The Database Administrator (DBA) is responsible for the design, implementation, performance, security, and reliability of the organization's database systems across multiple platforms, including Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL. This role ensures that databases are highly available, properly backed up, optimally tuned, and securely configured to support business applications and reporting needs. The DBA collaborates closely with software developers, infrastructure engineers, and business stakeholders to design scalable data architectures, troubleshoot performance issues, and implement best practices for data governance, disaster recovery, and regulatory compliance. This position requires a strong technical foundation across relational database technologies, sound judgment under pressure, and the ability to balance proactive system improvements with responsive incident resolution.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities- Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL instances across development, test, and production environments.
- Monitor database performance, proactively identify bottlenecks, and tune queries, indexes, and configurations to optimize throughput and response times.
- Design and implement backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies, and regularly test restore procedures to ensure data integrity and business continuity.
- Manage database security, including user access provisioning, role-based permissions, encryption, and auditing to ensure compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
- Plan and execute database migrations, upgrades, and patching with minimal disruption to business operations.
- Collaborate with application developers on schema design, query optimization, data modeling, and best practices for database integration.
- Implement and maintain high-availability and replication solutions (e.g., Always On Availability Groups, PostgreSQL streaming replication).
- Develop and maintain documentation for database architecture, configurations, standard operating procedures, and disaster recovery plans.
- Establish and enforce data governance standards, including naming conventions, data quality controls, and retention policies.
- Respond to and resolve database-related incidents, including participation in off-hours support when necessary.
- Automate routine administrative tasks using scripting tools (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, Python) to improve operational efficiency.
- Capacity-plan for storage, memory, and compute resources, and provide recommendations for infrastructure scaling.
- Stay current with emerging database technologies, vendor patches, and industry best practices, recommending improvements where appropriate.
- Support audits and compliance reviews by providing documentation and evidence of database controls.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- 1--3+ years of hands-on experience administering Microsoft SQL Server and/or PostgreSQL in a production environment.
- Relevant certifications are a plus.
- Working knowledge of an AI tool (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot) for tasks such as query optimization, documentation, or troubleshooting is preferred.
- Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in administering Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL, including installation, configuration, and performance tuning.
- Problem Solving: Ability to diagnose complex database issues quickly and implement effective, lasting solutions under time pressure.
- Attention to Detail: Rigorous approach to data integrity, security configurations, and documentation accuracy.
- Communication Skills: Ability to translate technical concepts clearly for both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders.
- Security & Compliance Awareness: Strong understanding of data security principles, encryption, and regulatory frameworks as applicable.
- Automation & Scripting: Proficiency with scripting languages (PowerShell, Bash, Python) to automate maintenance and monitoring tasks.
- ETL & Reporting Tools: Working knowledge of Microsoft ETL processes, including SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).
- Collaboration: Effective at working cross-functionally with developers, infrastructure teams, and business units.
- Adaptability: Comfortable working across heterogeneous database platforms and adapting to evolving technology stacks.
- Ownership & Reliability: Takes accountability for system uptime and data integrity, including responsiveness during on-call situations.
- Continuous Learning: Proactively keeps skills current with new database features, tools, and industry trends.
