Senior SQL Database Administrator

Senior SQL Database Administrator
Location: National (South Africa)
Employer: SANRAL
Type of Contract: Permanent
Experience: Relevant SQL Database Administration Experience

Position Objective

The Senior SQL Database Administrator (DBA) is responsible for managing and optimizing SANRAL’s SQL database infrastructure, ensuring high availability, security, and performance. This role includes database administration, performance tuning, backup and disaster recovery, security compliance, and automation. The DBA supports business continuity by maintaining SQL Server databases, troubleshooting issues, implementing high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) solutions, and ensuring compliance with security standards. The Senior DBA contributes to SANRAL’s data integrity, operational efficiency, and ICT modernization initiatives.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: A Diploma in Information Technology (NQF Level 6).
• Experience: Five (5) years of relevant experience.
• Certification:
  • SQL Server DBA certification (MCP, MCSA, or equivalent).

Advantageous

• Exposure to MongoDB and Oracle databases.
• Experience with Power BI for reporting and analytics.
• Azure experience.
• Familiarity with Linux, Windows Server, and hybrid cloud database deployments.

Technical Competencies

• SQL Server High Availability (Always On, Clustering, Log Shipping, Replication).
• Database Performance Tuning & Query Optimization.
• Security Management (Access Control, Auditing, Encryption, Data Masking).
• Backup & Recovery Strategies (Veeam, Native SQL Server Backups).
• Scripting & Automation (T-SQL, PowerShell, Shell Scripting).
• Monitoring & Troubleshooting (SQL Profiler, Extended Events, Performance Monitor).
• Cloud & Hybrid Environments (Azure SQL, AWS, Oracle Cloud).
• Technologies: SQL Server 2012-2022, Cloud-based database solutions (Azure, AWS Redshift, Oracle Cloud).

Key Responsibilities

Database Administration and Maintenance

• Administer and maintain 200+ SQL Server databases, ensuring optimal performance, security, and availability.
• Perform daily health checks, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis of database issues.
• Implement best practices for database security, backup, and disaster recovery.
• Conduct regular patching, updates, and version upgrades to keep systems current.
• Develop and automate maintenance tasks to replace manual operational activities.
• Support application projects with database tasks.

Performance Tuning & Optimization

• Perform advanced query optimization and index tuning to improve database efficiency.
• Analyze system performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement tuning strategies.
• Monitor database resource utilization and recommend scaling strategies.

Availability

• Design and maintain SQL Server high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) solutions, including Always On availability groups and failover clustering.
• Conduct frequent failover testing to ensure business continuity.
• Implement and manage backup and restore strategies using Veeam Backup Solutions and native SQL Server tools.

Security and Compliance

• Manage database security, user access, and permissions in line with governance policies.
• Ensure compliance with audit and regulatory requirements, implementing security best practices.
• Support encryption, data masking, and other advanced security features.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Support

• Provide technical support and database-related guidance to application teams.
• Engage with third-party vendors to ensure efficient operation and support of SQL Server databases.
• Document database architecture, configurations, and standard operating procedures.
• Provide monthly database reports in line with business requirements.

Employment Reference Checks

Employment reference checks are required as part of SANRAL’s recruitment process. Applicants must complete a consent form to authorize SANRAL to process and verify the provided information.

Employment Equity

Appointments will be made in accordance with SANRAL’s Employment Equity plan. SANRAL reserves the right not to fill the position.

Closing Date

Applications close on 14 March 2025.

Click here to apply.

Feedback will be provided to shortlisted candidates only