Database Administrator – VA
Phoenix Team | Remote (U.S.-based) | Full-Time
Position Summary
Phoenix Team is seeking a Database Administrator to support an extended data migration effort for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program. This role combines hands-on database administration with cloud infrastructure expertise — from planning and provisioning through migration, performance tuning, and ongoing operational support. The ideal candidate owns the health, security, and performance of the databases underpinning the migration end-to-end, working across on-premises and AWS-hosted environments to keep data available, accurate, and secure throughout the engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Administer, maintain, and optimize production and non-production databases supporting a large-scale, extended data migration effort.
- Perform database installation, configuration, patching, upgrades, and performance tuning across source and target environments.
- Monitor database health, availability, and performance; proactively identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues.
- Manage database backup, recovery, and disaster recovery procedures to protect data integrity throughout the migration.
- Implement and maintain database security controls, including access management, encryption, and auditing.
- Provision, configure, and manage AWS-hosted database resources (e.g., RDS, Aurora, EC2-hosted databases), including scaling and monitoring.
- Support data conversion activities, including schema design, data loading, validation, and troubleshooting alongside data analysts and developers.
- Collaborate with developers, data analysts, and business analysts to support API-driven data exchange between systems.
- Support testing and validation of migrated data for completeness, integrity, and accuracy.
- Document database standards, configurations, migration procedures, and lessons learned throughout the engagement.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Analytics, or a related field.
- 6+ years of experience as a Database Administrator, including substantial hands-on experience supporting data migration efforts.
- Demonstrated experience administering relational databases (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, or MySQL).
- Hands-on experience with AWS cloud database services (e.g., RDS, Aurora, DynamoDB, EC2-hosted databases), including provisioning, monitoring, and optimization.
- Working proficiency in SQL and scripting (e.g., Python, Shell, or similar) to support automation, conversion, and troubleshooting.
- Experience with database backup/recovery, replication, and high-availability/disaster-recovery configurations.
- Strong understanding of database security best practices, including access control, encryption, and auditing.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently diagnose and resolve complex database issues.
- Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear technical documentation for both technical and business stakeholders.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or Minimum Background Investigation (MBI) suitability determination.
- Ability to work remotely while residing in the United States.
Preferred Qualifications
- AWS certification (e.g., AWS Certified Database – Specialty, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or AWS Certified SysOps Administrator).
- Prior experience supporting VA or other federal government data migration initiatives.
- Familiarity with the Empower platform and/or VA systems.
- Experience with ETL tools and data integration/transformation platforms.
- Experience with infrastructure-as-code tools (e.g., Terraform, AWS CloudFormation) for provisioning and managing database resources.
- Prior experience in a senior or lead database administrator role on large-scale system migration projects.
About PhoenixTeam
PhoenixTeam partners with federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, to deliver technology, data, and program management solutions that improve outcomes for the people those agencies serve.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
- Remote work flexibility within the United States.
- Opportunity to do meaningful work supporting Veterans through modern data and cloud solutions.
- A collaborative, mission-driven team culture at PhoenixTeam.
PhoenixTeam is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
