cFocus Software is seeking a highly skilled
Database Administrator with over 8 years of experience to administer, test, implement, and maintain critical databases supporting DHS's mission. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of database management systems (DBMS), and will be responsible for coordinating changes to computer databases, ensuring data integrity, security, and availability, and applying security measures to protect sensitive information. This role plays a key part in ensuring the reliability and performance of DHS’s data infrastructure and systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Database Administration and Management:
- Administer and maintain computer databases, including overseeing database design, implementation, optimization, and troubleshooting.
- Perform routine database tasks such as performance tuning, indexing, backup, and recovery to ensure optimal database performance and availability.
- Monitor and manage database health, responding to alerts and resolving performance issues.
- Database Testing and Implementation:
- Test database systems to ensure they meet performance standards and security requirements.
- Implement new databases and upgrade existing systems, applying best practices to ensure system stability and scalability.
- Manage and execute database migrations, ensuring smooth transitions between different systems or platforms.
- Security and Data Integrity:
- Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard DHS's computer databases from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats.
- Enforce data encryption, access control, and auditing mechanisms to ensure compliance with DHS and federal data protection policies.
- Implement and maintain database backup and recovery strategies to ensure the protection and availability of data in case of system failure.
- Change Management and Coordination:
- Coordinate and oversee changes to computer databases, ensuring that modifications are thoroughly tested, documented, and approved before implementation.
- Collaborate with development, network, and security teams to deploy system changes and new database solutions in accordance with business needs and security policies.
- Performance Tuning and Optimization:
- Optimize database queries and processes to improve system efficiency and data retrieval times.
- Regularly evaluate database performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing enhancements to maintain or increase system performance.
- User Support and Training:
- Provide technical support for database users, assisting with troubleshooting, query optimization, and resolving database access issues.
- Train team members and end-users on database best practices, security protocols, and reporting tools.
- Documentation and Reporting:
- Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for database configurations, changes, and procedures.
- Provide regular reports on database performance, security incidents, backup statuses, and system updates to DHS leadership.
- Compliance and Audit:
- Ensure that all database systems are compliant with relevant government regulations, standards, and policies.
- Assist in audits and assessments related to database security, ensuring compliance with internal and external regulations.
Qualifications:
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Database Management, or a related field. Equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
- Experience:
- 8+ years of experience in database administration, with expertise in managing, maintaining, and securing large-scale database systems.
- Strong experience with relational database management systems (RDBMS) such as SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, or PostgreSQL.
- Hands-on experience with database migration, performance tuning, backup, and recovery procedures.
- Experience in administering databases in cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud) is highly desirable.
- Skills and Competencies:
- Deep understanding of database design, implementation, and administration principles.
- Proficiency in SQL and scripting languages used for database automation and administration.
- Strong troubleshooting skills for diagnosing and resolving database performance or availability issues.
- Ability to coordinate changes to databases, ensuring seamless integration with other systems and processes.
- Expertise in implementing database security measures, including encryption, access controls, and auditing.
- Familiarity with compliance standards and regulations related to data protection and database security (e.g., FISMA, NIST).
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
- Certifications (Preferred):
- Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator, or similar certifications in database management.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a plus.
Security Clearance:
Due to the sensitive nature of this role, candidates must possess or be able to obtain the required security clearance.
