As the Data Services and Platform Lead, you will join a team of data and analytics engineering professionals supporting the Office of Data and Innovation (ODI). The team develops shared platforms, services, and standards for ODI usage. These platforms, services, and standards support advanced analytics, open data, and user research for clients. They also help develop data pipelines to support project work. The team will be the go to consultants on building a modern data stack for other state teams and will share approaches and lessons with the broader state community.

You will be responsible for establishing the blueprint of ODI’s modern data stack. You will bring a user orientation to your work. You will complement the Data Services and Engineering team skillsets with your depth of experience in architecting data platforms in the cloud, developing infrastructure as code, and setting up effective CI/CD workflows for analytics. Working with ODI staff across teams, you will define the architecture based on real need. You will help identify and vet tools that meet the architectural blueprint. You will adopt a platform mindset avoiding bespoke solutions in favor of cloud-first, sustainable, and scalable solutions that address common needs across many projects and clients. This means ruthlessly prioritizing and phasing architecture investments based on those common needs.

About you. You are a systems and platform thinker that loves enabling data teams with tools to do their work efficiently and effectively. The following captures you nicely:

• You love engaging with people as much as engaging with data and technology
• You are constantly learning and engaged in the modern data stack ecosystem and enjoy staying up to date on emerging and best practices
• You have a knack for and enjoy communicating technical and architectural tradeoffs clearly to different audiences
• You value simplicity and elegance in architecting solutions over needless complexity and have a sixth sense for evaluating platforms that are fit for purpose
• You like keeping your knowledge fresh on platforms and are willing to get in and support the team on testing and implementing platforms
• You value good documentation and guidance to help others successfully use data platforms
• You take pleasure in sharing your knowledge and experience with others to help them succeed in adopting modern data practices
• You relish demonstrating the value of a cloud-first approach to data tools and the benefits of applying software engineering approaches to data work and are eager to hands-on engage with project work to ensure that value is communicated
• You are excited about applying your talents to improve the lives of Californians

Location: The employee’s workstation is located in Sacramento, CA. Travel to the Sacramento headquarters may be required as needed. This position provides telework opportunities in accordance with agency telework policies. (Must currently reside in California)

Annual Salary: $125,052 to $152,016 based on experience

Benefits: The state offers many benefits

Last day to apply: Monday, March 13, 2023

What you’ll do

• Drive platform and architecture decisions to enable data as a service to serve statewide data needs including accessing data through open data, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and warehouses
• Project manage the implementation of platforms according to the architectural design
• Consult on projects and provide technical assistance and support to help other departments establish their own modern data stack (MDS)

Apply now

We have a guide of the civil service application process. It covers

• How to apply
• Civil service exams
• Interviews

About ODI

We deliver better services to Californians through technology and design. We do so through close partnership with other state departments. Our goal is to create programs and products that are more equitable and effective. We listen to Californians who use a program now or may do so tomorrow and learn about what they need.

We:

• Build tools and products
• Create and enhance digital services
• Conduct research
• Identify data solutions
• Offer training

We are a cross-discipline staff with blended backgrounds in:

• Design
• Engineering
• Product
• Operations
• Data
• Research
• Policy
• Strategy

Learn more about ODI’s vision and mission.

About CalData division

CalData uses data to deliver better decisions, services, and outcomes for Californians.

As the central data team for the state, we empower people to use data. We build infrastructure, develop processes, and train people to better manage and use data. We want the state’s data use to be:

• Efficient
• Effective
• Secure
• Responsible

To help state departments use data well, we created California’s Data Strategy. We use a road analogy to illustrate the strategy. We must:

• Build data roads
• Craft rules of the road
• Boost the drivers

Read the full strategy in Google Doc or PDF.

More details about CalData, our positions, and how we work are available in our Gitbook.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion at ODI

Diversity, equity, and inclusion help us deliver better government services to Californians.

• Fostering diversity inspires better ideas and more innovative thinking.
• Feeling included nurtures a shared sense of community. This drives us to take collective action on challenging problems.
• Prioritizing equity ensures we build solutions for people whose needs are often overlooked.

We acknowledge our history and present of implicit and structural injustice, bias, and discrimination. We see, hear, and accept each other and the lived experiences we bring to our work. We support each other in learning and developing so we can help all Californians thrive.

We understand this work is never done. That’s why we commit to constant improvement.