SQL Database Administrator

The Mid-Tier Database Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day administration, maintenance, optimisation, and support of the organisations database systems. This role ensures database performance, security, and availability, while also contributing to database development projects and supporting application teams with database-related queries.

Key Responsibilities

1. Database Administration & Maintenance

• Install, configure, and maintain database management systems (primarily SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Oracle, depending on environment).
• Perform regular health checks, tuning, and optimisation for performance and reliability.
• Apply database patches and upgrades as required.
• Monitor database storage, growth, and capacity.

2. Performance Monitoring & Optimisation

• Identify slow-running queries and work with developers to optimise SQL code.
• Maintain and update indexes, statistics, and execution plans.
• Use monitoring tools to proactively address performance issues.

3. Backup & Recovery

• Manage database backups, recovery plans, and high-availability configurations.
• Test and validate disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity plans.
• Ensure compliance with Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs).

4. Security & Compliance

• Implement and maintain database security best practices, including access control, encryption, and auditing.
• Ensure compliance with data protection laws (e.g., POPIA, GDPR).
• Manage database user accounts, permissions, and roles.

5. Development & Support

• Assist in designing and implementing database solutions for new projects.
• Support application and development teams with database queries and schema changes.
• Develop scripts, stored procedures, and triggers where necessary.

6. Incident & Problem Management

• Troubleshoot and resolve database-related incidents and service requests.
• Participate in after-hours support rotation for critical systems.
• Document troubleshooting steps, solutions, and lessons learned.

7. Continuous Improvement

• Keep up to date with emerging database technologies and best practices.
• Recommend and implement improvements to database architecture and processes.
• Mentor junior DBAs and contribute to internal knowledge sharing.

Key Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills:

• Strong proficiency in SQL and database administration.
• Experience with database backup, recovery, tuning, and high availability.
• Knowledge of replication, clustering, and disaster recovery setups.
• Familiarity with database monitoring tools (e.g., SQL Profiler, SolarWinds DPA, Redgate).
• Understanding of scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, Python) for automation.
• Knowledge of cloud-based databases (Azure SQL, AWS RDS) advantageous.

Soft Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Good organisational and documentation skills.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (preferred).
• 3–5 years’ experience in a database administration role.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate, Oracle Certified Professional, or similar certifications preferred.
• Experience in both on-premises and cloud database environments is advantageous.