Data Architect – Senior

Contract- 1year (up to 12 month extension) $117/hr Aug. 27, 2025 About the Role Our public sector client is seeking a Senior Data Architect for a 12-month, full time contract, with the possibility of up to a 12-month extension. The Semantic Data Architect will be required on a full-time basis (7.25-hour workday, 36.25 hours/week), to support the design, development, and implementation of cloud-based semantic architectures, services and tools that enable the Client to better leverage its data assets in alignment with the Client’s Data Strategy. This expert role will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to architect and operationalize semantic layers, knowledge graphs, and AI-enabled data services that support cross-ministry integration and engagement with key stakeholders. By enabling the use of semantic technologies and knowledge, this will help enact the pillars of the Data Strategy by using data to benefit Albertans. The successful candidate will be a Semantic Data Architect with a diverse range of technical skills and experience working in complex, multi-disciplinary environments. The role may have aspects of any or all the following: semantic architecture design, cloud platform integration, data governance, metadata and ontology management, AI infrastructure development, and stakeholder engagement. The candidate will contribute to the development and administration of semantic layers and knowledge graphs, support secure and compliant cloud-based data platforms, and apply Agile and DevOps practices to deliver scalable, interoperable solutions. Responsibilities Lead the design and implementation of semantic data models that support generative AI applications and conversational user interfaces. Develop and manage ontologies, taxonomies, and metadata standards to enhance data discoverability, governance, and reuse. Document architecture decisions, standards, and best practices to support operational sustainability and knowledge transfer. Architect and maintain scalable cloud-based infrastructure to support semantic data integration, knowledge graphs, and AI- and advanced analytics-driven services. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to align semantic architecture with strategies and ensure interoperability across supported platforms. Integrate generative AI tools with enterprise data systems to enable intelligent conversational capabilities. Support the development of conversational user interfaces, AI-enabled data products and AI agents that leverage structured and unstructured data sources. Ensure policy-aligned data privacy, security, and ethical AI practices are embedded in all semantic and AI infrastructure designs. Provide technical leadership and mentorship to other team members involved in semantic, AI and advanced analytical initiatives. Monitor and evaluate emerging technologies in semantic knowledge, AI, and data architectures to inform strategic planning and innovation. Working Hours Standard Hours of work are 08:15 – 16:30 Alberta time, Monday through Friday excluding holidays observed by the client. Work must be done from within Canada, due to network and data security issues. However, due to time-sensitive deliverables, there may occasionally be requests for work outside of standard hours or limited overtime, as needed to meet critical deadlines. This resource will primarily work remotely; however, in the event of an onsite meeting, the Client/Handis Consulting Ltd. does not pay for travel to attend on-site meetings, nor any expenses related to relocation, commuting, housing/accommodation, food/drink (Edmonton AB). Onsite meetings include but are not limited to strategic, analytical, and technical discussions, meeting with team members, senior managers, directors, executive directors, and business clients. Frequency of meeting could be up to 3-4 times per fiscal year. Actual onsite attendance may be negotiable, particularly if resource lives outside Alberta. Equipment The candidate shall be responsible for providing all their own equipment. The computer's operating system must be a modern version of Windows or MacOS that is compatible with Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and related software for remote access. Windows is preferred due to better compatibility. AVD/remote-related software will be installed on the resource's computer. Requirements Education Proposed resource must meet or exceed one of the following: University graduation-Computing Science (CS), Information Technology (IT), Engineering (ENG), Management Information Systems (MIS) or related discipline & 6-yrs progressive related experience; OR 2-yr diploma-CS, IT, ENG, MIS or related discipline & 8-yrs progressive related experience; OR 1-yr certificate-CS, IT, ENG, MIS or related discipline & 9-yrs progressive related experience; OR 10-yrs progressive related experience Work Experience 5 years experience in building analytical and quantitative analysis models 5 years experience with projects that involved data science, data engineering and / or AI 5 years experience using analytical and problem-solving skills to plan and design creative solutions 5 years experience using Hadoop, Microsoft SQL and unstructured data. Must have background with unstructured data, in the form of social media, video feeds or audio 5 years experience with and understanding of the application of statistical methods such as regression, significance testing, and other methods to address key business issues 5 years experience with dimensional modeling techniques 5 years experience with Python development 5 years experience with relational database modeling techniques 5 years experience working in a data warehouse/business intelligence or relevant data environment in either a development or support role 1 year experience designing semantic data models and ontologies to enable structured knowledge representation and improve conversational AI 3 years proven experience designing and deploying scalable cloud-based data platform architectures that integrate with semantic and advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) analytical technologies 5 years experience with architecting and maintaining and orchestrating secure, automated CI/CD pipelines for data and AI services to enable rapid, compliant deployments 3 years direct, hands‑on experience with design and implementation of data security, data privacy, policies, data de-identification/anonymization, data audits/reviews, synthetic data 4 years experience in Agile project methodology 1 year experience building and maintaining enterprise knowledge graphs 1 year hands‑on experience with generative AI orchestration tools, vector databases and frameworks, and their integration with enterprise source data systems for conversational interfaces 1 year demonstrated experience in managing metadata, ensuring data quality, and implementing data governance frameworks to support enterprise compliance efforts 1 year expertise in designing and implementing semantic models, ontologies, and taxonomies to support enterprise semantic knowledge representation 3 years experience evaluating and applying emerging trends in semantic research areas, Generative AI, AI ethics, advanced analytics (AI, machine learning, data science) and data interoperability to inform strategic planning Standard Security Clearance The contractor shall, prior to commencement of the Services, provide the client, on its request and at no cost to the client/Handis Consulting Ltd., with a current criminal record check. Resource References Three references, for whom similar work has been performed, must be provided. The most recent reference should be listed first. Reference checks may or may not be completed to assist with scoring of the proposed resource by the client. SUBMISSION MUST INCLUDE: · ALL REQUIRED EXPERIENCE MUST BE DESCRIBED IN RESUME UNDER THE JOB/PROJECT WHERE EXPERIENCE WAS ATTAINED If this opportunity is of interest to you, please provide your resume detailing all your relevant experience and certifications, as well as 3 recent references. Candidate must have or immediately obtain Incorporated Business status. Handis Consulting prides itself in being an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr