Database Administrator

Cayuse Holdings, LLC; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with HR

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Cayuse Holdings, LLC is seeking a senior Database Administrator to design, implement, and maintain PostgreSQL databases (v13+). The role focuses on data integrity, security, performance, and seamless integration with existing IT systems.

You will manage backups, replication, and migrations, including cloud-based PostgreSQL environments. The ideal candidate has 8+ years in DB administration, strong PostgreSQL expertise, and experience with observability tools like Prometheus and Grafana.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, CS, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of professional database administration experience.
• Proven expertise with PostgreSQL v13 in medium to large deployments.
• Strong knowledge of DB design, admin, and optimization for enterprise needs.
• Experience with backup/recovery and high-availability configurations in PostgreSQL.
• Migration experience to/from PostgreSQL, including AWS RDS/Aurora.
• Proficiency in query optimization, indexing, and performance tuning.
• Experience with observability/monitoring tools such as Prometheus and Grafana.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain moderately complex databases.
• Ensure efficient configurations and up-to-date database dictionaries.
• Integrate systems through robust database designs.
• Administer and test databases with deep PostgreSQL expertise.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to protect data.
• Manage PostgreSQL environments (version 13+) and perform patches.
• Configure replication and high availability (physical and logical).
• Develop monitoring and alerting with observability tools.
• Perform migrations to/from PostgreSQL and cloud services like AWS.

Skills

PostgreSQL

Database design

Performance tuning

Security best practices

Observability tooling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT/CS

Tools

Prometheus

Grafana

AWS RDS

Aurora PostgreSQL

pg_dump/pg_restore

Job description

Overview

Employment in this role is conditional upon successful execution of the contract by the client.

The Work:

The Database Administrator will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining moderately complex databases while ensuring their optimization, security, and integration within the organization’s systems. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of database management systems, especially PostgreSQL, and the expertise to manage database environments effectively. This role requires a dedicated professional with a proven track record in ensuring data integrity, optimizing database performance, coordinating database changes, and implementing robust security measures.

This position aligns with Cayuse’s core values of Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Integrity by fostering technical solutions that meet customer needs, promoting teamwork, and prioritizing quality in deliverables.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and maintain moderately complex databases to meet business and operational needs.
• Ensure efficient database configurations and maintain up-to-date database dictionaries.
• Integrate various systems seamlessly through effective and reliable database designs.
• Administer and test computer databases, leveraging deep technical knowledge of advanced database management systems like PostgreSQL.
• Perform thorough database testing to ensure optimal functionality and efficiency.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement robust security measures to safeguard computer databases from unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
• Administer, monitor, and maintain PostgreSQL environments, specifically version 13 or higher.
• Conduct environment setup, configuration, patching, performance tuning, and capacity planning.
• Implement and validate comprehensive backup and recovery procedures using tools such as pg_dump/pg_restore and WAL archiving.
• Configure, monitor, and manage PostgreSQL replication and ensure high availability through physical and logical replication techniques.
• Optimize database queries and indexing with advanced tools and techniques (e.g., EXPLAIN/ANALYZE, partitioning, pg_stat_statements).
• Plan and execute migrations to and from PostgreSQL instances, including transitions involving cloud-managed services such as AWS RDS or Aurora PostgreSQL, and migrations from Oracle databases.
• Ensure seamless integration of PostgreSQL within existing IT infrastructures.
• Develop, configure, and deploy monitoring and alerting systems using observability tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, or similar platforms).
• Continuously monitor and troubleshoot database performance metrics to proactively address potential bottlenecks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications – Here’s What You Need:

The qualifications and skills listed below are intended to provide a general overview of the requirements for this position. However, due to the anticipated nature of the contract and the absence of a finalized task order from the client, this list should not be considered all-encompassing. Additional qualifications, certifications, skills, or experience specific to the client’s requirements may be identified and requested upon award of the task order. Candidates should demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to adapt to evolving responsibilities as outlined by the client.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 8 years of professional experience in database administration and management.
• Proven expertise in working with PostgreSQL (v13 ) in medium to large-scale deployments.
• Strong technical knowledge of database management systems with significant hands-on experience in database design, administration, and optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to implement scalable, efficient, and secure database solutions tailored to enterprise needs.
• Deep understanding of backup/recovery processes and high-availability configurations within PostgreSQL environments.
• Experienced in database migration projects, particularly to and from PostgreSQL, with exposure to cloud platforms like AWS (RDS, Aurora PostgreSQL).
• Proficiency in query optimization, indexing, and performance tuning methodologies.
• Experience with observability and monitoring tool setup (PrometheGrafana, custom dashboards, etc.).
• Active Top Secret Security Clearance.
• Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.

Minimum Skills:

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate in a clear, professional, and articulate manner.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with high-level attention to detail.
• Proven ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast past environment with changing priorities; adaptable to change and a quick learner.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work well independently as well as on a multi-functional team.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately
• Proficient in MS Office, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Our Commitment to you / overview of benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance; Wellness Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided)
• Voluntary Life and AD&D options
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with matching after one year
• Paid Time Off

Reports to: Program Manager

Working Conditions:

• Professional office environment, with the ability to work onsite in the main office.
• Must be physically and mentally able to perform duties extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed to meet the demands of this position.
• Must be able to establish a productive and professional workspace.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time looking at computer screen.
• May be asked to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays.
• May be asked to travel for business or professional development purposes.
• May be asked to work hours outside of normal business hours.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Cayuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, skills, and abilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in accordance with any applicable federal, state, or local law.