Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

Daily Activities / Routine Tasks

1. Approve, schedule, plan, and supervise the installation and testing of new products and improvements to computer systems such as the installation of new databases.

2. Develop methods for integrating different products so they work properly together such as customizing commercial databases to fit specific needs.

3. Develop data model describing data elements and how they are used, following procedures and using pen, template or computer software.

4. Plan, coordinate and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.

5. Review procedures in database management system manuals for making changes to database.

6. Review project requests describing database user needs to estimate time and cost required to accomplish project.

7. Develop standards and guidelines to guide the use and acquisition of software and to protect vulnerable information.

8. Work as part of a project team to coordinate database development and determine project scope and limitations.

9. Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.

10. Test programs or databases, correct errors and make necessary modifications.

Main Activities

Interacting With Computers : Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Processing Information : Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Analyzing Data or Information : Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Getting Information : Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Documenting/Recording Information : Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems : Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work : Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates : Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Key Knowledge Areas

Database Theory : A Database Administrator should be well versed with Database Theory which encapsulates a broad range of topics related to the study and research of the theoretical realm of databases and database management systems

Database Design :  A Database Adminstrators should be well versed with the intricacies of Database design from modeling to the actual implementation

Relational Database Management Systems : Any Database Administrators should have extensive knowledge in Relational Database Management Systems such as Microsoft SQL Server or MySQL

Structure Query Language : This is the language used when interacting with database in operations like Table Creation, Data Insertion. It is very important that a Database Administrator is very versed with the Languages e.g SQL/PSM or Transact-SQL

Operating Systems : Databases are run on operating systems of computers so a database administrator must be well versed with these operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Solaris etc

Networking : Many Databases exist in a Networked environment as they can be accessed on a multiple of computers at the same time. A Database administrator should be knowledgable about how computers are networked

Routine Maintanenance : Databases are bound to be down ie. not able to work as expected, a Database Administrators should be well versed with knowledge partaining to the routine maintenance of these database to prevent routine failure

Key Abilities

Problem Sensitivity : The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Near Vision : The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Oral Expression : The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Written Comprehension : The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Oral Comprehension : The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Inductive Reasoning : The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Visualization : The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Top Skills

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Critical Thinking :Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Mathematics : Using mathematics to solve problems.

Reading Comprehension : Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents

Operations Analysis : Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design

Active Listening : Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Communication Skills :Talking to others to convey information effectively.