Database Administrator

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Database Administrator. The role involves performing operational support and maintenance for various database solutions, collaborating with IT security and technical teams, and contributing to the design and delivery of scalable, secure, and high-performing databases in both on-premises and cloud environments.

Highlights

Perform operational support on database platforms including MS SQL Server, MongoDB, MySQL, Azure SQL, AWS, and Google database services.
Manage routine maintenance tasks such as backup, recovery, performance tuning, and monitoring.
Monitor system performance, assess capacity growth, and recommend software or hardware enhancements.
Collaborate with IT Security to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
Contribute to architecture, design, and documentation of database systems and standards.
Assist developers with deployment and release of database objects.
Require strong experience with enterprise relational databases and 24x7 production environments.
Proficiency in MS SQL Server administration, optimization, backup, restore, and disaster recovery strategies.
Knowledge of database security practices including encryption and access controls.
Bachelor's degree with 3+ years of relevant experience or equivalent combination; no certifications required.
Salary range: $76,700 - $115,100, with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition discount.

Database Administrator Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICSâ

Penn State IT is seeking a creative, analytical, and innovative Database Administrator who is passionate about building and maintaining reliable database solutions. This role collaborates closely with system administrators, developers, quality analysts, solution architects, business analysts, and data professionals to ensure high-quality data products are delivered to support organizational needs. The Database Administrator will support both existing and emerging data platforms across on-premises and cloud environments while helping design scalable, secure, and high-performing database solutions.

LOCATION

The location of this position is flexible and can operate fully remote within the United States (restrictions may apply). Standard working hours are in the Eastern Time Zone. Questions related to flexible work hours should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES

Perform daily, weekly, and monthly operational support on database solutions (ie: MS SQL Server MongoDB, MySQL, Azure SQL, AWS, and Google database services).
Oversee routine database maintenance on all operational systems, including backup and recovery, performance tuning, monitoring, and physical sizing.
Monitor system performance, assess space utilization and growth, and recommend upgrades and enhancements to software and/or hardware to ensure optimal database performance.
Work in collaboration with IT Security to define policies and procedures that ensure compliance across database operations.
Contribute to the Architecture, Design, and Delivery of database solutions as assigned by the Systems Delivery team.
Contribute to and maintain comprehensive documentation for database architecture, configurations, and operational procedures.
Contribute to the development of standards and practices that promote the reuse of existing or common data stores, data elements, and components.
Assist developers with the release and deployment of database objects into existing databases.

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified candidates will demonstrate strength and experience across several of the following areas:

Experience working with enterprise relational databases in a 24x7 production environment, collaborating with data engineers and other technical teams.
Strong proficiency with MS SQL Server or comparable relational database platforms, including database creation, administration, and optimization.
Experience developing and implementing backup, restore, and disaster recovery strategies for enterprise database systems.
Hands-on experience with performance tuning, query optimization, and diagnosing slow or inefficient queries.
Ability to troubleshoot database performance and functionality issues in complex production environments.
Knowledge of database security practices, including encryption, access control, and compliance requirements.
Strong understanding of database design and architecture, including schema design, normalization, table design, and partitioning strategies.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment with a proactive, team-oriented mindset.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

ADDITIONAL SUCCESS FACTORS

In addition to a strong commitment to customer service, the successful candidate must:

Demonstrate excellent oral, written, and presentation communication skills.
Be self-motivated, capable of working independently, and able to manage multiple simultaneous tasks.
Remain flexible and maintain critical thinking abilities under pressure.
Possess strong problem identification and problem-solving skills.
Maintain excellent documentation practices.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 - $115,100.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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Original Job Description