Principal Database Administrator

Central Coast Salary Range: $133,232 - $199,848 Annually

Job Summary

A Principal Database Administrator (DBA) is a highly skilled technical leader responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and performance optimization of enterprise databases. This role provides expert guidance on database architecture, security, and best practices, ensuring seamless operations and data integrity across complex database systems within the organization. The Principal DBA oversees data confidentiality, integrity, availability, and efficient access by managing database systems, performing backups, monitoring performance, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with developers to optimize data structures and applications interacting with the database.

This role ensures that databases operate efficiently and is responsible for creating and managing systems to store and protect sensitive data, including Protected Health Information (PHI), Personally Identifiable Information (PII), financial information, and more. The Principal DBA troubleshoots database-related issues, develops effective solutions, and defines resource and deployment processes. Staying current with emerging technologies and trends is vital to enhance their knowledge of database structures and best practices. The depth of expertise in this role sets it apart, as the Principal DBA serves as a trusted advisor on complex projects and initiatives, providing thought leadership and innovative solutions across the organization.

Operating autonomously, this role is responsible for decisions related to database architecture and management. It is a managerial position, with the expectation of leading a growing team of database administrators. The Principal DBA will also collaborate with business units and departmental teams to lead the design and implementation of enterprise database solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of new database systems, including capacity planning, data modeling, and schema development.

• Evaluate and recommend database technologies to address evolving business needs.

• Ensure the scalability, performance, and high availability of databases.

• Monitor database performance, identify bottlenecks, and apply performance tuning strategies.

• Implement indexing strategies and optimize queries for improved database performance.

• Analyze database queries to identify performance improvement opportunities.

• Manage database backups, recovery processes, and disaster recovery plans.

• Oversee database upgrades, patching, and version control to ensure system integrity.

• Implement data encryption and audit trails to safeguard data integrity.

• Apply robust security measures, including user access controls, encryption, and audit trails, to protect sensitive data.

• Monitor for suspicious activities and address potential security threats proactively.

• Lead data quality initiatives and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations.

• Advise IT Division leaders on strategic improvements to organization-wide database design and development, including technology and budget considerations.

• Manage and mentor a team of DBAs, delegating tasks, providing technical guidance, and fostering professional growth.

• Participate in cross-functional projects, offering database expertise to ensure seamless integration.

• Manage project timelines and deliverables related to database initiatives.

• Collaborate with application developers to design database schemas, tables, views, and stored procedures that meet application requirements.

• Maintain data integrity by identifying and resolving data inconsistencies or errors.

• Investigate and resolve database-related issues reported by users or applications.

• Provide technical support to developers and other stakeholders concerning database access and usage.

• Lead team members in developing and maintaining accurate, up-to-date documentation.

• Build and maintain relationships with vendors, ensuring the best value for the organization.

• Stay updated on emerging information technologies through professional development, publications, and networking.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to define and implement enterprise-level database solutions that meet or exceed business requirements.

• Make independent decisions that prioritize the best interests of the organization.

• Coordinate vendor product demonstrations, establish evaluation criteria, and provide recommendations for new hardware or software purchases.

• Conduct assessments and take corrective actions as needed.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Extensive expertise in database technologies (e.g., Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL).

• Proven track record in database design, performance optimization, and tuning.

• Strong knowledge of data security principles and best practices.

• Exceptional problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.

• Effective leadership and communication skills to manage and guide a team of DBAs.

• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell) for process automation.

• Understanding of data warehousing and data analytics concepts.

• Familiarity with various operating systems, databases, and cloud technologies.

• Proficient with IT service management tools.

• Knowledgeable about the Microsoft 365 platform.

• Familiar with automation tools and job schedulers.

• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, effectively communicating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Skilled in creating and maintaining detailed diagrams, documentation, and manuals.

• Experience coordinating third-party vendors for procurement, troubleshooting, and solution implementation.

• Adaptable to new technologies, industry standards, and emerging trends.

• Capable of prioritizing and managing multiple tasks efficiently in a high-pressure environment.

• Expertise in planning, implementing, and testing disaster recovery strategies to ensure high availability of database services.

• Dedicated to supporting users and stakeholders by addressing database-related issues with a focus on customer satisfaction.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.

• Relevant database certifications for specific platforms preferred.

• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities to work effectively with developers and IT teams.

• 10 years of experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining complex database systems.

• 10 years of professional experience working with value-added resellers and service providers.

• 5 years of managerial or supervisory experience.

• Experience with Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery (BCP/DR).