A database administrator (DBA) is a specialized computer systems administrator who maintains a successful database environment by directing or performing all activities related to keeping data secure. The ultimate responsibility of a DBA expert is maintaining data integrity. This means the Database Administrator will ensure data is secured from unauthorized access but available to users.
A Data Administrator will typically have knowledge and experience working with many database management products such as Oracle-based software, SAP, and SQL, in addition to having a Computer Science degree and hands-on experience and relevant IT certifications, if any.
Working as a DBA requires individuals to work well in a team environment, communicate effectively with key stakeholders, and operate efficiently with minimal oversight. Many job postings featured online highlight the following key skills, responsibilities, and job requirements when applying for a Database Administrator position:
Install, upgrade, and patch databases
Install and configure related networking components
Ensure database access, consistency, and integrity
Address issues related to performance bottlenecks
Provide reports on various metrics including availability, usage, and performance
Perform performance and operational checks
Work with development staff on architecture, coding standards, and quality assurance policies
Create models to develop new or modify existing database models
Respond to and resolve issues regarding performance and database access
Monitor database system details
Design and implement systems, policies, and disaster recovery processes
Monitor, optimize, and allocate physical storage for database systems
Plan and coordinate data migration
Develop, implement, and maintain change control and change management procedures
Perform database transactions and security audits
Establish database user access control levels
Implement database and data encryption
Plan and ensure adherence to established best practices, policies, and relevant laws and regulations
Some companies require database administrators to have a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field. Larger companies and organizations with extensive databases may seek candidates with a master's degree in database management in fields like computer science, information systems, or information technology. Importantly, database administrators must know the transactional language - SQL (structured query language) that is most commonly used. Strong DBAs can adapt to any language the company prefers
DBAs need to have both a holistic view of the information they steward, as well as a detailed microscopic lens for errors and lost data. They must also have the ability to translate complex problem-solving and critical thinking into action by making decisions that benefit the database and company.
SQL
Oracle
Extract, transform, and load (ETL)
Python
Teradata DBA
Data warehouse
Java
Big data
Linux
Microsoft Excel
Monitor and resolve issues in both Production and Integration environments.
Services and health of databases to ensure the highest standards of availability, recoverability, integrity, security, tunability, and performance.
Support developer teams.
Engage in transformational and architectural projects: There will be extensive improvements to architecture and technical challenges as we move onto the AWS Cloud and we are a fast-growing IT company.
Understand the SecuTix data model, business logic, and customer data.
Utilize and learn various database technologies: Oracle, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Amazon RDS
Strong DBA experience in production environments and supporting development teams.
Oracle database servers, PL/SQL, tuning, ETL, data warehousing
Excellent communication skills.
Accurate, organized, detail-oriented, proactive, caring, curious
Operate several heavily used Vertica database clusters.
Proactively monitor server and database health to ensure availability and performance.
Provide database performance tuning.
Validate and maintain data security.
Collaborate on investigating Vertica issues with Vertica support.
Work closely with the Vertica community
Execute replication scenarios.