Data Base Administrator at Transnet

Position Purpose
Transnet SOC operates 9 of its Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) marine terminals and 9 of its Transnet
Freight Rail (TFR) inland terminals using Navis N4 as its Terminal Operating System (TOS). End users of the TOS include internal employees and external customers from all over South Africa. The TOS is used in a 24/7 environment for planning and operational execution.

• The TOS team is based at TPT’s Head Office in Durban and reports to the Navis Service Delivery Manager.
• The SQL Database Administrator is responsible for the design, development, implementation, configuration, maintenance, performance, integrity, and security of all the organization’s new and existing SQL databases. The individual plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of all SQL databases

Position Outputs
Administration 

•  Develop and maintain technical and implementation plans. 
•  Update technical documentation on a regular basis to ensure it is current and up to date. 
•  Maintain technical configurations in accordance with related policies and procedures. 
•  Record time allocation per task for project management and capitalization purposes.  Ensure all database change and release management tasks are completed in accordance with the policies and procedures. Contribute and manage database related changes through its lifecycle.
•  Contribute to the knowledge base for database administration staff.  Create end-user-friendly documentation that adheres to standard operating procedures (SOP) and best practices. 
•  Create and maintain high-level activity plans with scheduling timelines for project tasks and activities. 
•  Participate in planning sessions to gather and develop database requirements. 
•  Participate in business and technical discussions related to database solutions. 
•  Formulate reports of project technical activities. 
•  Ensure that all pertinent documentation is kept up to date.

Technical Database Design 

•  Work with developers and analysts to design efficient database structures that meet the organization's requirements for data storage and retrieval. Database Installation and Configuration 
•  Install and configure database software according to best practice and the organization's needs and policies. Build database systems of high availability and quality. Database Security 
•  Manage database security, including user access control, data encryption, and implementing security policies to protect the database from unauthorized access and data breaches. 
•  Identify, report, and manage database security issues, audit trails, and forensics.
• Database High Availability, Backup and Recovery 
•  Configure and manage high availability solutions like SQL Server Always On Availability Group, ensuring database availability and data protection in the event of failures. 
•  Develop and implement backup and recovery plans to ensure that data is protected and can be restored in the event of a failure or disaster. Ensure database backup/restore strategy meets the business’s Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) 
•  Regularly schedule, monitor, and report on full and incremental backups. 
•  Conduct the backup and recovery test procedures periodically. Performance Monitoring and Tuning 
•  Monitor database performance, identify bottlenecks, optimize, and enhance database performance through query optimization, index tuning, and other techniques.
•  Refine and automate regular repeatable, mundane database tasks. 
•  Define and implement event triggers that will alert on potential database performance or integrity issues. Database Maintenance 
•  Perform regular maintenance tasks such as updating software, applying patches, and managing storage to ensure the database operates efficiently and reliably. Data Integrity and Compliance 
•  Ensure that data stored in the database is accurate, consistent, and compliant with regulatory requirements and organizational standards. 
•  Secure data with precise access controls, authentication, and authorization mechanisms. 
•  Uphold data integrity.
• Troubleshooting and Issue Resolution 
•  Monitor database health and performance including incident and problem management. 
•  In real-time, diagnose and troubleshoot database issues, identify root causes, track and implement solutions to prevent recurrence. 
•  Assist the application specialists with any application issues associated to the database. Documentation and Reporting 
•  Maintain documentation of database configurations, procedures, and standards, and generate reports on database performance and usage.

Qualifications and Experience

•  Relevant Qualification / National Diploma in Information Technology/Computer science (NQF 6/7) 
•  Minimum 5 years’ experience in SQL Server Database Administration. 
•  Preferably 1 year supervisory or specialist DBA related experience. 
•  A successful track record of supporting and managing SQL Server, including High Availability.  Experience supporting and working with cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment. 
•  Advantageous: Transnet leadership Development Programme 
•  Advantageous certification o SQL Server related certification. Number of years with lower level certificates/qualification 
•  NQF Level 5 certificate (120 credits) 
•  Minimum 6 years’ experience in SQL Server Database Administration. 
•  Preferably 2 years supervisory or specialist DBA related experience. 
•  A successful track record of supporting and managing SQL Server, including High Availability. 
•  Experience supporting and working with cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment. 
•  Advantageous: Transnet leadership Development Programme 
•  Advantageous certification o SQL Server related certification.

Competencies
Skills Required: 

•  Structured Query Language (SQL)
•  Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) 
•  Microsoft SQL Server 2012 and later 
•  SQL Server Management Studio 
•  High Availability and Disaster Recovery options for SQL Server 
•  Performance tuning and optimization 
•  Knowledge management 
•  Communication
•  Report writing 
•  Conflict management 
•  Change management 
•  Configuration management 
•  ICT Governance
•  Communication 
•  Analysis & Attention to detail 
•  Problem Solving 
•  Big picture thinking 
•  Drive and Results Orientation 
•  Creativity & Innovation 
•  Critical thinking 
•  Flexibility & adaptability 
•  Excellence & Quality Orientation