Data Engineer

Country Fire Authority (CFA); Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Paid parental leave

Health Ready programs

Emergency Memberlink discounts

Wellbeing focus

Job summary

Country Fire Authority (CFA) is seeking a Data Engineer in Burwood East, VIC. The role focuses on building and maintaining data platforms that power reporting, analytics and emerging AI capabilities.

You will ensure data is reliable, secure and accessible to support CFA’s decision-making and emergency response. You will design scalable data models, integrate data across sources, and work with stakeholders to deliver fit-for-purpose data solutions while advancing DataOps practices in a public

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Experience building enterprise data platforms and pipelines.
• Proficient in SQL, Python or R, and data modelling.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Apply data governance, security and access controls.

Skills

SQL

Python

R

Azure

Databricks

CI/CD

Git

Data modelling

Data governance

DataOps

Education

Relevant degree in CS/SE/Math

Tools

NoSQL databases

Graph databases

Vector databases

Job description

Country Fire Authority (CFA) – Burwood East VIC

21h ago , from Country Fire Authority (CFA)

• Full-Time Fixed Term 01/01/27 to 31/12/28

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 Role

Are 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 you

• Relevant 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 CFA

• Meaningful Purpose: Your contribution truly makes a difference
• Work-Life Balance: Paid parental leave, generous leave provisions
• Flexibility: Hybrid work options with flexible work arrangements
• Discounts: Emergency Memberlink discounts on various services
• Wellbeing Focus: Health Ready programs, flu vaccinations
• Member Assistance Program: Access support across 8 service pathways

Pre-employment Checks

Offers 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 2026

What to expect from our recruitment process

CFA 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 ***********@cfa.vic.gov.au

The 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 ***********@cfa.vic.gov.au