Senior Specialist: Database Administration (x2) at The South African Revenue Service (SARS)

About the Position

• We are looking for a passionate and enthusiastic Microsoft SQL Server database administrator who will be responsible for the implementation, configuration, maintenance and performance of the Microsoft SQL Server environment for high-profile systems at SARS. The individual will join a team of experienced Microsoft SQL Server database administrators to ensure the availability of the database systems, data, optimal performance & security of all Microsoft SQL Server database systems and provide support to internal as well as external clients.
• The main purpose of this role will include (but not limited to) creating and maintaining database maintenance on an enterprise level. To execute required T-SQL scripts when products or system changes are required. Maintain MS SQL database management systems and database structures. Ensure database management systems software versions is kept within the supported range as specified by the application vendors. The role will also require input in defining or identifying required infrastructure, provide input in the selection of database software and relevant tools in the market. Ensure databases comply with documented security policies and standards. Monitor & evaluate system logs for warnings and errors. Assist in investigations and solution advise on corrections of application errors at user level. Appropriately record problem resolution for future reference purposes. Provide input into new project design to optimise database performance. Plan installation, migrations of components and systems. Assist in identifying ICT risks and implementing compensating controls for potential risks. The Specialist: Tech Integrator Level (SQL) role will fall within Enterprise Design & Enablement Cluster, Sub-Cluster: Enterprise Enabling, Personnel Sub-area: Technology and Solutions Delivery – Digital Solutions and Services. 

Job Purpose

• To co-ordinate, prepare, collect and compile information required to facilitate analysis, management review, decision making or reporting requirements of the functional area. 

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in computer science and 8-10 years' experience in an Information Technology (IT) environment as a Microsoft SQL Server Database Administrator, of which 3-4 years ideally at operational specialist level.

 OR

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) and IT Qualification / Certification database administration AND 8-10 years’ experience in an Information Technology (IT) environment as a Microsoft SQL Server Database Administrator.

 ALTERNATIVE 

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) AND 15 years as Microsoft SQL Server Database Administrator experience.

Minimum Functional Requirements

Relevant technical experience:

• Advanced administration experience
• Experience with large, high volume transaction environments
• Query troubleshooting and optimisation
• Performance tuning
• Backup/Recovery of databases
• Clustering/High Availability experience

In the following technologies:

• Microsoft SQL Server
• Relevant certification
• Advanced Powershell scripting
• SQL Query optimisation
• Advanced query creation
• Extensive experience with clustering
• Extensive experience with advanced RDBMS functions such as partitioning, replication, compression and XML
• Working knowledge of development processes and knowledge of at least 1 development language such as C# or Java
• Deep architectural understanding of SQL Server and related tooling
• Ability to develop automated processes

Job Outputs:

Process

• Analyse and make recommendations about improvements to specialist systems, procedures and associated area's practice.
• Contribute to the optimum utilisation of org. resources, advising on effective planning and development of area of specialisation resource plans.
• Develop a single practice area in alignment with operational activity and procedural frameworks and ensure tactical implementation.
• Draw on own technical or professional expertise, knowledge & experience to identify & recommend tactical solutions to defined problems in practices.
• Integrate business information, compare, analyse & produce reports to identify trends, discrepancies & inconsistencies for decision making purposes.
• Optimise goal achievement through tactical strategy implementation and optimisation of practises, processes & systems across an internal value chain.
• Plan for value-added, continuous practice & system improvements to deliver on objectives to enhance tactical implementation and excellence.
• Proactively identify interconnected problems, determine its impact and use to develop best fit alternatives; best practice implementation solutions.
• Translate top down policy in relation to own practice area and communicate impact to relevant stakeholders.
• Recommend changes to optimise processes, systems, practice area and associated procedures and execute the implementation of change and innovation.
• Define and review data requirements for management of the function.
• Conduct assessments and use information to advise, make recommendations and facilitate improvement.

Governance

• Develop and/or align governance and compliance policies for own practice area to identify and manage risk exposure liability.

People

• Integrate new knowledge and transfer skills attained through formal and informal learning opportunities in the execution of your job.
• Provide specialist know-how, support, advice and practice thought leadership in area of expertise.

Finance

• Implement and monitor financial control, management of costs and corporate governance in area of specialisation.

Client

• Develop & ensure implementation of a practice that builds service delivery excellence & encourage others to provide exceptional stakeholder service.
• Participate in the specialist practice community and contribute positively to organisation knowledge management.
• Provide authoritative, specialist expertise and advice to internal and external stakeholders.

Behavioural competencies

• Accountability
• Analytical Thinking  
• Attention to Detail 
• Building Sustainability 
• Commitment to Continuous Learning 
• Conceptual Ability 
• Fairness and Transparency
• Honesty and Integrity
• Organisational Awareness
• Problem solving and analysis 
• Respect
• Trust

Technical competencies

• Business Knowledge 
• Computer Literacy
• Efficiency improvement
• Functional Policies and Procedures
• IT Knowledge
• Reporting and Interpretation 
• System Thinking 

Compliance Competency

• Database Architecture (IT)
• GOC Confidential