Database administration DBAD

(modified)

Installing, configuring, monitoring, maintaining databases and data stores, ensuring performance and security while adapting to evolving technologies.

SFIA 9 is in development

SFIA 9 beta due in early July 2024
SFIA 9 planned for publication October 2024

This is a prototype for SFIA 9. It is subject to change before publication.

Guidance notes

(modified)

Database administration involves managing operational databases in production environments as well as supporting databases for development, testing, and iterative improvements. The focus is on ensuring database availability, integrity, security, and performance across a variety of database types, including relational, NoSQL, and cloud-based databases.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

identifying and acting on automation opportunities to improve performance and value from databases, data stores and data pipelines
using database management system software and tools including both cloud-based and on-premises solutions
applying knowledge of the logical database schema
ensuring compliance with data privacy laws and regulations
designing and implementing disaster recovery and backup strategies
integrating and managing databases across hybrid environments, combining on-premises and cloud-based solutions
monitoring emerging database technologies and trends

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...

Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.

Where higher levels are not defined...

Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and reponsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
Supporting others with tasks (generic examples are provided by the essence statements for each level)

Where higher levels are not defined...

You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Levels

Defined at these levels:

Click to learn why SFIA skills are not defined at all 7 levels.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

Database administration: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

(modified)

Executes operational procedures, runs automation scripts, and performs routine maintenance and monitoring of databases.

Adjusts automation tasks as needed to meet operational standards for databases under supervision.

Reports on database performance, addresses issues directly when possible, or escalates to others for resolution.

Database administration: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

(modified)

Provisions, installs, configures, and ensures the maintenance and reliability of databases.

Monitors databases for load, performance, and security events. Reports metrics and resolves operational issues.

Executes standard operational procedures, including database backups and restorations.

Automates routine database administration tasks to specifications using standard scripts and tools.

Database administration: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and supervises others, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

(modified)

Applies technical expertise to maintain and optimise databases, executing updates and employing automation tools. Configures tools and/or creates scripts to automate database tasks.

Maintains operational procedures and checks that they are followed. Uses database management tools to monitor load and performance statistics.

Investigates and enables the resolution of database operational issues. Provides reports and proposals for improvement to stakeholders.

Contributes to the planning and implementation of database maintenance and updates. Implements agreed database changes and maintenance routines.

Database administration: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for achieving workgroup objectives and managing work from analysis to execution and evaluation.

(modified)

Provides technical leadership to optimise the performance of databases.

Drives the adoption of tools and automated processes for effective database management and delivery.

Oversees the planning, installation, maintenance, and acceptance of new and updated database components and database-based services. Aligns to service expectations, security requirements, and other quality standards.

Ensures database operational procedures and documentation are current and effective, tracks and addresses operational issues, and reports to stakeholders.

Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, fosters organizational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.

Large change