IT Database Administrator

The standard requirements of a high quality database are:

* Consistency

* Security

* Usability

* Recovery and Retrievablity

The work of a database administrator (DBA) will always vary according to the employer and responsibility level of the position. Some DBA positions may specialise in the development of a database, or solely maintenance.

If the role is one of the development of a database, the needs of the users will have to be established, as well as dataflow and 'conceptual designs' being produced. As well as this, database documentation will need to be written, including data standards, procedures and definitions for the data dictionary ('metadata').

Database maintenance will usually require that storage, archiving, backup and recovery procedures are functioning correctly.

There will also be a level of communication required in the role of a DBA, as many positions will require you to work closely with IT project managers, database programmers and web developers. There is also likely to be a need for a DBA to either undertake or assist with the training of new users, or assisting them with any issues they encounter.

Security has recently become an increasingly important aspect of the work due to the threat of hacking, combined with the sensitive nature of the data stored. The data protection act must always be ad heard to.

It is not unusual to have more “senior” members of a database administration team, so there are opportunities to learn and develop into a higher role. A more senior role is likely to have extra responsibilities such as commissioning and installing new applications.