Database Administrator (DBA) (The Data Guardian)

Introduction:

Are you a data expert with a passion for managing, optimizing, and safeguarding vast amounts of information? Do you thrive on ensuring that databases run efficiently, securely, and can handle the demands of modern applications? If you’re driven by creating scalable database architectures and ensuring data integrity, then our client has the perfect opportunity for you. We’re looking for a Database Administrator (DBA) (aka The Data Guardian) to manage our databases, optimize performance, and safeguard critical data assets.

As a Database Administrator at our client, you’ll be responsible for maintaining the health, security, and performance of our databases, ensuring data is stored efficiently and accessed securely. You’ll work closely with development and operations teams to design, implement, and manage database systems that support high-performance applications.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Database Management and Optimization:

• Manage, monitor, and maintain the health of production and development databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB). You’ll ensure databases are optimized for performance, scalability, and reliability.

• Implement robust backup and recovery strategies to ensure that data is recoverable in the event of failures or disasters. You’ll plan and execute regular backup operations, test recovery procedures, and create failover systems.

• Ensure database security by implementing strong access controls, encryption, and compliance measures. You’ll safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized access and adhere to regulatory requirements like GDPR or HIPAA.

• Analyze and optimize database performance by monitoring query execution, identifying bottlenecks, and making adjustments to improve response times. You’ll collaborate with developers to optimize SQL queries and database schemas.

• Design, implement, and maintain database architectures that are scalable, secure, and aligned with business needs. You’ll create efficient database models, work on normalization, and manage data indexing strategies.

• Set up and maintain database monitoring tools to detect performance issues, slow queries, and capacity bottlenecks. You’ll troubleshoot issues proactively to ensure minimal downtime and maximum availability.

• Work closely with software engineers and DevOps teams to ensure database solutions align with application requirements. You’ll support database migrations, schema updates, and ensure smooth integration with application deployments.

Requirements

Required Skills:

• Database Management Expertise: Strong experience with relational (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL) and NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, Redis). You have in-depth knowledge of database administration, backup, recovery, and performance tuning.
• Performance Optimization: Expertise in query optimization, indexing, and database performance tuning to ensure efficient and fast data retrieval. You know how to diagnose and fix slow-running queries and performance bottlenecks.
• Security and Compliance: Solid understanding of database security best practices, including access controls, encryption, and regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA). You ensure that data is protected and handled with the highest levels of security.
• Scripting and Automation: Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python or Bash for automating routine database tasks, such as backups, monitoring, and updates. Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is a plus.
• Collaboration and Communication: Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with developers, DevOps, and IT teams to ensure that database solutions meet business and application requirements.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Equivalent experience in database administration is also valued.
• Certifications such as Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator, or AWS Certified Database Specialty are a plus.

Experience Requirements:

• 3+ years of experience in database administration, with a proven track record of managing and optimizing databases in production environments.
• Experience with high-availability architectures, replication strategies, and disaster recovery planning for databases.
• Hands-on experience in cloud-based database services (e.g., AWS RDS, Google Cloud SQL, Azure SQL Database) is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with low co-pays and premiums.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation, sick leave, and 20 paid holidays per year.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedules and telecommuting options.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certification reimbursement, and career advancement programs.
• Wellness Programs: Access to wellness programs, including gym memberships, health screenings, and mental health resources.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional challenges.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continuing education and professional development.
• Community Engagement: Opportunities to participate in community service and volunteer activities.
• Recognition Programs: Employee recognition programs to celebrate achievements and milestones.