Database Administrator

Full-time - Mid Level

Centralia, WA

Repair and Maintenance

About the position

As a member of Information Technology Services (ITS), the Database Administrator (DBA) plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing Centralia College's database infrastructure. This position focuses on the setup, security, and support of database servers, ensuring the integrity, availability, and performance of institutional data systems. The DBA collaborates with internal stakeholders to develop and refine database schemas, supports data-driven decision-making, and enhances reporting capabilities. Additionally, this role oversees database replication, security policies, and access controls to safeguard sensitive institutional data. The DBA also assists in data analysis and query optimization, ensuring seamless integration and automation between applications and databases. By maintaining a robust database environment, this position contributes to the efficiency, security, and effectiveness of Centralia College's technology ecosystem, supporting student success and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Consult forums and documentation to determine hardware needs for database services
• Work with the System's Administrator to plan updates and upgrades as needed
• Use monitoring tools to monitor utilization and suggest additional resources as usage increases
• Use database administration tools to design and create databases needed by applications
• Modify and update existing databases as required for application updates
• Diagnose and repair data inaccuracies
• Discover cause of data inaccuracies when found and report them to the owner of the application
• Create process to migrate data between schema changes or to repair/remove inaccurate data
• Perform database performance monitoring and tuning, including index design and optimization
• In cooperation with the rest of the team maintain and update tools used internally
• Bring possible tool replacements or additions to the attention of the team for discussion
• Test possible tool replacements for functionality and fit into the environment
• Discuss findings and recommendations with the team after tool trial phase
• Develop scripts for monitoring and automation when suitable 3rd party tools are not available
• Use database monitoring tools to determine when replication is needed for a database
• Using performance monitoring tools, forums, and documentation work with the system administrator to configure additional servers as needed
• Continuously monitor replication schedules and logs for changes in timing as the amount of data being replicated changes and as new replications are added
• Design database schema(s) to contain and index data from various sources
• If possible, use native database import methods to populate databases with received data
• Design data import and transformation tools to bring non-standardized data formats into a database
• Develop ETL code for application integration.
• Identify sensitive data within database schemas, consult with data owner(s) if uncertain
• Create views and stored procedures to limit results to the data needed by the application/report
• Establish encryption/decryption procedures to protect sensitive data from theft
• Review logs for unauthorized access, consult with Infrastructure to determine source and scope of attack and to establish a plan to prevent additional leaks
• Control access to database objects through creation and maintenance of security groups

Requirements

• Associate degree in Computer Science/Computer Information Systems OR equivalent work experience
• One year of database admin experience
• Understanding of client/server interactions and server concepts are required for server administration
• Experience with servers and databases outside of a classroom

Nice-to-haves

• MCSE Certification
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Computer Information Systems with a programming focus
• MS SQL is the main datastore for campus data
• Knowledge of advanced application and system design and development principles.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package for state employees
• Participation in the TIAA/CREF retirement system