Database Specialist at Herotel

Applications are invited for the Database Specialist position. This position will have remote work flexibility but will require travel to Stellenbosch when needed. This position will report into the Business Systems Manager.

About the role:
The Database Specialist is responsible for managing and maintaining the company’s SQL Server databases to ensure their optimal performance, availability, and security.

Key Responsibilities for the role will include, but not be limited to:

Database Administration:

• Installing, configuring, and patching MySQL and PostgreSQL instances.
• Managing database users and permissions.
• Implementing database schema design and data modeling.
• Performing database backups and recovery operations.
• Monitoring database performance and identifying bottlenecks.
• Optimizing queries and database structures for efficient data access.

SQL Expertise:

• Writing complex SQL queries for data manipulation and retrieval.
• Understanding and utilizing advanced SQL features like stored procedures, triggers, and functions.
• Troubleshooting SQL errors and performance issues.

Security:

• Implementing database security best practices including user access controls, encryption, and auditing.
• Monitoring for suspicious database activity and potential security threats.

Performance Tuning:

• Analyzing database performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.
• Implementing database optimization techniques like indexing, query optimization, and partitioning.

High Availability and Disaster Recovery:

• Setting up replication and failover mechanisms to ensure database availability.
• Developing disaster recovery plans and testing procedures.

Automation and Scripting:

• Writing scripts to automate repetitive database tasks like backups, monitoring, and data migration.
• Utilizing automation tools to streamline database management

Key Outputs:

• Monitor database activity, suggest improvements and implement them.
• Produce accurate project delivery estimates.
• Ensure that identified database issues are resolved in an efficient and timely manner.
• Ensure the overall database performance remains at an optimum level.

Work Experience and Competencies Required:

• 10+ Years of database administration with 3 years specific PostgreSQL experience.
• Familiarity with cloud-based database services like AWS RDS or Azure Database could be beneficial.
• Proficient in MySQL and PostgreSQL SQL syntax and administration commands.
• Experience with database monitoring tools.
• Knowledge of database design principles.
• Understanding of data replication and high availability concepts,
• Experience with database security best practices.
• Ability to troubleshoot database issues.
• Scripting skills (e.g. Bash, Python).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Education Requirements:

• Grade 12
• BSc in Information Systems.
• Microsoft SQL Server certification will be an advantage.