Senior Database Administrator

The Database Administrator is responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and securing the organizations database environments, with a primary focus on Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle MySQL platforms. The role ensures optimal performance, availability, integrity, and scalability of critical business databases.

Key Responsibilities

Database Administration & Maintenance

• Install, configure, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle MySQL database environments.
• Perform regular database health checks, performance tuning, and optimization.
• Manage database storage, capacity planning, and resource allocation.

Backup, Recovery & High Availability

• Develop, implement, and test backup and recovery strategies.
• Configure and maintain high-availability solutions (e.g., SQL Always On, replication, clustering, MySQL replication).
• Ensure disaster recovery readiness for all database platforms.

Performance Monitoring & Tuning

• Monitor database performance using native tools (SQL Profiler, Performance Monitor, MySQL Performance Schema, etc.).
• Optimize queries, indexes, and schema design to improve performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve performance-related issues.

Security & Compliance

• Implement database security best practices, including user access management, encryption, and auditing.
• Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and internal security policies.
• Proactively address vulnerabilities and ensure secure configuration of all database servers.

Data Management & Support

• Provide support to development and business teams on database-related matters.
• Assist with SQL query development, stored procedures, views, and database objects.
• Support data migrations, integrations, and ETL processes.

Documentation & Standards

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of systems, configurations, and procedures.
• Define and enforce database development standards and naming conventions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of database processes and workflows.

Required Skills & Experience

Technical Skills

• Strong expertise in Microsoft SQL Server (2016 or later)
• T-SQL, SSMS, SQL Agent Jobs, backups, replication, Always On, performance tuning.
• Strong expertise in Oracle MySQL databases
• DB installation, MySQL Workbench, replication setup, backup strategies, query optimization.
• Solid understanding of database architecture, normalization, and design principles.
• Experience with monitoring and automation tools.
• Scripting knowledge (Power Shell, Bash, or Python) is advantageous.
• Understanding of cloud-based database environments (Azure SQL, AWS RDS for MySQL) is a plus.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Team‑oriented with strong customer service focus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, Computer Science, or related field (preferred).
• Matric
• Microsoft Certified:
  Azure Database Administrator Associate
• Microsoft SQL Server DBA certification
• Oracle MySQL Certified Database Administrator

Experience

• 3–7 years' experience as a SQL DBA or in a similar database administration role.
• Proven experience managing both Microsoft SQL and MySQL production environments.

Location:
Cape Town:
Role is in office with 1 day a week being remote, however Mondays and Fridays are in office days.

Special Request:
This person would be expected to do Standby, but it would be discussion upfront and agreed upon.