AWS DBA

We are seeking an experienced AWS Database Administrator (AWS DBA) to support the delivery and operation of critical cloud-hosted services within a UK Central Government department.

The successful contractor will be responsible for the administration, optimisation, security and resilience of AWS-hosted database platforms, ensuring services remain available, secure and performant. Working closely with Cloud Engineers, DevOps teams, Architects and Delivery Managers, you will play a key role in supporting live services and ongoing cloud transformation programmes.

This is a hands-on technical role requiring strong AWS database administration experience within secure and complex environments., Database Administration

• Administer and support AWS database platforms including Amazon RDS and Amazon Aurora.
• Manage PostgreSQL, SQL Server and MySQL database instances.
• Monitor database performance and implement proactive tuning and optimisation.
• Perform database backup, restore and disaster recovery activities.
• Conduct database patching, upgrades and maintenance activities.
• Ensure database availability and resilience through appropriate clustering and failover mechanisms.

AWS Cloud Operations

• Design and implement scalable database solutions within AWS.
• Support database migration and modernisation initiatives.
• Monitor services using AWS CloudWatch and operational monitoring tools.
• Work with infrastructure teams to optimise performance, security and cost management.
• Support cloud-native architectures and platform services.

Security & Compliance

• Ensure databases meet government security standards and organisational policies.
• Implement role-based access controls and least-privilege principles.
• Manage encryption of data at rest and in transit.
• Support security audits, risk assessments and compliance activities.
• Assist with vulnerability remediation and security improvements.

Automation & Continuous Improvement

• Automate routine DBA tasks through Scripting and infrastructure automation.
• Support Infrastructure as Code deployments using Terraform or CloudFormation.
• Contribute to CI/CD pipeline development and database release processes.
• Develop operational documentation and technical runbooks.

Proven experience as an AWS DBA, Cloud DBA or Database Engineer. Strong administration experience with:

• Amazon RDS
• Amazon Aurora
• PostgreSQL
• SQL Server
• MySQL
• Experience with database performance tuning and optimisation.
• Strong understanding of backup, recovery and disaster recovery planning
• Experience working within Agile delivery environments.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.