Data Engineer

Country Fire Authority; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Paid parental leave

Health insurance

Job summary

Country Fire Authority in Melbourne is seeking a skilled Data Engineer to join our Business Intelligence team. You will build and maintain data platforms, pipelines and services powering reporting, analytics and AI capabilities.

You will apply data governance, model data, collaborate with stakeholders, and help CFA strengthen emergency response through reliable data solutions. Experience with Azure, Databricks, CI/CD and data catalogues is desirable. Hybrid work options are available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Strong data lifecycle management experience.
• Experience with spatial data and cloud platforms (Azure, Databricks preferred).
• Proficiency with SQL, Python or R.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain CFA's data lakes, warehouses and pipelines.
• Model, transform and validate data for reporting and analytics.
• Enforce data governance, security and access controls.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver fit-for-purpose data solutions.

Skills

SQL

Python

Azure

Databricks

CI/CD

Git

Data lakes

Data modelling

Data governance

AI/ML basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Azure Databricks

NoSQL databases

API frameworks

Python IDEs

Job description

CFA is an emergency service that places the community at the centre of everything we do. We work to protect lives and property across Victoria, every hour of the day.Our organisation is made up of employees working alongside more than 51,000 volunteers. We value the different skills, experience and viewpoints that people bring, because they strengthen how we operate and support the services Victorians rely on.We aim to be a workplace where people feel supported to do meaningful work, develop professionally and contribute to outcomes that matter to the people and places we serve.To learn more about who we are and the work we do, visit our About Us page.About the RoleAre you looking for a start in 2027? CFA has a great opportunity for a Data Engineer. Our Business Intelligence team delivers trusted data to support decisions that help keep Victorian communities safe. As our Data Engineer you'll build and maintain the data platforms, pipelines and services that power reporting, analytics and emerging AI capabilities.You'll ensure data is reliable, secure and accessible, helping CFA make informed decisions and strengthen emergency response.More specifically you will:Build and maintain CFA's data lakes, warehouses and pipelines.Integrate, transform, validate and model data for reporting and analytics.Monitor data quality, performance and platform reliability.Manage metadata, data catalogues, documentation and data lineage.Apply data governance, security, privacy and access controls.Develop reusable data models and support BI, spatial and analytics platforms.Work with stakeholders to improve data capability and deliver fit-for-purpose solutions.You bring strong data engineering skills and experience designing, building and maintaining enterprise data platforms. You develop reliable data pipelines, effective data models and integrated data solutions that support reporting, analytics and business needs. You apply data quality, governance, security and privacy practices to ensure information is accurate, trusted and accessible. You translate business requirements into practical technical solutions, work collaboratively with stakeholders and communicate complex technical concepts clearly. You also identify opportunities to improve data capability, platform performance and reliability, while applying contemporary technologies and practices to support CFA's evolving needs.About youRelevant qualification with well-developed experience in data lifecycle management and development of complex data systems.Demonstrated knowledge and well-developed experience across spatial data, cloud platforms (Azure and Databricks preferred), governance practices, CI/CD, Infrastructure-as-code, source control such as Git, data lifecycles and proficiency with computer programming languages such as SQL, Python or R.Demonstrated experience across a breadth of database technologies, including relational, NoSQL/document, graph and vector databases, and their supporting data structures.Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with proven ability to optimise delivery outcomes, resolve technical dependencies and apply appropriate technologies and design patterns to meet business needs.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to manage stakeholder and vendor relationships at senior levels, build cooperative partnerships and translate complex technical matters into lay terms.Demonstrated authority as a trusted specialist that informs proposals, counsels decision makers and aligns stakeholders to product objectives.Working knowledge of AI and machine learning workloads, including machine learning, reinforcement learning, generative AI and AI/MLOps.Demonstrated experience in data modelling and design, metadata and data governance, semantic layers, API frameworks and design, and the automation and observability of data operations (DataOps).Why choose CFAMeaningful Purpose: Your contribution truly makes a differenceWork-Life Balance: Paid parental leave, generous leave provisionsFlexibility: Hybrid work options with flexible work arrangementsDiscounts: Emergency Memberlink discounts on various servicesWellbeing Focus: Health Ready programs, flu vaccinationsMember Assistance Program: Access support across 8 service pathwaysYour ApplicationClick the `Apply' button to access our online application portal. You will be prompted to provide your personal and contact details and to respond to employment-related questions. When applying for a position with CFA, please include a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) and resume that clearly demonstrate your qualifications, experience and the key attributes and skills relevant to the role.Pre-employment ChecksOffers of employment will only be made to candidates who are able to successfully complete a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, Working Rights Check and hold a valid Working with Children Check. You will also be required to provide at least two professional references.Applications close: 11:59pm 22nd November 2026What to expect from our recruitment processCFA is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and safe volunteer and work environment. Our aim is to have a volunteer and paid workforce that reflects the community it serves. First Nations people, women, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply.If at any stage of the recruitment and selection process you require an alternative format to the application material or reasonable adjustment to the interview arrangements, please don't hesitate to contact the person listed on the ad or alternatively, email [e-mail] Country Fire Authority (CFA) values your privacy. We will use the information you provide when you are applying for employment with us for the purpose of recruitment, selection, evaluation and appointment and to report on anonymised key metrics (e.g. diversity). The information we collect will be handled in accordance with privacy laws, including the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. You can view our Privacy Statement here. For access and correction of the information we have collected, contact [e-mail]