Database Administrator Job Description

What is a Database Administrator?

Database administrators ensure a company’s database is operational, secure, and searchable by building database systems according to the specialized roles of their users, and with regard to the end-users’ needs and views. They are responsible for the storing, organizing, presenting, and usage and analysis of the company’s database management software. They strive to meet the company’s storage and database needs through implementation of new databases or by integrating existing data from old to new systems. They also perform tests or modifications to ensure that a database runs and performs correctly.

Database administrators solve problems by troubleshooting programs or hardware to fix issues that arise. They routinely discuss and coordinate security measures with both the companies where they work and other administrators. They will use software to store and organize data and to ensure the data in their view is both secure from unauthorized access and simultaneously readily available for authorized users. As collaborators with data analysts, they ensure relevant parties can easily access the databases. Database administrators need a bachelor’s degree in information or computer science and often need a master’s degree in database information or information technology.

Database Administrator Job Description Template

Job Overview

Responsibilities for Database Administrator

  • Support the database management system and all related software.
  • Also, monitor and manage database performance and troubleshoot database problems.
  • Conduct performance tuning of indexes and databases in general.
  • Perform database system backup and recovery functions via RMAN.
  • Coordinate, recommend, configure, install and maintain Microsoft SQL servers.
  • Conduct regular team meetings to ensure deliverables are met.
  • Maintain data files and monitor systems configuration to ensure data integrity.
  • Interact with clients, analysts, and other team members to resolve issues.
  • Audit data hygiene reports making data updates as required.
  • Create queries, exports, and reports, including customized reports as needed.
  • Perform reviews and provide input to design and data flow.
  • Manage data products, including production of dashboards senior managements use in reporting.
  • Work with necessary teams to identify and report application bugs.
  • Oversee the work of mid- and junior-level contractor DBAs.
  • Work directly with customers' technical resources to devise and recommend solutions based on the understood requirements.
  • Identify, and act on, areas for process improvement, and automation.
  • Plan, coordinate, and recommend security measures to safeguard databases.

Qualifications for Database Administrator

  • Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in computer science, engineering, information systems, or information technology or equivalent experience.
  • Experience with Microsoft Vista and SQL Server.
  • Experience with DMLSS, MYSQL, PostgreSQL, UNIX, and DBMS software and systems.
  • Experience with Linux, Oracle Database, Cloud software and systems, and Agile.
  • Familiarity with relational databases, backup and recovery, and scripting.
  • Demonstrated high availability for client problem solving.
  • Experience with enterprise resource planning.
  • Experience with DB2 UDB, UDB, and DB2 software and systems.

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Employers: How to Write Great Job Descriptions

  • Be sure to mention requisite years of experience and educational requirements
  • Tell job seekers what's unique about your company and job
  • Ideal length is a few paragraphs or about 200 words
  • Make sure to use appropriate paragraph breaks and bullet points so it's easy on the eyes
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