DBDatabase Administrator

** JOB SUMMARY**  ** *
* * CANDIDATE MUST BE US Citizen (due to contractual/access requirements) * * **
* ** About the Role
** Highmark is seeking an DB2 Database Administrator to design, manage, and optimize our critical enterprise databases. In this role, you will ensure the high availability, security, and peak performance of the core DB2 systems that directly support our vital healthcare operations. We are looking for a collaborative professional who thrives in a complex environment, values rigorous data governance, and is eager to foster a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
** Your Day-to-Day Impact
**** Database Administration & Architecture
*** Administer, maintain, and support robust DB2 databases across production and test environments.
* Design, create, modify, and maintain core database objects, including table spaces, tables, indexes, views, packages, and plans.
* Implement database changes, upgrades, patches, and releases following established change management and peer review ( four-eye ) processes.
* Support capacity planning, growth management, and storage utilization forecasting.
** Performance Tuning & Troubleshooting
*** Monitor and tune database and SQL performance to optimize application response times and resource utilization.
* Conduct impact analyses and technical reviews for database enhancements and production rollouts.
* Lead incident resolution, root cause analysis, and problem management, including participation in on-call support rotations.
** Reliability, Backup & Compliance
*** Execute and test database backups, disaster recovery plans, and recovery strategies.
* Perform functional testing and validation following maintenance, upgrades, and infrastructure changes.
* Ensure strict adherence to organizational policies, regulatory requirements, audit controls, and database governance standards.
** Collaboration & Development Support
*** Partner with application development teams to provide database design guidance, SQL optimization, and technical consulting.
* Mentor team members and promote best practices across the organization.
* Participate in release planning, deployment activities, and post-implementation validation.
** Automation & Continuous Improvement
*** Develop and maintain automation scripts and utilities to streamline operational efficiency.
* Maintain accurate database standards, technical documentation, and operational runbooks.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance database stability, availability, and security.  
** ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
*** Create, develop, and review the physical model created from the logical model, ensuring that the detailed physical design of data structures and databases complies with standards, guidelines and procedures recommended for all aspects of data modeling, database design, and maintenance. Provide support for application staff and business areas regarding database implementations, which could include a customized in-house database and/or a third party application package.

Establish automated monitor mechanism for space and database availability conditions.  Establish best practices for database and application high availability through the use of third party technologies and through the exploitation of various database features.
* Provide applications support for staff, as well as, outside division to answer questions and resolve problems related to the DBMS technology and computing platform such as Z/OS, UNIX, Linux, and Windows. Conduct root cause analysis to identify and resolve problems impacting application and/or database availability and service levels. Contact vendor support when necessary to facilitate application development and client problem resolution with optimum speed and efficiency.
* Provide after hours and weekend support as required for on call responsibilities, database refreshes, testing, technology upgrades, and other off hour assignments.
* Participate in establishing and maintaining technical standards, departmental procedures, and other technical documentation as required.  Assure compliance to required Corporate standards, procedures, guidelines and processes, including audits.
* Assist in identifying, developing, and providing technology training to the application developers of the organization (formal and informal). Participate in staff training opportunities (formal and informal) relative to rules, procedures, and standards for the access and maintenance of shared data resources.
* Participate as…