Database Solutions Engineer - 61079663

Job Responsibilities

The mission of the South Carolina Department of Education is to serve students, support teachers, empower parents, and engage the community so that every student graduates prepared to reach their full potential.

Job Purpose:

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is seeking a Database Solutions Engineer to manage and optimize the performance, reliability, and security of enterprise-level databases that support the agency’s statewide education systems. This role is responsible for managing and optimizing database infrastructure, developing and maintaining data pipelines, and supporting integrations across educational systems. The Database Solutions Engineer will work within SCDE’s SQL Server environment and other database platforms, contributing to a growing team focused on secure, scalable, and high-performing data solutions.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in database design and development as well as a passion for modernization, automation, and innovation in data systems. This position provides a unique opportunity to contribute to mission-driven work in a collaborative and forward-looking technical environment.

Responsibilities:

• Database Management and Modernization: Install, configure, monitor, and maintain databases to ensure optimal performance, availability, and scalability across all supported systems. Participate in efforts to modernize and optimize existing infrastructure.
• Develop Data Pipelines & ETL Processes: Build, manage, and optimize data import/export routines, including data validation, transformation, encryption, and reformatting of unstructured data.
• Data Integrity & Security: Implement and monitor database security protocols, user access controls, and backup and recovery plans to safeguard sensitive educational data.
• Performance Optimization: Monitor database performance, analyze issues, and apply tuning techniques—including query optimization, indexing strategies, and resource allocation—to ensure system reliability and efficiency.
• System Integration Support: Collaborate with developers, analysts, and systems architects to support data integrations across platforms, including student information systems and reporting tools.
• Documentation & Metadata Management: Develop and maintain data dictionaries, system diagrams, technical specifications, and documentation to support transparency and knowledge sharing.
• Support Data Readiness & Reporting: Prepare data for internal and external reporting through data cleansing, aggregation, and transformation processes.
• Collaboration & Technical Support: Provide expert support and troubleshooting assistance to technical teams and stakeholders on database-related issues. Participate in project planning and implementation.
• Explore Emerging Technologies: Proactively seek out best-in-class and emerging technologies that can improve systems and process performance to meet Agency goals.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A high school diploma and work experience in systems development and maintenance, technical support, or the support of database management systems. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may substitute for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative or related field (such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, etc.) or commensurate training and/or experience in database administration, programming, or IT-related fields.
• Proficiency with Microsoft SQL Server; familiarity with other modern database platforms such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, or cloud-based systems (e.g., Azure SQL, AWS RDS, or Google BigQuery) is a plus.
• Strong understanding of relational database design, normalization, and schema modeling. Experience developing SQL queries, views, joins, stored procedures, triggers, and transactions.
• Familiarity with ETL tools, scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell, Python), and database automation techniques. Exposure to DevOps, CI/CD, or infrastructure-as-code principles related to data systems preferred.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively across a wide range of colleagues.
• Commitment to continually building on existing knowledge and skills to be up to date on the latest technology and analysis innovations.
• Desire to innovate and create cutting edge solutions which make a significant impact in an empowering work environment.

Additional Comments

As a part of a generous compensation package, we offer comprehensive benefits that include generous paid time off, preeminent health care benefits, professional development opportunities, pension, a 401(k), and a hybrid work schedule with opportunity for remote work.

The South Carolina Department of Education offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year.
• 15 days sick leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs.

ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS CHOSEN FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER THAT THE POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED.http://www.ed.sc.gov/jobs/human-resources/title-ix-nondiscrimination/