Cloud/Dev Ops Engineer

Functional Title: Cloud/DevOps Engineer

System Title: Software Engineer III

Houston (Clear Lake), TX

Full-time

TCWP (Texas Community Watershed Partners) Product Team

Position open until filled. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

At least five years of professional experience in cloud infrastructure management, DevOps automation, and IT operations.

Keywords: DevOps automation, Azure cloud infrastructure, Azure Databricks, Cosmos DB, CI/CD pipelines, API development, Kubernetes, Terraform, security best practices, cost optimization, geospatial data integration

Salary Range: $115,000-$140,000

Pay Grade: A&M System Level 75

TO APPLY:

Please send resume or cv and a cover letter to

WHAT WE DO

The Texas Community Watershed Partners (TCWP) team provides education, outreach, and planning support for communities around the state of Texas, focusing on approaches that foster collaboration and holistic solutions to reduce risks from floods and other hazards. Leveraging data-driven methodologies and innovative tools, such as CHARM and CommunityViz, our award-winning GIS-based scenario planning software, we facilitate collaborative sessions with community staff and elected officials working together to build a resilient and sustainable future.

Operating within the largest university-based extension program nationwide, TCWP is uniquely positioned to deliver highly impactful community planning tools and services. We cultivate strong partnerships with sister state agencies and federal entities, and aim to share our knowledge, expertise, and tools to communities in need of sustainable planning practices.

YOUR ROLE

The Cloud/DevOps Engineer, under the supervision of the Data Team Lead, is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the Azure cloud infrastructure that underpins TCWP's data platform. This role ensures high availability, scalability, and cost-effective performance by optimizing storage, query execution, and API reliability, all while enforcing robust security and compliance measures.

The candidate will work within an Agile team environment, leveraging both local and cloud-based development platforms to build innovative solutions. They will collaborate closely with in-house and external development teams, fostering a dynamic setting for continuous learning and growth in technical expertise and team collaboration.

YOUR SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Candidates must possess deep technical expertise in Azure cloud services—including Databricks, Blob Storage, and Cosmos DB—coupled with a strong command of DevOps automation tools such as Terraform, Kubernetes, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines. They should have hands-on experience with scripting languages (Python, Bash, PowerShell) and be proficient in applying security best practices like RBAC, IAM, encryption, logging, and vulnerability scanning. Familiarity with geospatial systems and database performance is considered a plus.

The ideal candidate will also demonstrate a proven track record in managing and optimizing cloud infrastructures in dynamic, high-demand environments, supported by at least five years of relevant experience, strong analytical skills, and a detail-oriented mindset. Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and the ability to drive continuous improvements in system reliability, cost control, and performance optimization are essential to support our evolving data platform.

BENEFITS

Optional two days' work from home. Employees are eligible for a generous health insurance plan, including dental and vision. PTO starts at 12 personal days a year, 11 paid holidays, and 12 sick leave days. Employees join the Texas Teachers Retirement System (TRS) with employer contributions. Additional retirement savings are available. Office culture is casual but earnest about doing good work and helping communities improve their safety and well-being through planning. As AgriLife employees, staff will have no-cost access to LinkedIn learning training and professional credits.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Supports and contributes to the data production team and the application development teams.

Designs, implements, and maintains Azure cloud infrastructure for the in-house data platform.

Optimizes query performance, caching, and cloud storage (Azure Blob, Data Lake, Databricks, Cosmos DB).

Implements automated CI/CD pipelines for system updates and deployments.

Monitors system reliability, uptime, and performance (Site Reliability Engineering principles).

Manages cost control and optimization strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.

Ensures security best practices (RBAC, IAM, encryption, logging, vulnerability scanning).

Works with external consultants to transition cloud operations and API hosting.

Creates and maintains clear documentation for internal teams and external collaborators. Reviews system and program documentation for accuracy and completeness.

Makes recommendations for improvement of programming tools and DevOps strategies as part of the development process.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Five years of related experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

A minimum of 5 years' experience in cloud infrastructure management, DevOps automation, and IT operations. Prior experience with geospatial data systems and performance tuning is an advantage.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

PREFERRED Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong experience with Azure Cloud (Databricks, Blob Storage, Functions, AKS, IAM).

Expertise in DevOps automation (Terraform, Kubernetes, Docker, CI/CD).

Familiarity with geospatial cloud infrastructure and database performance tuning.

Proficiency in scripting languages (Python, Bash, PowerShell).

Strong knowledge of security best practices and compliance (SOC 2, NIST, FAIR data).

Preferred Certifications:

Azure, Kubernetes, or DevOps certifications are highly desirable.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Administrative physical demands:

May require extended bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, squatting, and sitting.

May require lifting workshop and outreach equipment, up to 30 pounds.

May require extended communication with visitors and employees in person, telephonically or electronically.

May require infrequent travel in State vehicles with overnight stays.

May require operating computers with high-definition screens for extended periods of time.