Based in Portland, OR and operating onsite, this role partners with USGS researchers at the Klamath Falls Field Station to design and modernize data systems that transform diverse biological, telemetry, and environmental data into actionable insights for the Lost River and Shortnose suckers and for water management in the Klamath Basin. As a mid-level Data Engineer and Database Management Specialist, you will help translate research needs into reliable, scalable data platforms and collaborate across scientific and IT teams to ensure robust data access and stewardship.
Responsibilities
- Design, build, and improve scientific data systems.
- Collaborate effectively with scientists and IT partners.
- Design, build, and maintain relational databases (e.g., SQL Server, SQLite).
- Perform data modeling, schema design, and performance optimization.
- Implement reliability practices (backup/recovery, access controls, availability).
- Maintain documentation and support data stewardship practices.
- Troubleshoot and resolve database performance and integrity issues.
- Build and support automated data pipelines (ETL/ELT).
- Use SQL and scripting tools (Python, R, or similar) for data processing.
- Integrate diverse datasets into centralized systems.
- Refactor legacy scripts and workflows into scalable, automated pipelines.
- Develop queries and reporting solutions (e.g., Power BI).
- Build reproducible analytical workflows in Python or R.
- Partner with scientists, engineers, and IT staff.
- Communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
- Support migration of legacy systems into modern, cloud-enabled environments.
- Contribute to ongoing system and workflow improvements.
Requirements
- One year of Specialized Experience demonstrating knowledge of customary approaches, techniques, and requirements appropriate to database management.
- One year of Specialized Experience demonstrating knowledge of planning sequences necessary to accomplish assignments where this entailed coordination with others outside the organizational unit and development of project controls.
- One year of Specialized Experience demonstrating adaptation of guidelines or precedents to the needs of the assignment.
- Federal System Access: Must meet federal eligibility requirements to access and utilize federal data systems.
- Citizenship & Residency: Due to federal security mandates, this position requires U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency (Green Card holder) maintained for a minimum of three consecutive years.
- Background Investigation: Position is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive federal agency background investigation.
- Driving Clearance: Offers of employment for positions located in Oregon are contingent upon supplying and clearing an MVR check. The selected candidate must provide PSMFC with a copy of their 3-Year Oregon Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and are responsible for all associated DMV fees.
Additional mandatory skills
- 3+ years of experience in data engineering and/or database administration
- Strong SQL proficiency and at least one scripting language (Python or R)
Additional desirable skills
- Experience with data architecture and system design
- Knowledge of cloud platforms (Azure preferred; AWS/GCP acceptable)
- Familiarity with workflow automation or orchestration tools
- Knowledge of dashboards, Power BI or similar data visualization tools
- Familiarity AI assisted tools
- Exposure to GIS systems (ArcGIS, QGIS) or spatial data is a plus
- Support ingestion workflows for field/mobile data collection systems (e.g., data from ESRI Survey123)
- Contribute to improving data governance or metadata practices
- Familiarity with data lifecycle management and long-term data stewardship concepts
- Support migrating legacy systems or applications (C#, VB)
- Familiarity with Windows Server and/or Linux environments
- Familiarity working with scientific, environmental, or ecological datasets
- Familiarity with fisheries data, telemetry, tagging, or movement data
- Interact with contractors and with IT on security, permissions, and cloud migration (e.g., Azure)
- Help team members grow by sharing knowledge and providing guidance
Technologies
- SQL Server, SQLite
- Python, R
- Power BI
- Azure, AWS, GCP
- ArcGIS, QGIS, ESRI Survey123
- Windows Server, Linux
- C#, VB
Group definition
Database Management Specialists develop and administer large-scale, multi-agency database systems, maintaining backups, performance tuning, security permissions, and continuous system availability.
Our team
The incumbent will join a small, highly collaborative team working closely with USGS scientists to translate research needs into technical solutions. They will perform data querying and analysis, support modeling and system performance, and help modernize workflows. Collaboration with IT on security and access, contribution to data governance practices, and support for GIS and field data collection systems are part of the role, along with knowledge sharing to help teammates grow.
Project specifics
Contribute to the design and modernization of data systems that support fisheries research and real-world decision making in the Klamath Basin. Build reliable, scalable data platforms, improve legacy systems, and partner with scientists to turn complex data into actionable insights. Candidates are not required to have experience in every listed technology; strength in core data skills and a willingness to learn are valued.
Knowledge required by the position
- Database management concepts, including logical/physical design, normalization, storage capacity, and backup/recovery.
- Data flow design and business process design.
- Understanding of the organization’s data assets and their sources, characteristics, and uses.
- Database management systems, query languages, table relationships, and views.
- Data mining and data warehousing principles.
- Characteristics of physical and virtual data storage media.
- Data administration and data standardization policies for managing large-scale, multi-agency databases.
Physical demands
The role is sedentary with occasional walking between workstations and light carrying of folders and reports.
Work environment
Office setting with standard lighting, heating, and ventilation. Normal risks associated with office environments.
