Data Architect; Information Systems Specialist

Position Overview

Data Architect (Information Systems Specialist
6) – Salem, Oregon The Department of Fish and Wildlife seeks an experienced Data Architect to lead the design, integration, and modernization of the agency’s data environments. The role ensures that scientific, geospatial, licensing, habitat, species, and enterprise operations data systems are well‑architected, dependable, secure, and aligned with agency policies and statewide standards.

• Architect cross‑program data flows.
• Design data structures and interfaces.
• Guide modernization of legacy systems.
• Support data governance processes.
• Address complex interoperability challenges across diverse tools, databases, and platforms used throughout ODFW.

• Option 1:
  Five (5) years of information systems experience designing, building, and managing data architectures, databases, and integration solutions for complex scientific, geospatial, or enterprise operational systems.
• Option 2:
  Associate’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, and three (3) years of information systems experience as described above.
• Option 3:
  Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field and one (1) year of information systems experience as described above.

• Experience designing, modeling, and maintaining enterprise‑level data architectures, including databases, geospatial repositories, analytical platforms, and data pipelines.
• Experience integrating diverse systems and data sources (scientific, geospatial, enterprise operational, licensing, regulatory) and resolving interoperability challenges across platforms and formats.
• Experience establishing and implementing data governance standards, metadata practices, data classification, naming conventions, and data quality controls.
• Experience applying data security policies, optimizing system performance, resolving data pipeline bottlenecks, and designing architectures that support high availability and protection of sensitive data.
• Experience assessing emerging data technologies (cloud, hybrid, distributed systems) and leading modernization efforts to replace legacy systems or streamline data flows.
• Experience serving as a technical lead on data‑focused projects, coordinating across multiple divisions, partner agencies, or external stakeholders, and providing mentorship to technical staff.
• Experience producing system diagrams, data flow documents, interface specifications, technical guidelines, and communicating complex data concepts to varied audiences such as biologists, analysts, executives, and IT staff.

• Competitive salary range: $6,182 - $9,361.
• 11 paid holidays and comprehensive benefits package.
• Advancement and learning opportunities within the State of Oregon.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status, are encouraged to apply.