Database Administrator Job Description

What is the job description of a Database Administrator? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Database Administrator? What does a Database Administrator do?

Job description of a Database Administrator

Database Administrator (DBA) are generally responsible for the performance, integrity and security of databases. They are often also involved in planning, developing and troubleshooting of databases. Database administrators use specialized or proprietary software to organize and store their employer’s data. This includes things such as proprietary documents, employee information, customer information, and financial information.

Their main priority is keeping their employer’s data safe. They have to keep up with the latest data security trends in order to do their jobs efficiently. In some cases, they may have to develop a customized database to meet the needs of their employer. Another priority of database administrators is making sure the data under their control is organized and easily usable by data analysts.

Given the role data plays in today’s business environment, database administrators can find employment in virtually any industry.

This Database Administrator job description example includes the list of most important Database Administrator duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Database Administrator profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Database Administrator Duties and Responsibilities

Database Administrator job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Build database systems of high availability and quality depending on each end user’s specialised role
  • Design and implement database in accordance to end users information needs and views
  • Define users and enable data distribution to the right user, in appropriate format and in a timely manner
  • Use high-speed transaction recovery techniques and backup data
  • Minimize database downtime and manage parameters to provide fast query responses
  • Provide proactive and reactive data management support and training to users
  • Determine, enforce and document database policies, procedures and standards
  • Perform tests and evaluations regularly to ensure data security, privacy and integrity
  • Monitor database performance, implement changes and apply new patches and versions when require

Database Administrator Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Database Administrator job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field.
  • Advanced certification as an MCDBA or MCSD for .NET or Oracle's OCA and OCP is advantageous.
  • Proficiency in data manipulation languages, including MS SQL, Oracle Database, Hadoop or PostgreSQL.
  • Analytic mindset and good problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Highly organized and responsible.
  • Confidence working under pressure.
  • Maintaining an awareness of trends and developments in database administration.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Database Administrator starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Database Administrator job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Database Administrator may also reference it in preparation for the interview.