What does a database administrator do?

A database administrator (DBA), also known as a database manager, is an IT professional who manages the database system of an organisation.

The primary role of database administrators includes installing, configuring, maintaining, monitoring and improving the performance of a company’s database framework. They also play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the IT infrastructure of a business — by overseeing database management software (DBMS), safeguarding sensitive information and assuring data integrity.

Along with their essential duties, they coordinate the business intelligence (BI) system to transform raw data into meaningful insights. This helps data scientists and analysts to implement strategic business decisions. They also collaborate with developers to design and implement new features as well as troubleshoot any data-related issues in the firm.

Job Description: Template

We seek a skilled database administrator to join our team at [Company XYZ].

As a database administrator, you will be responsible for building and maintaining database systems and ensuring data security in our firm. Your role will also entail troubleshooting issues in our database management software and providing quick resolution.

You’ll be required to work individually as well as collaborate with developers, system admins and end-users to maintain databases. Thus, your ability to communicate fluently in one or more database management languages will be vital for project-related analyses.

If you have a passion for data and technology, a strong analytical mindset and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply.

Join us at [Company XYZ] if you want to reshape the technological environment with your ideas. We offer competitive remuneration, a friendly and encouraging atmosphere and support hybrid work. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Objectives of this role

  • Design, install, configure and maintain database systems, including monitoring, tuning and troubleshooting issues.
  • Provide a seamless flow of information by keeping the database running smoothly.
  • Ensure data security and integrity, including implementation of access controls, backups and recovery plans.
  • Execute disaster recovery plans and procedures to ensure database availability during system outages or dysfunction.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain database documentation, including data standards, procedures and definitions for data elements and tables in the company.
  • Identify and implement database requirements for new or existing applications by working collaboratively with other teams.
  • Optimise database performance and efficiency by evaluating and recommending new database technologies.
  • Support users and developers by resolving data-related technical issues and troubleshooting queries by guiding them with best practices.
  • Execute regular database maintenance tasks, including database defragmentation, backups, and database replication.

Required skills and qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a related field.
  • 3-5 years of experience in database administration or in a similar role.
  • Experience in database backup, disaster recovery planning, performance optimisation and data security.
  • Knowledge of database management systems such as MySQL and Oracle.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to provide quick solutions to issues.
  • Outstanding communication and collaboration skills to work in a team environment. 

Preferred skills and qualifications

  • Ability to use a scripting language (like Python or Peri) to automate database administration tasks.
  • Relevant database administration certificates, such as Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) or Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA).
  • Experience in cloud database technologies, like Amazon RDS or Microsoft Azure.
  • Knowledge of database automation tools such as Ansible, Puppet, Chef, etc.