Coordinator: Database Administration

UWC Online - University of the Western Cape; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Bellville seeks a Co-Ordinator: Databases to manage database administration and ensure smooth DBA services. Responsibilities include coordinating daily tasks, monitoring database health, and tracking vendor deliverables. Candidates should possess a senior certificate with MS SQL or Oracle certifications, along with experience in large organizations. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of demonstrated experience as a DBA in a large organization.
• 3+ years of experience with a relevant NQF 7 qualification.
• Familiarity with basic development and scripting languages.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the main point of contact for senior DBA’s.
• Co-ordinate database activities including patching and upgrades.
• Maintain documentation on database infrastructure.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Senior certificate with technical certifications in MS SQL or Oracle Database Management

NQF 7 qualification with technical certifications in MS SQL or Oracle Database Management

Tools

MS SQL

Oracle DB

Windows Operating System

Job description

The UWC’s Information and Communication Services (ICS) Department play a pivotal role in delivering ICT services that enable and support the University’s strategic goals and objectives. IAS, in line with growing its capability and supporting the Digital Transformation Strategy of UWC, offers an opportunity for a Co-Ordinator: Databases in the ICT IT Operations and Services Support unit.

The primary purpose of the Co-Ordinator: Database Administration is to ensure that University’s databases are managed by application of sound database best practices, maintenance and administration tasks.

The key role and responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

• Serve as the main point of contact for senior MSSQL and Oracle DBA’s, ensuring smooth delivery of DBA services at UWC.
• Act as the liaison between business stakeholders and DBA’s for database related queries and requests.
• Co-ordinate daily, weekly, and project-related database activities, including patching, upgrades, and incident response.
• Track contractor deliverables, ensuring adherence to timelines, SLAs, and quality standards.
• Maintain a central register of active tasks and projects.
• Perform first-level monitoring of MSSQL and Oracle databases using approved tools.
• Run basic SQL queries to validate health checks, backup status, and performance metrics.
• Log and elevate incidents appropriately to vendors and management.
• Approve and manage database user account management and permissions requests.
• Maintain documentation on database infrastructure, including inventory, licensing, and lifecycle schedules.
• Prepare regular reports on system performance, uptime, vendor activities, and audit compliance.
• Ensure all knowledge transfer from DBA’s is properly documented.
• Facilitate change control processes for database activities.
• Communicate planned maintenance and downtime notifications to end-users and stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of integration with other databases such MYSQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL. Maria etc

• Senior certificate with technical certifications in MS SQL or Oracle Database Management and more than 5 years of demonstrated experience as a DBA or similar role in a large organisation or educational institution.

or

• A relevant NQF 7 qualification with technical certifications in MS SQL or Oracle Database Management and more than 3 years of demonstrated experience as a DBA or similar role in a large organisation or educational institution.

Work Experience

• Must have familiarity and understanding of basic development and scripting computer languages - MS SQL, Oracle DB, the Windows Operating System and Database Design Concepts. Programming experience desirable but not essential.
• Understanding of POPIA, cybersecurity threats, database security baseline.
• Familiarity in use of diagnostic and data manipulation tools.

Competencies Required

• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Ability to plan and co-ordinate the work of vendors
• Flexibility and adaptability and ability to work as part of diverse and cross functional teams.
• Good organisational and planning skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Teamwork and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues and customers.
• Demonstrated ability to work unsupervised, toward tight deadlines and under pressure;
• Good business awareness and understanding of business requirements of IT