Summary:

Join our team as a Senior Oracle and MS SQL Database Administrator, responsible for the end-to-end management, support, and optimization of database environments. In this hybrid role (3 days onsite/2 remote), you'll lead critical initiatives such as performance tuning, high availability and disaster recovery planning, security management, and database design. You will collaborate on system enhancements, monitor database health, manage backups and upgrades, and maintain compliance with corporate policies. Ideal for a senior DBA with 6+ years of experience, strong technical documentation skills, and certifications like OCP or Microsoft Certified Professional. Experience with Azure, VMware, and public sector IT environments is a plus.

 

Position Description

 

The Oracle and MS SQL Database Administrator provides for the day-to-day administration, management, and support of all Oracle and MS SQL Instances.

 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES (included but not limited to):

 

• The tasks involving any action necessary to resolve production application and data problems such as, fixes, vendor supplied patches and upgrades and other activities deemed necessary to keep production systems available, operational, and stable.
• Provide support for all Oracle and MS SQL monitoring tools, backups, and recovery.
• Provide knowledge in the support for High availability and disaster recovery.
• Create and configure database environments with effective utilization of resources.
• Assist in application and database enhancement projects (application and database design).
• Configure and manage database environment to maintain integrity of data.
• Maintain availability of database services according to arranged targets.
• Implement changes to database environment.
• Apply product patches to address security or functionality issues.  
• Install product upgrades; and
• Database support may also include supporting other databases to ensure support coverage is maintained. Knowledge transfer will be required.
• Configuration Management
• Capacity Management
• Performance Management
• Availability Management
• Technical Documentation
• Database utilization reports
• New databases or upgrades, patches, and fixes ● Monitor and Control Database environments.
  • Maintain, operate, and upgrade, as necessary automated monitoring tools to monitor database performance.
  • Perform database shutdowns and restarts, as necessary and in line with SaskPower procedures.
  • Monitor and audit controls over Database Administration user privileges and Data.
  • Where applicable, work with 3rd Party(s) to schedule installation and other changes to the database environment 
• Change Management 
  • Respond to requests to upgrade or fix the existing database environment in accordance SaskPower’s policies. Third Party may also initiate requests to upgrade the environment to maintain vendor-stated support levels. 
  • Requests to add a new functionality are to be handled in accordance with the Change Management and/or the Notification processes.
  • Where applicable, coordinate with 3rd Party(s) the scope, schedule, and timeline of events of the request. 
• Application and database design o Perform Data model enhancements which involve design and implementation via Case Tool. o Perform authorization design & management for Objects, Alternatives and Groups. o Direct involvement in all application design. 
  • Perform Data model enhancements which involve design and implementation via Case Tool.
  • Perform authorization design & management for Objects, Alternatives and Groups.
  • Direct involvement in all application design.
  • Attend User Committee meetings and guide discussions surrounding requirements gathering for new applications.
  • Provide User support as required. 
• Database maintenance
  • For requests to create and test new database systems, recommend required database hardware and software configurations to ensure that the products meet requirements.
  • Implement preparation requirements for the database, such as database name conventions, database file location definition, storage strategy definition and redundancy requirements.
  • Perform upgrades to software and quality control of upgraded applications. ➢  During rollout of an upgrade the following steps are taken. 

■ confirming readiness with SaskPower (business units)

■ creating requisite change management records

■ building database in the production environment 

• • Where applicable, work with any 3rd Party on upgrades in coordinating hand-off and promotion to production activities ➢ Perform Data file compression.
• Configuration Management 
  • Any approved changes/modifications or issues resolved via the incident/problem management processes will update the knowledge management database and asset management data for accuracy and integrity of information in accordance with SaskPower procedures.
  • Responsible for plotter configuration and support.
  • Perform ACE configuration for visibility and access within applications.
• Technical Documentation 
  • On request, provide SaskPower with documentation of files generated by the file management system, including name and utilization statistics.
  • Develop, document, and maintain physical database standards and procedures, including database tuning.
  • Work with SaskPower’s Architecture team to maintain database standards.
  • Evaluate and document new products. 

 

 

• Capacity Management
  • Project future trends and capacity requirements for new projects and provide such information to the appropriate personnel as it pertains to the services.
  • Monitor and document SaskPower's current workload trends and provide the information to T&S Management for use in determining future capacity requirements. 
• Performance Management 
  • Define SaskPower‘s current and future requirements and plans determining performance requirements. Work with the server team to execute approved requests for additional capacity to affected servers.
  • Test performance, capacity, and throughput for new or changed applications before promoting such applications into the environment.
  • Establish a schedule for SaskPower’s performance of application maintenance and for implementing modifications and enhancements to the environment to minimally affect availability of the environment.
  • Define thresholds within the selected tool's capability and performance indicators to monitor application performance against such indicators.
  • Install and configure system management agents for applications.
  • Take appropriate resolution action (for example tuning), when application performance is impacted. 
  • Monitor, collect, and analyze performance metrics of applications. o Compile configuration data and trends.
  • Establish thresholds and exception reporting procedures. 

 

• Availability Management 
  • Work with SaskPower business units to define availability requirements.
  • Ensure the appropriate SaskPower personnel are available to interface with Application Support personnel, as required, to isolate or resolve problems.
  • Develop an availability plan. o Track, analyze and report on availability.
  • Work with the server group to develop a hardware maintenance plan in accordance with the equipment manufacturer's specifications. o Recommend availability improvements. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Education & Certifications

• ITIL Certification (Foundation, Service Manager).
• Database Certification (OCA, OCP, OCM, etc.)
• Demonstrated record of continuous improvement 

 

General

• Considerable experience with using coding language or a significant background in application development using different coding languages to develop applications.
• Senior resource with significant analytical experience, demonstrating problem solving ability.
• Proven testing skills and techniques.
• Proven documentation skills
• Able to function within a high level of activity (working with deadlines on several concurrent initiatives).

 

Senior resource with considerable experience with database concepts and operations:

• Basic AIX knowledge
• Experience with Data Modelling
• Project experience
• Experience with Windows command scripting.
• Considerable experience with working on multiple platforms and operating systems which include Windows & Citrix.
• Ability to analyze systems across platforms for System performance.

  

Mandatory Education/Certifications:

• Microsoft Certified Professional or equivalent  ● Oracle Certified Professional or equivalent 

 

Desired Education/Certifications:

• 2 to 4 years of formal education (technical school or university)n

 

Criminal Records and Education:

Before submitting a response to this RFS, the Vendor must ensure that:

• The educational credentials of each proposed resource have been verified to confirm the accuracy of the qualifications provided.
• Each proposed resource has no disqualifying criminal history.

 

Mandatory Experience:

• Projects and support that include Microsoft Server, Azure and related products. This should be from a system admin perspective and include:
  1. Proficiency in VMware.
  2. Proficiency in Azure and Windows Administration.
  3. Technical Documentation: Ability to create technical documentation and user guides for new systems or updates.
  4. Security Management: Ensuring the security of  systems by setting up and managing  permissions.

 

Desired Experience:

 

• Database Installation and Configuration: Experience in installing and configuring Oracle and MS SQL databases on various operating systems. This includes setting up database instances, configuring network connectivity, and ensuring optimal performance through proper configuration settings.

 

• Performance Tuning and Optimization: Proficiency in monitoring and optimizing database performance. This involves analyzing performance metrics, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing tuning techniques to enhance database efficiency. 

 

• Backup and Recovery: Expertise in implementing and managing backup and recovery strategies to ensure data integrity and availability. This includes configuring backup schedules, performing regular backups, and executing recovery procedures in case of data loss or corruption3.

 

• Security Management: Knowledge of database security best practices, including user authentication, authorization, and encryption. This involves configuring security settings, managing user roles and permissions, and ensuring compliance with security standards.

 

• Database Migration and Upgrades: Experience in planning and executing database migrations and upgrades. This includes migrating databases between different versions or platforms, as well as upgrading database software to newer versions while minimizing downtime and ensuring data integrity.

 

• High Availability and Disaster Recovery: Knowledge of high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) solutions for Oracle and MS SQL databases. This includes configuring and managing technologies such as Oracle Data Guard, Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC), SQL Server Always On Availability Groups, and SQL Server Failover Clustering.

 

Deliverables:

 

• Backup and Recovery Plans: This includes creating and maintaining comprehensive backup and recovery strategies to ensure data integrity and availability. Regular backups are scheduled and monitored to prevent data loss and ensure quick recovery in case of failures.
• Performance Tuning Reports: These reports involve analyzing and optimizing database performance. The DBA identifies bottlenecks, implements tuning techniques, and provides detailed reports on the performance improvements achieved.
• Security Configuration Standards: DBAs are responsible for implementing and maintaining security measures to protect the database from unauthorized access and threats. This includes configuring user authentication, authorization, and encryption settings.
• Database Health Checks and Monitoring: Regular health checks and monitoring are conducted to ensure the database is running smoothly. This includes checking for any issues, monitoring system performance, and generating reports on the overall health of the database.