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If you’ve Googled “ETL Developer job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over again: a wall of bullet points, a vague company overview, and a lifeless list of duties. But here’s the truth—those posts rarely attract top talent.
Great ETL developers are in high demand, and they’re selective. They don’t get excited by a checklist of “must know SQL” or “manage pipelines.” What they want to know is: What impact will I make here? What problems will I solve? Who will I be working with?
Unfortunately, most job descriptions skip all of that. The result? The best candidates scroll right past your listing and apply somewhere else.
👉 If you haven’t yet, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ — it breaks down the common mistakes most hiring managers make and shows you the exact framework to attract high-quality applicants.
The good news: you don’t need to be a copywriter or a marketer to write a compelling job post. You just need a structure that works—and some intentionality.
So if your ETL Developer job description currently feels like a formality, this guide will show you how to turn it into your best recruiting tool.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
What an ETL Developer Actually Does - Their Roles
An ETL Developer is the person who makes sure your data actually flows where it needs to go—and that it’s clean, reliable, and ready for analysis.
“ETL” stands for Extract, Transform, Load:
- Extract: Pulling raw data from multiple sources (databases, APIs, applications).
- Transform: Cleaning, validating, and structuring that data so it’s usable.
- Load: Moving the processed data into warehouses or analytics systems where your team can use it.
In simple terms, an ETL Developer is the bridge between raw data and business insight. They design, build, and maintain data pipelines that help your company turn scattered information into something decision-makers can actually act on.
It’s a role where technical skills (SQL, Python, cloud platforms) are essential, but attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication matter just as much. The best ETL developers don’t just move data—they ensure accuracy, optimize performance, and collaborate with analysts and business teams to make data useful.
Two Great ETL Developer Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced ETL Developer
Job Title: Senior ETL Developer (Data Engineering)
Location: Hybrid — Austin, TX (2–3 days onsite)
Compensation: $110,000–$135,000 base + performance bonus
Type: Full-Time
🎥 From the Hiring Manager: Watch a 90-second intro from our Head of Data on the team, stack, and roadmap. (Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are
Nimbus Retail is a fast-growing, omnichannel home goods retailer with 120+ stores and a thriving e-commerce business. Our data team powers inventory forecasting, merchandising, pricing, and customer analytics across POS, e-commerce, and supply chain systems. We’re consolidating legacy pipelines into a modern warehouse to support real-time decisions at scale.
What You’ll Do
- Design, build, and maintain robust ETL/ELT pipelines from POS, ERP, WMS, and marketing platforms.
- Optimize transformation logic (dbt/SQL) for reliability, reusability, and performance.
- Partner with Analytics, Finance, and Merchandising to model data for self-serve dashboards.
- Own monitoring and incident response for data freshness, quality, and lineage.
- Establish best practices for testing, version control, documentation, and governance.
- Mentor mid/junior engineers; lead design reviews and roadmap planning.
What You’ll Bring
- 5+ years in ETL/ELT or data engineering roles.
- Expert SQL (window functions, CTEs, performance tuning).
- Proficiency with Python for orchestration/utilities.
- Hands-on with Snowflake (or BigQuery/Redshift), dbt, Airflow (or Dagster), and Fivetran/Stitch.
- Solid understanding of dimensional modeling, data quality, and CI/CD for analytics.
- Clear communication with non-technical stakeholders.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision (company-covered options)
- 401(k) with match
- 20 days PTO + 10 company holidays + 2 volunteer days
- Annual learning budget ($2,000) + paid certifications
- Home-office stipend + top-tier equipment
- Hybrid flexibility; relocation support if applicable
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll take real ownership of a high-impact, modern data stack used daily by leadership. If you love building clean, observable pipelines that drive measurable business outcomes (better forecasts, faster replenishment, smarter promotions), you’ll thrive here.
Our Hiring Process
- Apply via WorkScreen (skills-first evaluation)
- 30-min recruiter intro
- 60-min technical interview (SQL + design)
- Take-home or pair session (your choice)
- Final panel + culture chat
We respond to every applicant within 10 business days.
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to ensure a fair, skills-based process. Apply here: [WorkScreen Apply Link].
✅ Option 2: Job Description For Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train ETL Developer
Job Title: Junior ETL Developer (Training Provided)
Location: Remote (US-based)
Compensation: $60,000–$75,000 base + benefits
Type: Full-Time
🎥 Meet the Team: A quick message from our Analytics Engineering Lead on how we onboard and mentor junior hires. (Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are
Riverbend Hospitality Group operates 60+ boutique hotels and restaurants across the US. Our teams rely on accurate, timely data—bookings, F&B sales, labor, and guest feedback—to deliver standout experiences and smart operations. We’re expanding our analytics engineering team and will train a motivated junior to help us scale.
What You’ll Do
- Learn to build reliable ELT pipelines from PMS/POS, HRIS, and guest feedback tools.
- Assist with data modeling in our warehouse and contribute to dbt projects.
- Write and maintain SQL transformations; document logic and assumptions.
- Help monitor data freshness and quality; triage simple incidents with guidance.
- Collaborate with analysts to turn raw data into usable tables and dashboards.
What You’ll Bring
- Curiosity about data engineering and analytics; side projects are a plus.
- Basic SQL (SELECT/JOINS); exposure to Python is helpful but not required.
- Attention to detail, strong organization, and willingness to learn.
- Clear communication and comfort asking questions.
- Nice-to-have: familiarity with any of Snowflake/BigQuery, dbt, or Airflow.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision + mental health support
- 401(k) with employer match
- 18 days PTO + paid sick time + hotel stay discounts
- $1,500 annual learning stipend + structured mentorship
- WFH setup stipend + company-issued laptop
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll get hands-on experience with a modern stack while being supported by senior engineers. If you’re early in your career and want a clear path to mid-level within 12–18 months, this is a rare chance to learn by doing—on data that powers real decisions every day.
Our Hiring Process
- Apply via WorkScreen (skills + potential assessment)
- 25-min recruiter screen
- 45-min practical SQL session (collaborative)
- Culture interview with hiring manager
- Paid trial mini-project (optional)
We reply to every applicant within 7–10 business days.
How to Apply
Show us your potential—apply here via [WorkScreen Apply Link].
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Breakdown of Why These ETL Developer Job Posts Work
Let’s break down what makes these two examples stand out compared to generic listings you’ll find online:
1. They Start With a Personal Touch
Both posts open with a short video message from the hiring manager. This instantly humanizes the job post, making it feel like a real opportunity rather than a faceless ad. Candidates get to see who they’d work with, hear the team’s tone, and feel welcomed before they even apply.
2. The Company “About Us” Is Specific and Real
Instead of vague lines like “We are a leading tech company,” each example introduces a real business (Nimbus Retail, Riverbend Hospitality Group). These sections explain what the company does, who they serve, and why the role matters. This creates context and makes the opportunity more compelling.
3. Clear, Impact-Oriented Responsibilities
Responsibilities aren’t generic (“manage ETL processes”)—they show why the work matters. For Nimbus, it’s about powering forecasting and pricing. For Riverbend, it’s about enabling guest experiences across hotels. This framing connects daily tasks to bigger outcomes, which top candidates care about.
4. Transparent and Tailored Requirements
Both job posts show who the role is for:
- Nimbus targets seasoned ETL engineers with Snowflake, dbt, and Airflow.
- Riverbend openly says “willing to train,” signaling they value potential and curiosity.
This clarity saves time for both sides and attracts the right applicants.
5. Separate Perks & Benefits vs. Why This Role Is a Fit
By splitting these sections, each post avoids blending “compensation” with “mission.” Candidates see not only what they’ll get (insurance, PTO, stipends) but also why this job is worth their time (ownership, mentorship, real-world impact).
6. Respectful, Transparent Hiring Process
Both posts spell out what happens after clicking apply. From timelines (“we respond within 10 business days”) to interview steps, candidates know what to expect. This sets these job posts apart—most applicants complain about “applying into a black hole.”
7. WorkScreen Integration = Fair, Skills-First Process
Instead of filtering only by resumes, both companies highlight WorkScreen as part of the application flow. This signals fairness (every applicant gets a shot), modern hiring (skill-based, not just keyword-matching), and efficiency (fewer wasted interviews).
👉 The big takeaway: These posts don’t just check boxes—they connect. They combine clarity (what you’ll do, what you’ll get) with personality (why it matters, who you’ll work with). That’s what attracts thoughtful, mission-driven ETL developers in a competitive market.
Example of a Bad ETL Developer Job Description (And Why It Fails)
Job Title: ETL Developer
Company: Global Data Solutions
Location: New York, NY
Compensation: Not specified
Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are seeking an ETL Developer to join our team. The ETL Developer will be responsible for data extraction, transformation, and loading processes. The candidate should be able to work independently and ensure data accuracy.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement ETL processes
- Monitor data pipelines
- Troubleshoot issues as needed
- Coordinate with stakeholders
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
- 3+ years of ETL experience
- Knowledge of SQL and ETL tools
- Strong problem-solving skills
How to Apply
Send your resume and cover letter to hr@globaldatasolutions.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
1. Generic, Lifeless Job Title
Just “ETL Developer” with no context. It doesn’t indicate the level (junior/senior), team, or business impact.
2. Cold and Vague Introduction
The summary gives no sense of the company, its mission, or why this role exists. Candidates learn nothing about what makes the opportunity unique.
3. No Compensation Transparency
Top talent expects at least a salary range. Leaving it blank signals outdated practices and discourages serious applicants.
4. Responsibilities Are Too Broad
“Design and implement ETL processes” could apply to thousands of jobs. Nothing here paints a picture of what the candidate’s day-to-day looks like or how their work ties to outcomes.
5. Culture and Values Are Missing
There’s no mention of team culture, values, or collaboration style. Candidates can’t evaluate whether they’ll fit in or enjoy working there.
6. Hiring Process Feels Dismissive
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is impersonal and unwelcoming. It creates anxiety and makes the company seem indifferent to applicant experience.
7. Weak Call to Action
“Send your resume and cover letter” is outdated and transactional. There’s no warmth, no encouragement, and no signal that candidates will be treated respectfully.
👉 Compared to the earlier examples, this post looks like a copy-paste template that checks the bare minimum boxes. It doesn’t inspire, connect, or differentiate—and that’s exactly why it would struggle to attract top ETL developers.
Bonus Tips to Make Your ETL Developer Job Post Stand Out
Even after writing a solid job description, a few extra touches can make your post more attractive and trustworthy to top candidates. Here are some advanced tips:
1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Show candidates you respect their data and protect them from scams. A simple statement builds trust:
“We take applicant privacy seriously. We will never ask for payment, personal banking information, or financial details at any stage of the hiring process.”
2. Highlight Leave and Flexibility
Work-life balance matters—especially in technical roles where burnout is common. If you offer PTO, flex days, or remote-friendly policies, spell them out. Example:
“Enjoy up to 22 PTO days per year plus flexible remote work options.”
3. Showcase Training & Growth Opportunities
The best ETL developers want to grow beyond just maintaining pipelines. If you offer learning stipends, certifications, or mentorship, highlight it. Example:
“We invest in your growth. You’ll receive an annual $2,000 training budget for certifications like Snowflake, dbt, or AWS.”
4. Use Employee Testimonials or Reviews
Link to Glassdoor, G2, or even a short employee video about working on your data team. Authentic stories resonate more than polished corporate statements.
5. Include a Short Loom Video
A quick video from the hiring manager or team lead adds personality and builds trust. Seeing the actual people they’ll work with makes candidates more likely to apply.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
6. Emphasize Your Tech Stack Clearly
Don’t just say “ETL tools.” List the actual technologies (Snowflake, BigQuery, Airflow, dbt, Fivetran, etc.). This signals transparency and helps candidates self-assess fit.
7. Respect Time in the Process
Let candidates know your response time and timeline:
“We review every application and respond within 10 business days.”
This one sentence alone sets your post apart from most competitors.
👉 These small details show respect, professionalism, and modern hiring practices—qualities top ETL developers look for when deciding where to apply.
Should You Use AI to Write ETL Developer Job Descriptions?
It feels like everyone is using AI to churn out job descriptions these days—even some ATS platforms now include a “one-click JD generator.” But here’s the truth: relying on AI blindly can backfire.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
- Generic output: AI often spits out the same lifeless bullet points you’ll find on every other site. “Design ETL processes. Monitor pipelines.” That doesn’t inspire or differentiate.
- Attracts the wrong candidates: Bland posts pull in people applying to anything, not thoughtful developers who care about impact.
- Hurts your employer brand: A job post is usually the first impression a candidate has of your company. A copy-paste AI draft signals you don’t care enough to be intentional.
✅ The Smarter Way to Use AI
AI can be a helpful writing assistant—but only if you feed it the right inputs. Treat it like a polishing tool, not a replacement for your thinking.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Give AI the raw ingredients:
- What your company does
- Why the role matters
- Your culture & values
- The tech stack and responsibilities
- Salary and benefits
- Your hiring process
- What your company does
- Use a structured prompt (instead of “write me an ETL Developer job post”):
“Help me write a job description for our company, Nimbus Retail. We’re hiring a Senior ETL Developer to design and optimize data pipelines that power inventory forecasting and e-commerce analytics. Our culture values collaboration, learning, and ownership. We use Snowflake, dbt, Airflow, and Fivetran. Salary range: $110–135K with full benefits. Our hiring process is skills-first via WorkScreen. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes]. Write this in a warm, human tone that makes top ETL developers want to apply.” - Edit and humanize the draft: Add your personal touches—like a Loom video, a message from the team, or examples of real projects.
👉 Bottom line: AI should support your voice, not replace it. The companies that win top ETL talent are the ones that show authenticity, purpose, and respect—not the ones with the fastest copy-paste job ad.
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Copy-Paste ETL Developer Job Descriptions
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description (Culture-First Style)
Job Title: ETL Developer – Turn Raw Data Into Decisions at [Company Name]
💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State])
🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time]
💰 Salary Range: [${X},000 – ${Y},000]/year
🎥 From the Hiring Manager: 90-second overview of the team, stack, and what success looks like. [Insert Loom/YouTube link]
Who We Are
[Company Name] helps [briefly state what you do + who you serve, e.g., “retail brands optimize inventory and pricing” / “health systems improve patient analytics”]. Our data team turns messy, multi-source data into trustworthy insights used by [stakeholders: e.g., finance, ops, product, marketing] to make faster, smarter decisions.
What You’ll Do
- Design and optimize reliable ETL/ELT pipelines across [sources: ERP, POS, CRM, Marketing, etc.]
- Build transformations in [dbt/SQL or preferred tool] targeting [Snowflake/BigQuery/Redshift/etc.]
- Implement monitoring, alerting, and data quality checks (freshness, accuracy, lineage)
- Partner with [analysts/data scientists/business teams] to deliver usable, modeled data
- Document assumptions and logic; champion best practices (testing, versioning, governance)
What You’ll Bring
- [N]+ years in ETL/ELT or data engineering
- Advanced SQL; [Python/Java/etc.] for orchestration/utilities
- Hands-on with [Snowflake/BigQuery/Redshift], [dbt], [Airflow/Dagster/Prefect], [Fivetran/Stitch/custom]
- Strong grasp of dimensional modeling and performance tuning
- Clear communication with technical and non-technical partners
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision ([list coverages])
- [401(k)/pension] with [match %]
- [X] days PTO + [Y] holidays + [Z] flex/volunteer days
- Annual learning budget [$____] + paid certifications
- [Remote/hybrid] setup + home-office stipend + modern equipment
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll own pipelines that [drive specific outcomes—e.g., reduce stockouts, speed reporting, power ML models]. If you love clean, observable data flows and seeing your work influence real decisions, you’ll thrive here.
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen for a fair, skills-first process. Apply here: [WorkScreen Apply Link].
We respond to every application within [X] business days.
✅ Option 2: Structured Job Description (Traditional Format)
Job Title: ETL Developer – Build Reliable Data Pipelines at [Company Name]
💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State])
🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time]
💰 Salary Range: [${X},000 – ${Y},000]/year
Job Brief
[Company Name] is seeking an ETL Developer to design, build, and maintain pipelines that deliver accurate, timely data to our [analytics/BI/reporting] platforms. You’ll collaborate across teams to ensure data is reliable, documented, and ready for use.
Responsibilities
- Build and maintain ETL/ELT pipelines from [list core systems/APIs/files]
- Develop & optimize SQL/dbt transformations targeting [Snowflake/BigQuery/Redshift]
- Implement monitoring, alerting, and data quality checks
- Collaborate with [analytics/business] to define models and SLAs
- Document pipelines, schemas, and assumptions; contribute to code reviews
Requirements
- [N]+ years of ETL/ELT development experience
- Strong SQL; [Python/other] scripting experience
- Hands-on with [dbt/Airflow/etc.] and [cloud data warehouse]
- Understanding of dimensional modeling and performance tuning
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision ([details])
- [401(k)/pension] with [match %]
- [X] days PTO + [Y] holidays
- Professional development support [$____/year]
- [Remote/hybrid policy] + equipment stipend
Hiring Process
Apply via WorkScreen (skills-first evaluation). Stages: [recruiter screen] → [technical session] → [panel/culture]. We reply to all candidates within [X] business days.
How to Apply
Submit your application here: [WorkScreen Apply Link].
Next Step: Let WorkScreen Handle the Hard Part
Writing a strong job description is just the first step. The real challenge begins once applications start pouring in. That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
With WorkScreen, you can:
🔍 Quickly Spot Top Talent
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
🧪 Run One-Click Skill Tests
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
🚫 Eliminate Low-Effort Applications
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
📊 Hire Smarter, Faster
By combining skill-based assessments with fair, automated scoring, WorkScreen saves you hours of manual screening—and helps you avoid costly bad hires.
After you’ve written your ETL Developer job description, let WorkScreen do the heavy lifting.
FAQ
An ETL Developer should combine technical expertise with problem-solving ability. Key skills include:
- Strong SQL (queries, optimization, and transformations)
- Proficiency in scripting languages (Python, Java, or Scala)
- Familiarity with ETL tools (Informatica, Talend, SSIS, dbt, Airflow, Fivetran, etc.)
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud)
- Knowledge of data modeling and warehousing concepts
- Attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate with non-technical teams
Top candidates also bring curiosity and adaptability, since ETL workflows often evolve as business data needs change.
Salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry. On average:
- Entry-level ETL Developers earn between $60,000 – $75,000/year.
- Mid-level developers earn $85,000 – $100,000/year.
- Senior or specialized ETL Developers can make $110,000 – $135,000/year or more, especially if they bring cloud and big data expertise.
In some tech hubs or highly regulated industries (like finance or healthcare), salaries can exceed these ranges.
While there’s overlap, an ETL Developer’s focus is primarily on building and maintaining data pipelines for extracting, transforming, and loading data. A Data Engineer’s scope is broader—covering not just ETL but also infrastructure, data architecture, and sometimes streaming data pipelines. In smaller companies, the two roles may blend, but in larger organizations, ETL Developers are often specialists.
Yes, but not always at an advanced level. SQL is mandatory. Scripting languages like Python are increasingly expected, especially for automation and custom transformations. Some roles may also benefit from exposure to Java or Scala, particularly when working with Hadoop or Spark-based environments.
