Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Database Administrator (#20004215)

General Statement

Under direction, designs, implements, administers and maintains the District’s relational database systems that support the functional requirements of the application systems used by the operating departments; and develops, implements, and oversees database policies and procedures to ensure the integrity and availability of databases and their accompanying software.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.
  • Evaluates user requests for development of new databases or modifications to existing databases; determines the scope of work and timeline for projects; serves as the technical lead on more complex projects.
  • Assesses and develops long-term strategic goals for production databases in conjunction with data owners and department managers.
  • Leads the design and development of new databases; assists with the installation and testing of new databases.
  • Modifies existing databases and database management systems; tests programs or databases and corrects errors; performs system upgrades as needed.
  • Develops, tests and implements SQL program code and application code for use with databases.
  • Defines, reviews and implements database backup and recovery strategies.
  • Plans, coordinates and implements appropriate security, indexes, access controls, constraints, triggers and other database-related features to safeguard database against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
  • Monitors performance of application programs with respect to associated databases and performs required performance tuning actions to ensure database stability and efficiency.
  • Recommends changes to data storage practices to optimize efficient use of space and prevent unnecessary database growth.
  • Provides technical support to other analysts and technical staff related to database design and administration; troubleshoots more complex database issues.
  • Works with application development staff to develop database architectures, coding standards, and quality assurance policies and procedures.
  • Designs and implements redundant systems, policies, and procedures for disaster recovery and data archiving to ensure effective protection and integrity of data assets.
  • Performs database transaction and security audits.
  • Creates, or supports creation of, required reports in response to business user needs.
  • Provides support for standard business analysis tools such as Microsoft Power BI.
  • Provides support to analysts in day-to-day activities including the review of work products for accuracy.

Other Job Functions

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

Work is performed in a typical office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment including computers.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Thorough knowledge of the principles, procedures and methodologies relating to database design, control, administration and usage in support of application systems.
  • Thorough knowledge of data processing flowcharting techniques and entity relationship diagrams.
  • Knowledge of the operating characteristics and limitations of common computer hardware and software utilized by the District.
  • Knowledge of applicable data privacy practices and laws.
  • Knowledge of data analytics practices and concepts.
  • Skill in writing SQL scripts for queries.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and resolve operational issues related to databases.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university majoring in information technology, computer science or a closely related field and four years of experience in database development and/or administration.

Substitution

Graduate study in computer science or a closely related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two years. Full-time paid experience in database development and/or administration may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. A Microsoft MCITP SQL Server certification may be substituted for one year of the required education or experience.

Promotional Requirement

  • Two years of service with the District as a Database Analyst or an IT Support Coordinator.
  • Civil service status in one of the foregoing classifications.
CLASS: 20004215; EST: 1/1/2014; REV: 6/19/2019;