JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE: At least 4 years of experience in data architecture, including hands-on work in cloud environments (Azure preferred).

JOB KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: Must have a strong understanding of data systems, including data lakes, warehouses, and cloud-based platforms. Must have experience with data modeling, SQL development, and database management. Must be familiar with data governance, quality, and security practices. Must have experience with tools such as Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, Snowflake, or similar platforms. Must have working knowledge of data analytics and machine learning concepts. Must be proficient in SQL and Python.

MAJOR JOB TASKS:

Cloud Data Architecture Strategy & Implementation

• Develop and implement data strategies and technology roadmaps with a focus on cloud solutions, particularly within Azure environments.
• Design and maintain data models, data lakes, warehouses, and cloud-based data systems that support reliable and accessible data.
• Ensure data is accurate, secure, and available across platforms.
• Establish best practices for data operations, including automation, monitoring, and incident response to maintain data quality over time.

Data Management, Governance & Standards

• Oversee the preparation and maintenance of datasets so they are clean, well-documented, and consistently structured for reporting, operations, and analytics.
• Define and enforce standards for data quality, versioning, lineage, and refresh processes.
• Partner with data leadership to:
• Establish and maintain governance frameworks for cloud data assets.
• Implement security and compliance measures to reduce data risk.
• Document and manage data and metadata flows to support traceability.

Technical Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide guidance on data architecture challenges and collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Design reusable data patterns and solutions that can be applied across projects and platforms.
• Define and promote engineering standards for cloud-based systems.
• Continuously evaluate and improve system performance and data reliability.

Support for Analytics & AI

• Design data solutions that support machine learning and advanced analytics use cases.
• Enable efficient data preparation processes for data scientists and analysts.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure data systems meet evolving business needs.
• Help assess whether datasets are suitable for analytics and AI use, including completeness and quality considerations.

Bonus Skills

• Cloud certifications (Azure or similar).
• Experience with hybrid or multi-cloud environments.
• Familiarity with unstructured data and feature engineering.
• Experience with data catalogs, metadata management, or observability tools.
• Experience with data visualization and dashboarding tools.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.

The Cloud Data Architect shall be required to perform any other duties assigned to fulfill the objectives of the Cooperative.

EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

• Meet with vendors/contractors when needed for project development.
• Work with customers when needed for professional services.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have a valid driver's license without violation, which would prohibit insurability.
• Work is performed in an office environment. Weekends, evening hours and overnight travel will occasionally be necessary.
• Excellent verbal communication skills to clearly explain architecture layout and design.
• Excellent written communication skills to build out detailed documentation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to perform all activities listed in the job description with or without reasonable accommodation. Occasional lifting, up to 25 pounds, required. Normal vision and hearing required.
• The physical activities and environmental characteristics described hereare representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Ozarks Electric is an EOE/AA/W/M/VETERAN/Disability employer