Database Administrator

Computer World Services Corp (CWS) is seeking a detail-oriented and results-driven Database Administrator (DBA) who is responsible for the analysis, design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of enterprise database systems supporting NIEHS mission-critical applications. This role ensures database availability, performance, integrity, security, and compliance across multiple relational database platforms within a complex Data Center and hybrid environment.

The DBA applies advanced knowledge of database management systems to support application requirements, coordinate database changes, and ensure efficient data storage, retrieval, and reporting capabilities across enterprise systems.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

Database Analysis & Design

• Analyze database requirements for assigned projects and enterprise applications

• Determine information needs, data elements, relationships, and database attributes

• Define data flow, storage requirements, manipulation processes, and output/reporting capabilities

• Develop logical and physical database designs, including structure, location, access methods, and security requirements

• Support data modeling and database architecture aligned with business and application needs

Database Administration & Operations

• Administer and maintain enterprise relational database management systems (RDBMS)

• Coordinate database maintenance, upgrades, patches, and configuration changes

• Monitor database performance, availability, and resource utilization

• Perform database tuning and optimization to ensure efficient query performance and system responsiveness

• Ensure high availability and disaster recovery readiness for production databases

Database Implementation & Change Management

• Test and implement database changes, enhancements, and new database designs

• Support deployment of database objects including tables, indexes, views, stored procedures, and triggers

• Coordinate with application developers and system engineers to implement database-related changes

• Validate database changes through structured testing and quality assurance processes

Security & Compliance Management

• Implement and enforce database security controls, including user access, roles, and privileges

• Ensure compliance with Federal Information Security standards (FISMA, NIST, HHS policies)

• Support encryption and protection of sensitive data, including PII and PHI

• Monitor database access and audit activities to ensure compliance and security integrity

Data Management & Optimization

• Monitor databases and analyze data structure, performance, and usage patterns

• Organize and optimize data storage structures for efficiency and scalability

• Apply new technologies and database design techniques to improve system performance

• Support data lifecycle management and data governance initiatives

User & Stakeholder Support

• Provide technical support and guidance to programmers, analysts, and application teams

• Respond to database-related inquiries and troubleshoot complex data issues

• Collaborate with business stakeholders to support reporting and data access needs

• Ensure timely resolution of database performance or functionality issues

Documentation & Reporting

• Develop and maintain documentation for database schemas, configurations, and standards

• Provide reports on database performance, capacity, and availability

• Document changes, upgrades, and maintenance activities for audit and compliance purposes

• Maintain inventory of database environments and supported applications

Required Technical Skills

• Administration of relational databases such as:

• Oracle

• Microsoft SQL Server

• PostgreSQL

• MySQL

• Database performance tuning and optimization

• SQL development and query analysis

• Data modeling and database design (logical and physical)

• Backup, recovery, and disaster recovery procedures

• User access management and database security controls

• Monitoring and troubleshooting database systems

• Experience supporting Federal or NIH environments

• Familiarity with hybrid cloud database services (e.g., Azure SQL, cloud-hosted databases)

• Experience with data warehousing and business intelligence systems

• Familiarity with automation and scripting (SQL scripts, Python, PowerShell)

• Experience with enterprise monitoring tools (e.g., OEM, SolarWinds, or equivalent)

• ITIL Foundation certification or IT service management experience

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to design and manage complex data structures

• High attention to detail and data accuracy

• Strong communication and collaboration skills

• Ability to support mission-critical, high-availability systems

• Capacity to manage multiple concurrent database environments

Education & Experience

Education

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

Experience

• 5-8 years of experience in database administration within enterprise IT environments

• Experience supporting multiple relational database platforms in production environments

• Experience working in Data Center or hybrid infrastructure environments

Certifications

• Oracle OCP (or equivalent Oracle DBA certification)

• Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate

• Security+

• VMCE (backup specialization)

• PostgreSQL certification (preferred for modernization environments)

• ITIL certification preferred.

Security Clearance

• Applicants must be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance