Sr. Data Architect

emergiTEL Inc.; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

emergiTEL Inc. is seeking a seasoned Data Architect for the DRAS program. The role focuses on designing and leading data integration between the DRAS platform, the Databricks-based Data Management Platform, and the Alberta Geospatial Platform.

You will shape data movement, governance, and security across systems, working with data engineers, GIS specialists, and product owners in an agile environment.

Qualifications

• University degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Geomatics, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the target-state data architecture for integrating DRAS, the Databricks Data Management Platform, and the Alberta Geospatial Platform.
• Design conceptual, logical, and physical data models for regulatory, environmental, and geospatial data domains.
• Establish integration patterns suited to each use case.
• Design lakehouse structures on Databricks, including medallion layers, Delta Lake tables, and Unity Catalog organization.
• Architect spatial data flows that preserve geometry and spatial accuracy across platforms.
• Lead the design of data pipelines and interfaces, define data contracts and API specifications.
• Resolve complex integration issues involving data quality, latency, and dependencies.
• Embed data governance, metadata management, data classification, and data quality rules.
• Apply role-based access controls and data-sharing policies.

Skills

Data architecture

Data integration

Databricks

Delta Lake

Spark (PySpark/SQL)

Unity Catalog

REST APIs

ETL/ELT

Change data capture

Data governance

Metadata management

Data quality

Data security

Agile delivery

Stakeholder communication

Leadership / mentoring

Education

University degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Geomatics, or related field

Tools

Azure Data Factory

ServiceNow Integration

Azure Data Lake Storage

Windows / Azure Virtual Desktop

Job description

emergiTEL is hiring for Data Architect - Digital Regulatory Assurance System (DRAS)
Location: Remote - Canada (must work within Canada)
Client: Public Sector
Contract Duration: 6 Months
Start Date: ASAP

Below is the full job description:

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Job Title: Data Architect - Digital Regulatory Assurance System (DRAS)

Detail

Information

Job ID GOAPRDJP00001043

Contract Duration 6 Months

Location Remote - Canada (must work within Canada)

Client Public Sector

Start Date ASAP

Position Overview

The Government of Alberta is modernizing how it regulates and assures environmental outcomes across the province. The Digital Regulatory Assurance System (DRAS) is central to that work. It supports applications, approvals, compliance, and monitoring activities that protect Alberta's air, land, water, and biodiversity.

We are looking for an experienced Data Architect to design and lead data integration between DRAS, our Databricks-based Data Management Platform, and the Alberta Geospatial Platform. You will set the direction for how regulatory, environmental, and spatial data moves, connects, and is governed across these systems. The goal is trusted, timely, and reusable data for regulators, decision-makers, and Albertans.

You will join a high-performing, multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced, agile environment. The team includes developers, data engineers, GIS specialists, business analysts, and product owners.

Key Responsibilities

Architecture and Design

Define and maintain the target-state data architecture for integrating DRAS, the Databricks Data Management Platform, and the Alberta Geospatial Platform.

Design conceptual, logical, and physical data models for regulatory, environmental, and geospatial data domains.

Establish integration patterns (batch, near-real-time, event-driven, API-based, change data capture) suited to each use case.

Design lakehouse structures on Databricks, including medallion (bronze/silver/gold) layers, Delta Lake tables, and Unity Catalog organization.

Architect spatial data flows that preserve geometry, coordinate reference systems, and spatial accuracy across platforms.

Integration and Delivery

Lead the design of data pipelines and interfaces between systems, working closely with data engineers and developers during build.

Define data contracts, API specifications, and interface agreements between system owners.

Resolve complex integration issues involving data quality, schema changes, latency, and system dependencies.

Take part in agile ceremonies (sprint planning, backlog refinement, reviews) and turn architecture into actionable user stories.

Data Governance, Security, and Quality

Embed data governance practices, including metadata management, lineage, data classification, and master and reference data.

Ensure designs meet Government of Alberta standards for information security, privacy (including Alberta's access-to-information and privacy legislation), and records management.

Define data quality rules, validation frameworks, and monitoring approaches across integrated systems.

Apply role-based access controls and data-sharing policies appropriate to data sensitivity.

Leadership and Collaboration

Serve as the trusted data architecture advisor to program leadership, product owners, and technical teams.

Work with business areas to understand regulatory processes and turn them into data requirements.

Coordinate with enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, and other ministries' platform teams to keep the work aligned with GoA standards and roadmaps.

Produce clear architecture documentation, diagrams, and decision records.

Mentor team members and promote data architecture best practices.

Required Qualifications

University degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Geomatics, or a related field.

7+ years of progressive experience in data architecture, data engineering, or data integration, with at least 3 years in a data architect role.

Hands-on experience designing solutions on Databricks, including Delta Lake, Spark (PySpark/SQL), and Unity Catalog.

Strong experience with data modelling (relational, dimensional, and lakehouse approaches).

Proven experience designing enterprise integration patterns, including REST APIs, ETL/ELT, event streaming, and change data capture.

Experience with cloud data platforms, preferably Microsoft Azure (Data Lake Storage, Data Factory, Event Hubs, Key Vault).

Experience with ServiceNow Integration.

Experience in the public sector, ideally with government regulatory systems or programs.

Experience integrating with geospatial platforms, and working knowledge of geospatial data concepts, formats, and standards.

Solid understanding of data governance, metadata management, data quality, and data security principles.

Experience working in agile delivery teams, with experience in public sector in a similar capacity.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

In line with the Alberta Public Service competency model, the successful candidate will show:

Systems Thinking: Understands how DRAS, the data platform, and the geospatial platform connect, and anticipates downstream impacts of design choices.

Creative Problem Solving: Finds practical, innovative solutions to complex integration and data challenges.

Agility: Adapts quickly to changing priorities and evolving technology in a fast-paced environment.

Drive for Results: Delivers high-quality architecture that produces measurable value for the program.

Build Collaborative Environments: Works effectively across teams, ministries, and disciplines to reach shared goals.

Develop Networks: Builds relationships with stakeholders and technical partners to advance the work.

Develop Self and Others: Shares knowledge, mentors colleagues, and keeps learning.

Work Requirements

Location

This is a remote role.

Work must be done within Canada.

Hours

Standard hours of work are 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM with a 1-hour lunch break Alberta time, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays observed by the Province.

A criminal record check is required prior to commencement of services.

Mandatory Training

Once hired, the resource will be required to complete all mandatory training, including but not limited to:

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Security/Cybersecurity

Information Management

Respect in the Workplace

There may also be other mandatory and/or optional training.

Equipment Requirements

The Contractor holds sole responsibility for supplying all physical workspace infrastructure and equipment, including computers, software, printers, office supplies, desks, and chairs.

The computer must run a modern version of Windows to ensure maximum compatibility with remote access systems.

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and necessary remote-connectivity software will be installed directly onto the resource's computer.

The Province will ensure all Contractor resources are securely provisioned with the appropriate network access and official credentials needed to log into the Government of Alberta's systems.

The fixed rate quoted must be inclusive of all overhead, office space, and equipment, including supplies, administrative burden, mark-up, and all other costs to perform the Services for the duration of the Contract.

Anticipated Interviews

Interviews are expected to be held between October 20-23. This is an estimate only.