Job Posting: Data Architect

Department of Social Services

JC-529880
-
Data Architect
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II

$8,625.00 - $11,557.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 9/9/2026

Job Description and Duties

If you have a passion to be a part of a team that works to serve, aid and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families then is this is the place for you!

The Information Systems Division works in collaboration with programs and county agencies, to provide solutions to systems that assist families access essentials such as, but not limited to, medical services, care providers, groceries, and transportation.

Under the general direction of the Data Management Team Manager (IT Manager I), the ITS II leads the architecture design, development, and implementation of the Enterprise Data Platform (EDP), ensuring secure, scalable, and efficient data integration across the department. The incumbent collaborates with business, program, and technical stakeholders to design cloud-based data solutions that meet evolving analytical, reporting, and operational needs.

The ITS II works in close partnership with the Enterprise Data Architect (IT Specialist III) to ensure alignment with enterprise architecture principles, data governance frameworks, and statewide data standards. This role also contributes to defining best practices, mentoring data engineers, and supporting continuous improvement efforts across CDSS’s modern data ecosystem.

The following includes the essential duties and/or responsibilities of this position:

• Leads architecture design and implementation of the Enterprise Data Platform (EDP) and supports enterprise data modernization initiatives.
• Evaluates and recommends data technologies, tools, and design patterns; collaborates with vendors and internal teams to apply architectural best practices.
• Ensures integration, scalability, and performance across all data layers and systems, including internal and external data sources.
• Works with program and ISD teams to assess capacity and design scalable, cost-optimized data solutions.
• Defines and maintains data models, metadata standards, and architecture documentation to ensure consistency and reuse across the enterprise.
• Collaborates with security and governance teams to ensure compliance with state and federal data privacy, security, and quality standards.
• Designs networking and infrastructure components to support reliable, secure, and high-performing data pipelines in cloud and hybrid environments.
• Provides technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to data engineering staff.

The Department of Social Services does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey.

Need help with applying for positions, taking an examination, or preparing for interviews? Our team is here to support you, reach out anytime at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov. For guidance on applying for a state job, visit Three Steps to a State Job  

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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This position may be eligible for Hybrid work. In-person attendance is required based on the operational needs of the position and in accordance with Executive Order N-22-25  the Statewide Hybrid Telework Policy, Government Code section 14200, and any applicable department telework requirements. The successful candidate must reside in California at the time of appointment. Proof of California residency may be required.

Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-529880
Position #(s):
800-730-1414-XXX
Working Title:
Data Architect
Classification:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II
$8,625.00 - $11,557.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Information Systems Division (ISD) is seeking an experienced and visionary Information Technology Specialist II (ITS II) to join our innovative Data Engineering Team. This position plays a key role in advancing CDSS’s enterprise data modernization strategy, which supports critical programs serving millions of Californians.

CDSS Guiding Principles

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Accessibility. Belonging.
We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate in a meaningful way in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS.

Community Engagement
We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind the creation, implementation, desired impact, or change of programs and services.

Empowerment
We engage, operate, and advocate from the understanding that each community and person have desires and capabilities to lead in their own life.

Quality Services
We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring that they are accessible, community driven, interconnected, and continuously improved.

Data Defined Outcomes
We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Special Requirements

  • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified for this position.

Do not include any confidential information in any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.

Each applicant must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) responding to the three questions below. The SOQ must be no more than two pages in length, single-spaced, using 12-point font. Responses should be numbered and clearly address each question. The SOQ will be used to evaluate writing ability, clarity of thought, and alignment of experience with the position's duties.

1) Describe your experience designing and implementing an enterprise data platform or large-scale data architecture. Include the technologies used, the data integration and governance approaches applied, and how your design addressed scalability, performance, and business requirements.

2) Provide an example of how you incorporated data governance, privacy, and security standards (e.g., HIPAA, FISMA, CJIS) into your architectural or data management work. What tools or frameworks did you use to ensure compliance and data protection?

3) Describe a project where you collaborated with cross-functional enterprise teams (e.g., Enterprise Architecture, Security, and Program Divisions) to deliver a data or analytics solution. What was your role, what challenges did you encounter, and what was the outcome?

This position is subject to fingerprinting clearance by the Department of Justice.

You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is inaccurate or incomplete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.

If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire.

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 9/9/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification & Pay Unit
P. O. Box 944243 - MS 8-15-58
Sacramento, CA 94244-2430

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Classification & Pay Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Statement of Qualifications - (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Engineering, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree or equivalent experience is desirable.
• Experience designing and implementing enterprise-scale data warehouses, data lakes, and data integration pipelines. Skilled in data modeling, performance optimization, and automation of ingestion, transformation, and publishing processes.
• Experience architecting and deploying cloud-based data solutions using Microsoft Azure (preferred), AWS, or Google Cloud. Knowledge of networking, capacity planning, elasticity, and cost optimization in hybrid environments.
• Experience implementing security controls and data protection measures in compliance with state and federal privacy and security frameworks such as HIPAA, FedRAMP, or CJIS. Familiarity with role-based access, encryption, and audit practices.
• Experience establishing or supporting data governance processes, including data cataloging, metadata management, data lineage, classification, and quality management. Familiarity with tools such as Azure Purview, Collibra, or Informatica.
• Proficiency with data management and analytics technologies such as Snowflake, Azure Data Factory, SQL Server, Oracle, Power BI, Tableau, SAS Viya, or equivalent. Experience with DevOps practices and version control using Azure DevOps or Git.
• Experience in leading adoption of AI/ML or generative AI tools in an enterprise environment desired.
• Knowledge and preferably hands-on experience applying Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) technologies, Large Language Models (LLMs), and AI-assisted automation approaches to improve data engineering, data management, analytics, and software development processes. Experience leveraging Gen AI tools to automate repetitive data engineering tasks, enhance data quality, accelerate documentation, improve metadata management, or optimize data pipeline development is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with business, program, and IT teams to translate requirements into technical designs. Experience mentoring junior engineers and promoting best practices across cross-functional teams.
• Understanding of Agile and DevOps methodologies, project management principles, and CI/CD pipelines for data engineering.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills. Excellent communication, documentation, and stakeholder engagement abilities. Proven capacity to manage multiple priorities and deliver under tight deadlines.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.

TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT

• Public transit (mass transit) passes.
o 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
o 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
• Vanpool drivers and riders
o 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees!


Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Mukund Wadear
(916) 662-3404
mukund.wadekar@dss.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Office
(916) 657-2326
EEOoffice@dss.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 - Salaries do not reflect reductions from the Personal Leave Program, please see the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for additional information on the length and percentage of reductions.

Examination Information

Those interested in obtaining employment with any state agency must apply and compete through the state hiring and recruitment process.
To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the “How to Apply” instructions in the examination announcement: CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search

Successful examination applicants are placed on an eligibility list. If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination. Applicants should refer to their examination results or check their CalCareer account for specific list eligibility expiration dates and to re-take the examination when necessary. For questions regarding the examination process, please contact the Examination Unit at: Examinations@dss.ca.gov.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job