Database Administrator

Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Database Administration Manager; Database Administrator (DBA); Database Analyst; Database Coordinator; Database Engineer; Database Manager; Development and Database Administration Manager; IS Admin (Information Systems Administrator); Systems Administrator (Systems Admin)

Tasks

• Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
• Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
• Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
• Test changes to database applications or systems.
• Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.
• Train users and answer questions.
• Provide technical support to junior staff or clients.
• Approve, schedule, plan, and supervise the installation and testing of new products and improvements to computer systems, such as the installation of new databases.
• Develop standards and guidelines for the use and acquisition of software and to protect vulnerable information.
• Write and code logical and physical database descriptions and specify identifiers of database to management system, or direct others in coding descriptions.
• Develop data models describing data elements and how they are used, following procedures and using pen, template, or computer software.
• Select and enter codes to monitor database performance and to create production databases.
• Identify, evaluate and recommend hardware or software technologies to achieve desired database performance.
• Review procedures in database management system manuals to make changes to database.

Knowledge

• Computers and Electronics
• English Language
• Customer and Personal Service
• Engineering and Technology
• Mathematics
• Telecommunications
• Administration and Management
• Education and Training

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Active Learning
• Speaking
• Writing
• Monitoring
• Mathematics
• Learning Strategies

Abilities

• Deductive Reasoning
• Oral Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Problem Sensitivity
• Inductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Near Vision
• Oral Expression
• Written Expression
• Category Flexibility
• Flexibility of Closure
• Speech Recognition
• Fluency of Ideas
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Speech Clarity
• Originality
• Number Facility
• Perceptual Speed
• Visualization
• Selective Attention