5-7 years experience with relational databases, especially PostgreSQL
Familiarity with MongoDB is necessary
Proficiency in database performance tuning and optimization
Understanding of high-availability and disaster recovery solutions
Experience with backup and recovery methodologies
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Ability to explain complex technical concepts simply
Responsibilities
Monitor and optimize database performance for high availability
Identify and resolve database performance bottlenecks
Maintain and configure PostgreSQL and MongoDB systems
Automate routine database maintenance tasks
Design and validate backup and disaster recovery processes
Support production environments and troubleshoot issues
Implement database security protocols and ensure compliance
Benefits
Opportunity for career growth and skill development
Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams
Flexibility in addressing system issues as they arise
Potential involvement in innovative projects in the gaming industry
Access to modern database technologies and practices
Full Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking a Database Administrator (DBA) to support the reliability, performance, and scalability of our database environments. This role is responsible for managing and optimizing database systems, ensuring data integrity and availability, and supporting engineering teams through effective database design, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
The Database Administrator will work closely with Engineering, DevOps, and Product teams to ensure our data systems are performant, secure, and aligned with the needs of a growing, high-throughput platform. This role requires a balance of operational excellence, proactive monitoring, and continuous improvement, with a strong focus on maintaining uptime and supporting production environments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Database Performance & Optimization
Monitor, analyze, and optimize database performance across environments to ensure high availability and responsiveness
Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, including query optimization, indexing strategies, and resource utilization
Partner with Engineering teams to improve database design and query efficiency
Database Administration & Maintenance
Install, configure, and maintain database systems (PostgreSQL, MongoDB)
Perform or automate routine database maintenance, including backups, restores, patching, and upgrades
Ensure database environments are stable, secure, and aligned with best practices
Backup, Recovery & Data Integrity
Design, implement, and maintain backup and recovery processes to ensure data protection and business continuity
Regularly test and validate backup and disaster recovery procedures
Ensure data integrity and consistency across systems, including replication and synchronization processes
Production Support & Incident Response
Support production environments by diagnosing and resolving database-related issues in a timely manner
Participate in incident response efforts, including root cause analysis and post-incident documentation
Collaborate with DevOps and Engineering teams to improve system reliability and prevent recurring issues
Security & Compliance
Implement and maintain database security protocols, including access controls, encryption, and auditing
Ensure database environments meet regulatory and compliance requirements relevant to the gaming industry
Support internal and external audits as needed
Monitoring & Automation
Implement and maintain monitoring solutions to proactively identify issues related to performance, capacity, and availability
Automate routine database administration tasks to improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention
Partner with IT and DevOps to integrate database monitoring and alerting into broader system observability
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Software Engineering teams to support database needs throughout the development lifecycle
Provide guidance on database best practices, schema design, and data modeling
Collaborate with Product and Analytics teams to ensure data structures support reporting and business intelligence needs
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Strong experience with relational databases, particularly PostgresSQL
Experience with MongoDB
Experience with database performance tuning, query optimization, and indexing strategies
Familiarity with backup and recovery tools and methodologies
Understanding of high-availability and disaster recovery architectures
Experience working in production environments with uptime and reliability expectations
Knowledge of database security best practices and compliance considerations
Familiarity with monitoring and observability tools
Experience collaborating with teams in Agile environments
Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience)
3-6 years of experience in database administration or related roles
Experience supporting production database environments
Experience in gaming, financial systems, or other regulated industries is a plus
Experience with cloud-based database environments (AWS, Azure) is a plus
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer
Ability to respond to system issues outside of standard business hours as needed
Ability to communicate effectively in person, via phone, and through virtual platforms
About Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs is a leading entertainment company that operates a variety of businesses, including horse racing, casino gaming, and online wagering. The company is best known for hosting the Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. Churchill Downs is committed to providing a world-class entertainment experience for its customers, while also promoting responsible gaming and supporting the communities in which it operates.
