DataSteward

This working day is an example; employers organize the work differently.

// Selected official Tasks — DCWF 5.3

• 5855 · Core Task: Collaborate with data owners to establish data quality rules and definitions.
• 5864 · Core Task: Create data catalogs and dictionaries.
• 5897 · Core Task: Manage compliance with data classification and handling requirements.

// Selected official Knowledge — DCWF 5.3

• 28 · Core Knowledge: Knowledge of data administration and data standardization policies and standards.
• 7018 · Core Knowledge: Knowledge of data protection standards and frameworks to prevent unauthorized access to data, and safeguard against unauthorized disclosure of data.
• 7040 · Core Knowledge: Knowledge of Personal Health Information (PHI), Personally Identifiable Information (PII), and other data privacy and data reusability considerations for AI solutions.

// Selected official Skills — DCWF 5.3

• 186 · Core Skill: Skill in developing data dictionaries.
• 7071 · Core Skill: Skill in labeling data to make it more discoverable and understandable.
• 6915A · Core Skill: Skill in communicating with all levels of the organization, including senior/mid-level executives, and operational-level personnel (e.g., interpersonal skills, approachability, effective listening skills, appropriate use of style and language for the audience).

DCWF describes work rather than setting pay. Compare jobs by duties, experience, location and employer.

// US pay and outlook context

This related BLS occupation provides context for database work. Its figures are not a dedicated estimate for every data stewardship or data architecture job; compare the duties and location.

Read BLS: Database Administrators and Architects

// Check actual opportunities

• Compare the advertised salary range, experience requirements, working location and benefits.
• Separate internships and junior roles from senior positions. A national median is not a guaranteed salary.
• For federal jobs, read the grade, eligibility and education or experience requirements in the announcement.

These are suggested ways to build relevant skills. They are not an official DoD qualification pathway.

// Grades 9–12: start at school

Practice organizing a spreadsheet and writing a clear definition for every column. Learn basic databases and digital privacy. Notice how inconsistent labels can make the same information look different.

// Considering or studying a degree

Consider information systems, data management, business analytics, computer science or another subject with strong data governance content. Seek courses in databases, data quality, privacy and information management.

// Early career and skills-first route

Explore data quality, data coordination, records or junior governance roles. Show that you can document a dataset, spot quality problems and communicate with the people responsible for the data.

// A project for your portfolio

Create a fictional school-club inventory. Write a data dictionary, quality rules and a simple access plan. Use made-up names and explain which fields should be kept, shared or removed.

// Show what you can do

• Explain the question or goal, the source of your data and your own contribution.
• Include the steps you followed, checks you ran, results and limitations.
• Use public data with suitable permission or fictional examples. Do not use private student or employer information.

Credentials can help you structure learning or show knowledge. Choose them based on the work in your target job postings, alongside practical experience.

Official DoD 8140 guidance

Employers may use different titles for similar work. These links open US job searches; they are not endorsed vacancies.

Search federal opportunities on USAJOBS

// Match the work, not just the title

• Compare the duties with the role description. Similar titles can cover different work.
• Check the required experience and whether the opening is junior, specialist or leadership level.
• Federal and defense jobs may specify citizenship, clearance or other eligibility requirements; read the actual announcement.

// You may enjoy this if you…

• Enjoy organizing information and agreeing on clear rules.
• Care about privacy and accurate records.
• Like helping different teams understand the same data.

// Think carefully if you…

• Want a role focused only on building models.
• Dislike documentation or asking people to correct data.