Data Operations Specialist

The Data Operations Specialist at the Center for Applied AI at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette supports data governance and quality operations by monitoring data pipelines, maintaining documentation, managing access requests and ensuring data integrity. The position serves as the backbone for data quality and governance. This is a very hands-on data operations role focused on data quality, standardization, documentation, validation, and governance. The role will require working closely with public health experts on data definitions, usability, and project director on stakeholder coordination. The position reports to the Director of Center for Applied AI. Duties and Responsibilities: -Maintain a data dictionary and source catalog for all incoming files (field definitions, units, geographic level, update frequency, source agency), this data serves as the foundation of the AI-based GIS tool. -Track versions of recurring datasets and document changes between updates, ensuring the AI tool always references current, traceable data. -Run quality checks on incoming files for completeness, format consistency, geographic/parish-level accuracy and flag issues before data feeds the tool or downstream analysis. -Standardize file structure, naming, and metadata across sources as new datasets and agencies are onboarded, laying groundwork for scalable ingestion. -Coordinate with state agencies and data providers to clarify definitions, request missing data, resolve discrepancies, and establish data-sharing processes as data expands. -Work with public health experts to validate data definitions, interpret domain-specific fields, and ensure data accuracy from a clinical/public health standpoint. -Partner with the technical team to test and validate data as it's integrated into the AI-based GIS platform. -Help shape governance and access standards now, so they scale cleanly as data volume and agency participation grow. -Coordinate data access requests and maintain appropriate documentation of data permissions, approved users, and access requirements in accordance with applicable policies and agreements. -Independently develop data architecture, establish technical standards, and make significant decisions regarding data integration and system design.