A.4 Database Administrator (DBA)

Education

A relevant BS degree preferred. As an alternative, candidates with previous experience in IT may also qualify. The quality of the experience as demonstrated by achievement may compensate for lack of formal education.

Experience

Generally, two years of satisfactory work experience in related area and approximately four to six years of job experience to date. Experience should include substantial practical systems work with experience handling and analyzing data. Demonstrated skills in the development, use, and support of one or more database management systems.

Skills

Adheres to procedures, maintains records, and follows problems through to resolution.
Demonstrates a systematic, disciplined, and analytical approach to problem solving.
Can describe data management concepts, modeling, and applications, including their benefits and potential use and value to the organization.
Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with customers/users effectively.

Performance Expectations

Can technically describe and apply data management concepts, modeling techniques and design principles. Can describe database architectures, software, facilities, and their applications currently used, in detail.
Applies technical knowledge to carry out one or more of the following:
- Effectively uses selected DBMS, query languages, other DB tools and techniques as directed to complete work assigned.
- Works with users/customers and development project groups to interpret installation standards, produce database components , and meet project needs.
- Works with users/customers to define database requirements and other data management tools and facilities. Evaluates potential solutions, and demonstrates, installs , and commissions selected products to meet user /customer needs.
- Constructs, extends, or maintains tests, and corrects and documents software components of DBMS to achieve well-engineered products.
Provides application database support:
- Perform analysis of application SQL code when requested .
- Representation of DBA in application team meetings.
- Inform application team of any system/database changes that might affect their application.
- Consult on application test procedures and test evaluation plan.
Performs release scheduling and packaging:
- Define operating and system level software to be incorporated in a release.
- Prepare software for software distributions.
- Prepare documentation to support software.
- Work with application development team to prepare total release package.
- Prepare listing of all software included in release.
- Provide technical documentation as needed.
- Provide instruction notes to install/set up specific application software.
- Develop and document any software scripts needed.
- Test software scripts before software distribution.
- Ensure all packaging is complete before distribution.
Performs database administration:
- Sizing and creation of databases.
- Table/index sizing and defragmentation.
- Database capacity planning.
- Define and implement backup and recovery process for database instance.
- Database backup and restores .
- Transform logical data model into physical data model.
- Implement physical data model.
- Document database as per standards.
- Tune the database.
- Provide tier II level support.
- Troubleshoot database problems.
Ensures database security:
- Ensure Oracle account passwords are changed periodically.
- Ensure passwords for DBA Oracle accounts are not hard-coded in files, SQL scripts, and documents.
- Set up database security scheme.
- Grant and revoke database access per security scheme.
- Enable database audit trail tracking when necessary.
- Periodically review database access (users and tables access) to verify security scheme is being followed.
- Revoke database access when user is no longer associated with application.
Demonstrates a calm, rational, and organized approach to tasks when under pressure.
Manages own time effectively to respond to user requests in a timely fashion and provides users with agreed levels of service.
Applies the given standards, procedures, and tools to accomplish work assigned. Produces all required documentation for tasks completed, according to established standards.
Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills with users/customers, colleagues, and immediate management.

Training and Development

Increases knowledge in the structure, business, and methods of the organization.
Increases knowledge in any related areas of technical specialization.
Increases technical or specialist knowledge in data management concepts, tools, applications, and other related areas (e.g., CASE tools, repositories, fourth generation environments, query languages, user interfaces, data communications, security).
Increases knowledge of databases, particularly the roles that databases play in the areas of development, production support, service delivery, and the integration of databases within the local software environment.
Obtains ongoing training and practice in oral, written, and project leadership skills.
Increases knowledge of IT and its uses within the organization.
Increases professional knowledge and awareness by reading and participating in technical activities outside of immediate employment.
Successfully completes trial experiences that involve those skills of higher competency required at the next level of advancement.