1

Data Curator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Scientific Data Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$110K - $115K/yr

Maintain and enhance NIH databases and tools through data curation, integration, and interoperability support * Build and maintain data pipelines and analytical tools using Python, R, or equivalent ...

Data Scientist 3

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$161K - $211K/yr

Data Processing: (Data management and curation, data description and visualization, workflow and reproducibility). * Modeling, Inference, and Prediction: (Data modeling and assessment, domain ...

Showing results 21-40

Data Curator information

See Washington salary details

$28.9K

$82.3K

$135.3K

How much do data curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for data curator in Washington is $82,257.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,600.00 and $106,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a data curator do?

A Data Curator is responsible for collecting, organizing, and maintaining datasets to ensure they are accurate, accessible, and usable for analysis. They work with data scientists, analysts, and other stakeholders to standardize metadata, establish data governance policies, and improve data quality. Data Curators often clean and enrich datasets, manage data repositories, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Their role is essential in making data more discoverable and valuable for decision-making and research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the data curator position, and why are they important?

Success as a Data Curator requires strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a background in information management, data science, or a related field. Familiarity with data management tools, metadata standards (such as Dublin Core), and systems like relational databases and data repositories is highly advantageous, and certifications in data governance or data management can be beneficial. Excellent organizational skills, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset are key soft skills for this role. Mastery of these skills ensures data assets are accurately cataloged, accessible, and usable for stakeholders, supporting effective decision-making and research outcomes.

Is a data curator a good job?

A data curator is responsible for organizing, maintaining, and ensuring the quality of data within organizations, often using tools like databases and data management software. It is a growing field with opportunities in various industries, requiring skills in data analysis, attention to detail, and familiarity with data standards. The role can offer stable employment and career advancement for those with relevant technical skills and experience.

How do you become a data curator?

To become a data curator, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in information science, library science, computer science, or a related field. Gaining skills in data management, metadata standards, and data cleaning tools such as Excel, SQL, or specialized software is important, along with experience in data organization and quality control. Certifications in data management or related areas can also enhance job prospects.

What does a typical day look like for a data curator, and who do they usually collaborate with?

A typical day for a Data Curator involves collecting, organizing, and annotating datasets, maintaining data integrity, and updating records to comply with quality standards. Data Curators frequently work alongside data analysts, researchers, and IT professionals to ensure data is properly structured and easily accessible for various projects. You may also interact with data stewards or subject matter experts to validate metadata or resolve inconsistencies. Collaboration and communication are integral to the role, as you help bridge technical teams and end users, ensuring that data systems meet the evolving needs of the organization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Curator jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Data Curator jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Data Curator jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Data Curator job openings:
Infographic showing various Data Curator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,257 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

SAR Data Scientist Specialist / Imagery Scientist 09

Select Search Associates LLC

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description


Overview
We are seeking an experienced SAR Data Scientist Specialist / Imagery Scientist to join a high-performing team supporting advanced AI and machine learning initiatives for complex national security and intelligence missions.
This program focuses on evaluating AI models against Government datasets to assess their performance, resilience, and robustness across a broad range of adversarial scenarios. The effort also includes testing and validating autonomous algorithms designed to support operational decision-making in dynamic mission environments.
As a SAR Exploitation Specialist / Imagery Scientist, you will apply your expertise in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery and multi-INT analysis to support the curation, exploitation, and preparation of imagery datasets for machine learning model development, testing, and evaluation. You will work closely with engineers, data scientists, and mission analysts to ensure imagery products are representative, mission-relevant, and optimized for AI/ML applications.
Required Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI clearance with eligibility for CI Polygraph (we can sponsor your CI poly if you don't already have one)
  • Experience exploiting Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery and SAR analytical products in support of intelligence or geospatial missions.
  • Experience conducting multi-INT analysis and integrating information from multiple intelligence disciplines to support mission objectives.
  • Proficiency working with structured, semi-structured, and unstructured datasets using programming, scripting, and visualization tools.
  • Strong geospatial analysis skills and the ability to apply emerging technologies, analytical methodologies, and data-driven techniques to solve complex intelligence challenges.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience developing or applying machine learning (ML) and computer vision (CV) techniques to overhead imagery, motion imagery, or geospatial datasets.
  • Familiarity with AI/ML workflows supporting imagery exploitation, object detection, and model evaluation.
Key Responsibilities
  • Leverage multi-INT data, with an emphasis on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), to identify, curate, and prepare imagery collected from emerging sensor platforms for AI/ML model development, testing, evaluation, and accreditation.
  • Curate imagery that aligns with Government priorities by selecting datasets containing required objects of interest, geographic coverage, scene characteristics, and operationally relevant conditions.
  • Evaluate the capabilities and limitations of emerging sensor technologies and recommend data curation strategies that maximize dataset quality and mission value.
  • Identify data gaps and recommend additional collections or complementary data sources to improve dataset completeness and support model testing and evaluation.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure curated imagery meets quality standards and is optimized for machine learning and advanced analytics.