Senior Database Administrator

UVA Health; Charlottesville (VA); Remote; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Virginia Information Technology Services (ITS) is seeking a Senior Database Administrator for the Student Information System (SIS). The role maintains database and PeopleSoft infrastructure, ensuring secure, reliable access to student data across applications.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years as an Oracle DBA, strong SQL, and experience with security, backups, and performance tuning. This is a fully remote position with collaboration across SIS teams and ITS Enterprise Applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred.
• At least five years of experience as an Oracle DBA.
• Strong SQL, data modeling, and PeopleSoft knowledge.
• Experience with security, backups, and disaster recovery planning.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain database and PeopleSoft environments.
• Manage data storage, backups, restore, and recovery procedures.
• Monitor and tune database performance for SIS applications.
• Maintain security measures and encryption key management.
• Collaborate with system and network teams for a stable infra.

Skills

SQL

Oracle Database

PeopleSoft

Database tuning

Security & Compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Oracle

PeopleTools

Unix

Splunk

Ansible

Job description

Department Overview

University of Virginia Information Technology Services (ITS) supports UVA’s academic, research, clinical, and administrative missions by providing secure, reliable, and innovative technology services. ITS values results, teamwork, innovation, excellent customer service, inclusion, and work-life balance, and provides a supportive environment where employees are encouraged to share ideas and bring their authentic selves to work.

Position Summary

The University of Virginia (UVA) seeks an experienced, dynamic, and mission-driven Senior Database Administrator for the Student Information System (SIS). Reporting to the Technical Director of Student Applications within ITS Enterprise Applications, this position sustains the database and application infrastructure that enables the University to capture, maintain, and access institutional student data.

Responsibilities include installing, configuring, and maintaining database and PeopleSoft environment components, including the database kernel, listeners, database monitoring tools, web and application servers, and process schedulers. The role also manages data storage, backup and recovery, database security, configuration management, and database performance monitoring and tuning.

The Senior Database Administrator investigates and troubleshoots system-related issues, consults on hardware configuration requirements, and collaborates with system and network administrators to maintain and configure the hardware infrastructure supporting SIS applications.

erm position based on funding.

This is a 2 year limited term position based on funding.

Database and Application Infrastructure Services

• Install and sustain database infrastructure components supporting PeopleSoft student applications, including database servers, listeners, web and application servers, and database connectivity.
• Acquire, administer, and apply database infrastructure patches and PeopleTools patches for PeopleSoft environments.
• Configure, monitor, and tune database infrastructure for optimal PeopleSoft application performance.
• Develop, test, and execute database backup, recovery, and refresh procedures.
• Anticipate cyclical events and forecast system resource requirements.
• Maintain security certificates and shared encryption keys for SIS applications.
• Partner with system and network administrators to maintain a secure and stable environment for student system applications.

Application Data Repository Services

• Develop data models, database designs, and database specifications.
• Create and maintain schemas and related database objects, including views, constraints, triggers, and roles.
• Assess and anticipate the effects of cyclical events, business decisions, and changes in business operations, data requirements, or application systems.
• Assist developers and users with database access and navigation, including SQL analysis, traces, and commit strategies.
• Migrate data through data extracts and data loads.

Data Security and Compliance

• Implement database security measures aligned with industry best practices, including CIS Benchmarks.
• Implement and maintain Oracle Advanced Security Options, Transparent Data Encryption, and encryption key management according to industry best practices.
• Monitor and analyze database audit tables and logs.
• Follow change management processes to ensure compliance with University regulations.

Student System Administration

• Acquire, administer, and apply patches to the PeopleSoft application environment.
• Configure, monitor, and tune web, application, and database servers.
• Implement application security measures.

Professional Development

• Develop and maintain the technology, hardware, and software skills needed to uphold high standards of professional excellence.
• Research and promote new technologies and methods.
• Stay informed about trends and developments in higher education student systems.

Self Motivation and Leadership

• Work independently with minimal guidance.
• Prepare or assist in developing database project plans that support the overall SIS environment.
• Provide progress reports and updates on project activities.
• Lead projects or individual steps within larger projects.

Collaboration and Teamwork

• Collaborate with SIS technical and functional team members on assessment, analysis, testing, and tuning.
• Cross-train with team members to ensure backup coverage for key processes.
• Mentor peers, clients, and junior team members to support continuous improvement.
• Coordinate hardware infrastructure maintenance and configuration with system and network administrators.

Vendor Management

• Manage relationships with external vendors and service providers, partnering on implementations, issue resolution, and enhancement requests.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree. An equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or certifications may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• Experience: At least five years of experience working as an Oracle Database Administrator.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong foundation in SQL.

Preferred Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of Oracle Database and PeopleSoft concepts, technologies, and best practices.
• Master’s degree or foreign equivalent in computer science, computer engineering, engineering instrumentation and control, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience working with a student enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft Campus Solutions, HighPoint Campus Experience, PHIRE, Cohesity, Unix, Pathlock, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ansible scripting, Splunk, Oracle Advanced Security Options with Transparent Data Encryption, and Informatica PowerCenter.
• Experience in a higher education environment.

Position Type and Work Location

Position type: Full-time exempt

Work location: This is a fully remote position

About UVA

The University of Virginia is a public university in Charlottesville, Virginia, dedicated to education, research, and service. This position contributes to the University’s mission by supporting the systems and services that applicants, students, and University staff rely on.

Reference Check Process

Reference checks are conducted through SkillSurvey. Candidates will be asked to provide five references; at least three completed responses are required.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .