Database Administrator (IT Data Management – SeniorSpecialist)
Job Summary
- Description
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring aDatabase Administrator (IT Data Management Senior/Specialist) within the Information Technology Services Office (ITSO).
Location:
- Headquarters Office in Lacey WA.
- Upon hire you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
Schedule:
- This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
- You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
- Apply by May 26 2026
- This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.
- Duties
As the Senior Enterprise Database Administrator you will lead the design engineering and modernization of Ecologys enterprise database and reporting infrastructure. This includes architecting secure scalable solutions across cloud and on-premises environments optimizing performance for agency-wide systems and building automated data pipelines that support environmental science operational efficiency and statewide decision-making. You will work directly with development teams program leaders and technical experts to solve complex issues implement new technologies and ensure every employee can reliably access the data they need.
In this role you will actively shape the direction of enterprise data services by driving strategic upgrades researching emerging cloud technologies mentoring technical staff and directing high-impact engineering and migration projects. You will engage closely with business stakeholders to understand evolving needs and translate them into innovative sustainable technology solutions. This is an opportunity to influence organization-wide systems grow deep expertise in cloud data platforms and enterprise architecture and contribute to mission-critical technology that supports environmental protection across Washington State.
What you will do:
- Manage the engineering design and implementation of Ecologys enterprise database infrastructure including high-risk mission-critical systems that support agency-wide operations.
- Architect configure maintain and optimize hybrid and cloud data platforms (Azure SQL Synapse Cosmos DB) and build secure automated data pipelines using Azure Data Factory and Azure DevOps.
- Serve as the agencys highest level of database infrastructure expertise providing advanced troubleshooting Tier-3 support performance tuning and root-cause analysis for complex data issues.
- Conduct research on new and emerging cloud technologies evaluate proposals and advise on solutions to advance Ecologys data infrastructure capabilities.
- Guide data infrastructure and migration projects including planning strategic upgrades cloud modernization efforts and statewide database infrastructure initiatives.
- Collaborate with development teams business stakeholders and IT leadership to align database and reporting solutions with strategic program needs and future technology direction.
- Mentor and guide junior technical staff assign technical tasks review work for accuracy and provide expert consultation across the agency.
- Develop and maintain technical standards architecture documentation diagrams and how-to resources for enterprise database and reporting systems.
- Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
Seven years of experience and/or education as described below:
- Experience within the last 12 years in SQL programming experience with entity relationship modeling and notation or database report development. Experience may include independently analyzing designing implementing and maintaining databases and experience with data extraction and transformation (e.g. ETL).
- Experience must includeat least one year of leading IT professionals or consulting as a technical lead which may be obtained concurrently with the other required experience.
- Experience must also include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets:
- Enterprise Database Architecture & Administration Demonstrated ability to design implement secure and manage enterprise database environments to ensure availability performance and scalability.
- Cloud Data Services & Automation Demonstrated ability to deploy automate and support cloud platforms (e.g. Azure SQL Synapse Cosmos DB) and data pipelines to enable modern scalable data solutions.
- ETL Engineering & DevOps Release Management Demonstrated ability to develop automated data transformations and manage code-driven deployment pipelines to ensure consistent repeatable database releases.
- Systems Analysis Modeling & Documentation Demonstrated ability to analyze requirements model system designs and maintain documentation to improve clarity reduce defects and support long-term maintenance.
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical issues and evaluate alternatives to implement secure reliable and efficient solutions.
- Project & Resource Management Demonstrated ability to plan prioritize and coordinate medium- to large-scale infrastructure projects to deliver stable high-performing solutions on time.
- Leadership & Staff Development Demonstrated ability to guide mentor and review the work of technical staff to build team capability and ensure consistent high-quality technical work.
- Education involving a major study in Computer Science Information Technology (IT) Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) or closely related field.
Examples of how to qualify:
- 7 years of experience.
- 6 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- 5 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associates degree).
- 4 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
- 3 years of experience AND a Bachelors degree.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- This position is designated as overtime exempt because of its functions the range of critical tasks performed by this technology position and the impact of the independent actions that the position must administratively perform to directly support technology business operations.
- This position requires training to keep consistent with industry best practices. Leadership works with industry leaders to forecast changes in information technology and lists required training in this positions yearly Performance Development Plan (PDP). Staff within this division are provided two (2) hours per week for training. It is expected that this position will take what is learned in their training and apply it to their daily work.
- A valid drivers license is required for the operation of state vehicles.
Desired Qualifications:
- A Bachelors degree with focus on computer science or computer hardware engineer.
- At least two years of experience within the last 4 years.
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate Azure Data Engineer Associate (Data Factory/ETL focus) or Azure Solutions Architect.
- MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Certification
- Data Governance & Stewardship Ability to apply data governance principles to improve data quality lineage and lifecycle management across systems.
- Advanced Security Architecture Ability to design secure database and cloud architectures using Zero Trust encryption strategies and identity management best practices.
- Enterprise Service Integration Ability to integrate database services with enterprise messaging API platforms and workflow engines to support cross-system interoperability.
- Data Modeling & Metadata Management Ability to design conceptual logical and physical data models and manage metadata for consistent system understanding.
- Innovation & Emerging Technology Scanning Ability to identify evaluate and experiment with new database and cloud technologies to inform future agency capabilities.
- Business Intelligence & Reporting Infrastructure Ability to architect and support enterprise reporting and analytics platforms to deliver accurate actionable insights.
If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualificationswe encourage you to apply.Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge skills or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants especially women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.
- Experience within the last 12 years in SQL programming experience with entity relationship modeling and notation or database report development. Experience may include independently analyzing designing implementing and maintaining databases and experience with data extraction and transformation (e.g. ETL).
- Supplemental Information
Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information please visit.
Our Commitment to DEIR
Diversity Equity Inclusion and Respect (DEIR)are core values central to Ecologys work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect preserve and enhance the environment for current and future generations.
Diversity:We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.
Equity:We champion equity recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.
Inclusion:We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecologys work.
Respect:We treat each other with respect and dignity acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.
We believe thatDEIRis both a goal and an action. We are on a journey honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard seen and valued.
Application Process
Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity equity inclusion and respect through a broad lens including race ethnicity class age religion sexual orientation gender identity immigration status military background language education life experience physical disability neurodiversity and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Click Apply at the top of this page. Complete the entire application including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions and attach:
- Cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
- Resume
Because we base our selection on the information you provide it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly.A resume will not substitute for the work experience section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as see resume may be considered incomplete.
For detailed application information please visit our Recruitment website.Application Attestation: By submitting an application you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
Need an Accommodation
If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process including this job announcement in an alternate format:
- Please contact us at or
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-.
Questions
- For specific questions about the position location options schedule or duties please contact Kayleen Sesna at
- If you need assistance applying for this job are inquiring about the status of your application would like to request the full position description or have any other questions please contact the Recruitment Team at
About the Information Technology Services Office
Program Mission: The Information Technology Services Office (ITSO) is the central provider of strategic and tactical support for the use of Information Technology (IT) within Ecology. The mission of ITSO is to create and support useful technology services that adapt for the future and support Ecologys mission.
Section Mission: The Infrastructure and Optimization (INO) section designs delivers and operates secure resilient and scalable enterprise platforms and services that enable Ecology staff to protect Washingtons environment. We lead datacenter and telecommunication operations hybrid cloud infrastructure enterprise SaaS administration endpoint management print services unified communications the Help Desk and Regional Information Technology Services (RITS) for field site support. We embed end-to-end monitoring and observability across all platforms services and environments to ensure reliability performance and predictive operational support. INO advances platform-based service delivery and automation using AI and DevOps using modern proactive and mission aligned IT for all programs statewide. This position resides within the Enterprise Platform Services unit.
About the Department of Ecology
As the State of Washingtons environmental protection agency we are deeply committed to protecting preserving and enhancing Washingtons environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land air water and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership effective resource management teamwork professionalism and accountability.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s)Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)Vacation Sick and other Leave11 Paid Holidays per yearPublic Service Loan ForgivenessTuition Waiver Long Term Disability&Life InsuranceDeferred Compensation ProgramsDependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)Employee Assistance ProgramCommute Trip Reduction IncentivesCombined Fund DriveSmartHealth*Click here for more information
To learn more about Ecology please visit ourwebsite explore Working at Ecology check out ourStrategic Plan and connect with us onLinkedInFacebookInstagramYouTube or ourblog.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural racial ethnic sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women racial and ethnic minorities persons of disability persons over 40 years of age veterans military spouses or people with military status and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-DNI
Required Experience:
Senior IC