We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Database Administrator (DBA) to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for the performance, integrity, and security of databases within the organization. You will work closely with development and IT operations teams to ensure that databases are well managed, reliable, and meet business requirements. The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills in database management, a proactive approach to problem solving, and a deep understanding of database design, optimization, and maintenance practices.

As a Database Administrator, you will be tasked with overseeing the daily operations of databases, troubleshooting performance issues, ensuring data integrity, implementing security measures, and supporting the migration and upgrades of database systems.

Key Responsibilities:
Database Management: Install, configure, and maintain databases, ensuring optimal performance, availability, and security.
Performance Tuning: Monitor database performance and identify areas for improvement, optimizing queries, indexing, and database structures.
Backup & Recovery: Design, implement, and test backup and recovery plans to ensure data integrity and minimize downtime in case of system failures.
Database Security: Implement and enforce database security policies to protect sensitive information, including user access control, encryption, and auditing.
Data Integrity: Ensure data consistency and integrity through proper database design and management practices.
Troubleshooting & Support: Provide troubleshooting and support for database-related issues, including performance problems, data corruption, and application errors.
Database Upgrades & Migrations: Plan and execute database upgrades, patches, and migrations with minimal impact on operations.
Collaboration: Work closely with development, IT operations, and business teams to design, implement, and optimize database solutions.
Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed documentation of database configurations, procedures, and issues; provide regular reports on database health, performance, and improvements.
Disaster Recovery: Ensure disaster recovery and business continuity plans are in place and regularly tested for databases.

Essential Qualifications:
Matric / Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate (mandatory)
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (preferred)
Minimum Experience & Skills:
5+ years of experience in database administration or a similar role
Strong experience with database management systems (DBMS) such as SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, or PostgreSQL
Experience with database performance tuning and query optimization techniques
Familiarity with backup and recovery strategies and tools
Strong knowledge of database security, including encryption, access control, and auditing
Experience with high-availability configurations (e.g., clustering, replication, sharding)
Familiarity with database scripting and automation (e.g., SQL, PowerShell, Bash)
Experience with database migration and upgrades in production environments
Strong understanding of data integrity and data consistency principles
Solid knowledge of cloud database services (e.g., AWS RDS, Azure SQL Database) is a plus
Understanding of data warehousing and business intelligence concepts (desirable)
Knowledge of NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra) is a plus
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex database issues
Strong attention to detail and ability to handle multiple priorities effectively

Technical Competencies:
Database Management Systems: Expertise in one or more relational databases (SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL)
Database Security: Knowledge of encryption techniques, authentication, authorization, and auditing practices
Performance Tuning: Experience in optimizing queries, indexing, and database design for high performance
Backup & Recovery Tools: Familiarity with backup and recovery tools and techniques (e.g., RMAN, SQL Server Backup, etc.)
Scripting & Automation: Proficient in writing SQL scripts, PowerShell, or Bash scripts for automation
Disaster Recovery Planning: Experience with disaster recovery plans and business continuity strategies for databases
Cloud Databases: Experience with cloud-based databases and services (AWS RDS, Azure SQL Database, etc.)
NoSQL Databases: Familiarity with NoSQL databases like MongoDB, Cassandra, or similar is a plus

Preferred Qualifications:
Database Certification in any of the major DBMS (e.g., Oracle Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified Database Administrator, etc.)
Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and related database services
Familiarity with DevOps practices and integration of databases with CI/CD pipelines
Exposure to data warehousing and business intelligence tools and concepts
Experience with NoSQL databases such as MongoDB, Cassandra, or similar

Workplace Type:
Onsite, Remote, Hybrid
Job Type:
Full time, Contract
Location:
Cape Town, Johannesburg, South Africa
Experience Level:
Senior