The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Database administration DBAD

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

Revision notes

Updates for SFIA 9

  • Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Application of SFIA skills for cloud-based working, Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions), Support for cyber security working practices (both specialised and general).
  • Content changes have been made to levels 2, 3, 4, and 5.
  • You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
  • Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping are not impacted by this change.

Guidance notes

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, backup strategies, and security monitoring protocols
  • integrating and managing databases across hybrid environments, combining on-premises and cloud-based solutions
  • monitoring emerging database technologies and trends, including security features and vulnerabilities.

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 responsibilities.

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 who are performing higher level tasks and activities
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

2 3 4 5

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.

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

Adjusts automation tasks as instructed to meet operational standards for databases.

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.

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 guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

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, including compliance with security policies. Uses database management tools to monitor load and performance statistics.

Investigates and enables the resolution of database operational and security 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 delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

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. Ensures alignment 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.

Keywords
Large change