies, including SQL, columnar, and NoSQL data stores; Hands-on programming experience writing Python code and developing data pipelines; Experience with modern software development tools and practices including unit testing, CI/CD, and API design. Demonstrated excellent skills in the ability to innovate, think critically and disaggregate problems; A passion for mentoring, coaching, and building collaborative teams. You may qualify at the VH-39 (GS-13) band level if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the VH-38 (GS-12) band in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position such as architecting and implementing enterprise-scale data lakes within Azure and Databricks environments or equivalent; building, maintaining and optimizing complex data pipelines (e.g., Azure Data Factory and Python); and providing input on the evaluation of new technologies in the data and AI realms, in a hands-on technical capacity. You may qualify at the VH-40 (GS-14) band level if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the VH-39 (GS-13) band in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position such as architecting and implementing enterprise-scale data lakes within Azure and Databricks environments or equivalent; building, maintaining and optimizing complex data pipelines using (e.g., Azure Data Factory ADF and Python); and providing strategic technical direction for the evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies in the data engineering and AI realms, in a hands-on technical capacity. In addition to the specialized experience requirements listed above for each grade level, individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below: 1. Attention to Detail 2. Customer Service 3. Oral Communication 4. Problem Solving Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education There is no substitution of education for experience at the VH-39 and VH-40. Additional information Salary Information: Base Salary Rate for the VH-39: $89,815 to $148,195 Base Salary Rate for the VH-40: $102,757 to $169,548 A locality rate of 33.94% percent for McLean, Virginia is added to the base salary rate If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For more information visit: https://www.sss.gov/verify/. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp. Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered. All FCA employees are subject to the conflict of interest laws and Standards of Ethical Conduct imposed upon all employees of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government and may be required to file a Financial Disclosure Report. FCA's supplemental ethics regulations restrict certain FCA employees concerning their direct or indirect interests in, or connections with, Farm Credit System institutions. These rules also require all employees to obtain approval for outside employment or business activities. Please contact the HR Division for additional information on these rules. FCA uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. This announcement may be used to fill similar vacancies. Applicants are encouraged to apply to all band/grade levels for which believe they are qualified for and wish to receive consideration. Shared Certificate Notice: When the Farm Credit Administration completes its hiring, the resumes of the remaining qualified candidates may be shared with additional federal agencies. During the application process, you will have an opportunity to opt-in if you would like your name, application materials, and assessment results shared for consideration for employment with additional agencies. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you can continue to explore other job opportunity announcements. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019, with some exceptions, prohibits the Farm Credit Administration from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, visit our website at (Careers at FCA | Farm Credit Administration) for information on filing a complaint. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits Review our benefits