Data Operations Specialist

Position Title: Data Operations SpecialistDepartment: 9037|Center for Applied AI (CAAI)Responsibilities: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.Qualifications:Required Qualifications: -Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Health Information Management, Statistics, Business Administration, or related field-2-3 years of professional experience in data quality, data analysis, database management, or data governance roles-Proficiency in SQL-Proficiency with Excel or similar spreadsheet/data-analysis tools and experience using Python for data processing, transformation, or ETL workflows-Experience working with databases and understanding data integrity conceptsPreferred Qualifications:-Experience with or exposure to healthcare/public health data (terminology, HIPAA awareness, clinical or claims data structures) -Familiarity with geographic/spatial data concepts (parish/county-level data, geocoding, GIS basics) -Experience with data catalog, metadata management, or documentation tools -Basic scripting/automation experience (Python, R) for data quality checks or validation -Familiarity with cloud data platforms or data warehouses (Snowflake, BigQuery, AWS, Azure) -Experience working with government, state agency, or public sector data -Exposure to ETL tools or pipeline concepts -Experience with version control (Git) or structured change management processes -Knowledge of data privacy regulations beyond HIPAA (FERPA, state-specific data laws) -Prior experience coordinating across multiple external stakeholders or agencies Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, Etc.:-Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences-Demonstrated ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders and cross-functional teams-Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to prioritize multiple tasks-Ability to learn new systems and tools quickly-SQL querying, spreadsheet/data tools, data validation, documentation (dictionaries, catalogs, change logs), and file/data -organization-Data governance and integrity principles, relational database fundamentals, HIPAA/privacy basics, and metadata/cataloging standards. Familiarity with public health terminology and geographic/spatial data is a plus.-Diagnosing data quality issues, translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences, managing multiple sources/projects independently, and coordinating effectively across agencies and stakeholders.-Detail-oriented, adaptable to new tools/systems, comfortable with ambiguity, and trustworthy with sensitive data.Job Ad# (req4609)