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Database administrator

Plan and build computer systems to hold vital information for organisations. Make sure the systems are secure and work properly.

About the job

Salary (before tax)

Entry

£45,000

Arrow

Experienced

£70,000

In this job, new workers in Scotland start around £45,000 per year. Experienced workers can earn up to £70,000.

Source:

Hays

What it's like

Plan, build and manage computer systems that hold vital information for organisations. You’ll make sure the systems are secure and function well.

You could work on a variety of databases, such as a bank’s customer account networks or a hospital’s patient records.

You’ll make sure each database system works properly and is easy for your colleagues to use when they deal with customers or clients. You’ll probably have access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to help you optimise each database’s performance.

A database administrator is a similar role to a database architect. As an administrator, you'll focus on managing existing databases while an architect deals with the creation of new systems. There can be crossover between these roles and you may still plan and create new databases as an administrator.

It’s important that you’re comfortable working with web-based technologies and AI platforms. You’ll also need to understand data protection issues and stay up to date with developments in technology.

Your tasks might include:

  • monitoring the performance and security of existing databases

  • implementing fixes and improvements

  • produce and communicate performance reports

  • establishing what a new database is for, who’ll use it and what other systems it'll link to

  • planning the structure of the database and organising it using AI software

  • building a test version and checking the results to iron out any technical problems

  • filling the database with new information or transfering existing data into it – AI can make this process easier

  • planning how to update information, create back-up copies and report errors

  • using AI software to identify sensitive data and suggest ways to keep it secure

You'll work on projects with other IT professionals, such as analysts, programmers and project managers. You may also supervise technical support staff and train people who will use the system.

In senior roles, you’ll be responsible for strategic planning, information policy, budgets and managing client relationships.

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