Database Administrator (Microsoft SQL Server):Re-advert

Transnet Company; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 540,000 - 760,000; Full time

Job summary

Transnet invites applications for a Database Administrator to ensure performance, integrity and security of our databases. The role designs, implements and maintains database systems, troubleshoots issues and collaborates with development teams to enable data-driven objectives.

The incumbent will lead automation, cost optimisation and enforce data governance, with 3+ years in ICT and at least 1 year in a supervisory or specialist role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years National Diploma in ICT-related qualification.
• Minimum 5 years’ ICT experience as a Database Administrator, with at least 1 year in a Supervisory or Specialist role.
• OR Minimum 6 years’ ICT experience as a Database Administrator, with at least 2 years in a Supervisory or Specialist role.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Manage the full database lifecycle including provisioning, upgrades, migrations and decommissioning.
• Plan and execute upgrades, patches and migrations with minimal business disruption.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts using PowerShell, Python and SQL.

Skills

Database administration

SQL

Automation

Monitoring

Security

Education

National Diploma in ICT

ICT-related qualification

Tools

PowerShell

Python

Job description

• Operating Division: Transnet Engineering
• Employee Group: Permanent
• Department: ICT, Digital Enablement, KNP
• Location: Kilner Park
• Reporting To: Manager: Digital Enablement
• Grade: F

The closing date is on 07/09/2026. 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 & SustainabilityStrategic ThinkingUnderstands the link between the organisation strategy and objectives and priorities in own area.Inspirational LeadershipInspiring PeopleInspires, motivates and empowers team members to do their best. Is visible. Listens attentively to others and positively influences those aroundBusiness Performance and DeliveryPlanning and CoordinatingPrioritises tasks effectively and adjusts where necessary.Relationship ManagementCommunicating EffectivelyInterprets information appropriately and is able to convey this understanding in a clear, congruent manner.CollaboratingBuild and maintain interpersonal relationships inside and/or outside of the organisation.Service OrientatedResponds and takes responsibility for queries and delivers as promisedConflict ManagementManages conflict fairly and efficientlyCorporate 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.