Reference Data Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.
What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck
When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don't match-often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.
Here's what you get as a full-time employee:

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members-saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that's time off you're actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance-at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.
You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure
Functional Title: Data Architect Job Title: Data Architect I Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc Department: Chief Technology Office-Op Posting Number: 15203 Closing Date: 10/05/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical Salary Range: $7,716.66- $13,051.00 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-28 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 10% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt Facility Location: Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 4900 N LAMAR BLVD Other Locations: MOS Codes: No military equivalent
BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION
Performs highly complex (senior-level) data architecture work for both analytical and transactional systems. This role establishes and maintains data standards, reference architectures, and data integration patterns that enable operational excellence for reporting and analytics use cases. Other responsibilities include designing and implementing enterprise data models, architecting data solutions for OLTP and OLAP systems, and defining modeling patterns for data warehouses, data lakes, and lakehouse platforms. Works under limited supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (EJF)

• Design, implement and maintain the enterprise data architecture across transactional and analytical systems, including OLTP, OLAP, and data analytics platforms.
• Develop conceptual, logical, and physical data models to support business processes and reporting needs.
• Define enterprise standards for data naming, metadata, reference data, and master data and guide solution architects and development teams in applying enterprise data standards.
• Define enterprise data integration patterns for APIs, event-driven architectures, messaging, and batch data pipelines.
• Lead and support data interoperability, including ETL processes with internal systems, external partners, and third-party platforms.
• Architect data solutions that support reporting, BI, advanced analytics, and data sharing techniques.
• Develop reference architecture, principles, and standards to guide enterprise data initiatives and ensure consistency across systems.
• Collaborate with application architects and development teams to ensure data architecture aligns with application platform architecture and supports application functionality.

• Evaluate and select data management tools and platforms, including cloud and on-premise solutions, and define usage guidelines.
• Monitor and optimize data architecture performance, ensuring scalability, security, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to teams on data architecture principles and practices.
• Conduct impact analysis for changes to data models and metadata, communicating implications to stakeholders.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Hands-on knowledge of relational and non-relational databases, data warehouse, and data lakes.
• Knowledge of Inmon and Kimball concepts.
• Proven expertise with cloud data platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid environments.
• Deep understanding of data governance, data quality, and metadata management concepts.
• Advanced knowledge of data architecture principles, data modeling (conceptual, logical, physical), and database design for OLTP and OLAP systems.
• Expertise in data warehousing, ETL processes, and business intelligence tools.
• Strong understanding of data governance, metadata management, and master data management.
• Familiarity with application platform architecture and application development concepts to ensure alignment between data and application layers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for business and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions and communicate effectively across all organizational levels.
• Expertise with data security, privacy standards, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Ability to adapt to emerging technologies and drive innovation in data architecture.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
N/A
Initial Screening Criteria:
Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in computer engineering, computer science, information systems, information technology or a STEM related field.
Additional Information:
N/A
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.
Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver's record check.
State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.
As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.
DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.