Database Administrator (Microsoft SQL Server)

Transnet Company; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 450 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company in Pretoria seeks a skilled Database Administrator to ensure the integrity and security of databases. The role involves designing and maintaining database systems, implementing automation, and optimizing performance. Ideal candidates will have experience in database management and a National Diploma in ICT or equivalent qualifications. Join us to drive innovation and efficiency in our data environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years in ICT as a Database Administrator.
• At least 1 year in a Supervisory or Specialist role.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain database schemas.
• Implement database security policies.
• Conduct regular security audits.

Skills

Database management

Automation scripting

Performance tuning

Disaster recovery planning

Education

National Diploma in ICT related qualification

Tools

PowerShell

Python

SQL

Job description

Operating Division: Transnet Engineering

Employee Group: Permanent

Department: ICT, Digital Enablement, KNP

Location: Kilner Park

Reporting To: Manager: Digital Enablement

Grade: F

Reference: req3788

The closing date is on 02/12/2025. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that HR has received the application before the closing date of the advertisement.

Position Purpose

The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the performance, integrity and security of our databases. This role is crucial for designing, implementing and maintaining our database systems, proactively troubleshooting issues and collaborating with development teams to ensure our data infrastructure directly enables key business objectives. Key to this role is driving innovation through automation, optimizing costs in our database environments and upholding stringent data governance and compliance standards. You will act as a central point of expertise, enabling the business to leverage data as a secure and reliable asset.

Position Outputs

• Design, implement and maintain robust database schemas, tables, stored procedures and functions in collaboration with software development teams.
• Enforce database standards, naming conventions and best practices to ensure consistency and maintainability across the organization.
• Manage the full database lifecycle, including provisioning new instances, performing upgrades, migrations and decommissioning legacy systems.
• Plan and execute database upgrades, patches and migrations with minimal business disruption.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts using tools such as PowerShell, Python and SQL to streamline and optimize database administration tasks.
• Implement and configure comprehensive database monitoring and alerting systems for proactive issue detection.
• Conduct 24/7 monitoring of performance and availability, responding promptly to alerts and incidents.
• Proactively optimize query performance, manage indexing strategies and fine-tune configurations for optimal throughput.
• Develop, test and continuously improve backup and recovery strategies.
• Lead regular disaster recovery drills to ensure rapid restoration of critical services during outages.
• Implement and maintain robust database security policies, including user access control, authentication and authorization mechanisms.
• Protect sensitive data using encryption, masking and redaction techniques in both production and non-production environments.
• Conduct regular security audits, vulnerability assessments and apply relevant patches to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Monitor database growth and performance trends to plan for future capacity needs.
• Ensure adequate storage and computing resources are available to support evolving business demands.
• Partner with development teams for database design reviews, code deployments and SQL query optimization.
• Collaborate with Information Security teams to align database security with enterprise security frameworks.
• Build relationships with business stakeholders and vendors to promote best practices in data management and governance.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation covering database architecture, configurations and operational procedures.
• Continuously review and enhance existing database technologies, recommending solutions for scalability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Provide input into enterprise data management policies, standards, and strategies.
• Provide 24/7 operational support for critical production databases through a rotating on-call schedule.
• Ensure incidents are resolved within SLA timeframes and that root cause analyses are conducted for recurring issues.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum of 3 Years National Diploma in ICT related qualification. Minimum of 5 years’ experience in ICT environment as a Database Administrator of which at least 1 year in a Supervisory or Specialist role. OR Minimum of 6 years’ experience in ICT environment as a Database Administrator of which at least 2 years in a Supervisory or Specialist role

Competencies

• Strategy & Sustainability: Strategic Thinking, Understands the link between the organisation strategy and objectives and priorities in own area.
• Inspirational Leadership: Inspiring People, Inspires, motivates and empowers team members to do their best. Is visible. Listens attentively to others and positively influences those around.
• Business Performance and Delivery: Planning and Coordinating, Prioritises tasks effectively and adjusts where necessary.
• Relationship Management: Communicating Effectively, Interprets information appropriately and is able to convey this understanding in a clear, congruent manner.
• Collaborating: Build and maintain interpersonal relationships inside and/or outside of the organisation. Service Orientated: Responds and takes responsibility for queries and delivers as promised.
• Conflict Management: Manages conflict fairly and efficiently.
• Corporate Governance & Compliance

Equity Statement

Preference will be given to suitably qualified Applicants who are members of the designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and Targets of the Organisation/Operating Division.

Disclaimer

If you have not heard from Transnet within 90 days, please consider your application as unsuccessful.