Database Administrator - Senior, or Lead
About The Position
Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is seeking talented individuals to join our Database Administration Team to support the mission-critical systems that keep the power grid running reliably across the central United States. Whether you're a seasoned expert or building on your DBA career, Southwest Power Pool (SPP) offers a collaborative environment, exciting technical challenges, and the opportunity to make a real impact. Senior and Lead Database Administrators at Southwest Power Pool (SPP) are responsible for the design, installation, maintenance, upgrade, backup/restoration, and monitoring of the organization’s database management systems (DBMS). They support the planning and development of database environments, including identifying storage and system requirements for both new and existing platforms. These roles play a key part in ensuring reliable, high‑performing, and secure database operations across SPP. Both roles contribute to developing, improving, documenting, and implementing processes and procedures used by the Database Administration team. They must be experienced in at least one DBMS deployed at SPP and possess strong technical problem‑solving skills, including the ability to respond rapidly to database issues. While Senior DBAs focus on executing established procedures and assisting with technical designs, Lead DBAs extend this responsibility by providing architectural direction, offering technical leadership, and helping shape requirements for broader systems and solutions. Lead DBAs may also represent SPP in technical committees or working groups, both internally and externally, including engagements with NERC. Collaboration is central across both roles. Senior DBAs coordinate with the Supervisor of Database Administration or the Technical Lead DBA when advanced expertise is required, and Lead DBAs provide mentorship, guidance, and cross‑team coordination to ensure successful delivery of database initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in an Information Technology-related field, or equivalent job-related experience Required
- Lead: 8 years database management experience Required
- Senior: 5 years database management experience Required
- Excellent written and oral communications skills
- Effective working knowledge/experience with Unix or Linux operations systems
- Effective analytical and problem solving abilities
- Understanding of and compliance with SPP Policies and Procedures
Nice To Haves
- DBA certification in a DBMS deployed at SPP at the current or first previous release level
- A variety of experience in database projects including deployment
- Proven leadership characteristics
- Experience with Oracle, IBM Netezza and Replication, or Microsoft SQL Server Administration including maintaining awareness of new releases, patches and upgrades; work load management a plus
- Application and SQL query tuning including SQL optimization and query plan/execution optimization
- Knowledge of SDLC processes and automation techniques
- Experience in leading efforts to implement continuous improvements including collaboration across multiple teams
- Scripting experience: PowerShell, Perl, Python, Bash, Shell scripting
- Informatica ETL technologies
- Experience with Enterprise Data Governance
- Experience with backup/restore
- Lead: Experience with backup/restore using Rubrik
- Lead: Linux based server experience with infrastructure and network knowledge
Responsibilities
- Monitor database servers and DBMS across multiple environments.
- Analyze and trend database growth, usage, and performance.
- Assist in, or contribute to, database design, development, and deployment activities.
- Develop database backup and restoration processes; ensure backups are executed and validated.
- Execute database upgrades, application upgrades, and patches.
- Maintain centralized documentation related to database environments and procedures.
- Monitor and enforce database security policies.
- Provide subject matter expertise on assigned projects.
- Understand and work from technical and business requirements for assigned initiatives.
- Participate in test execution and production cut‑over activities.
- Participate in ad‑hoc technical or business teams and provide knowledge related to databases.
- Support projects involving new or upgraded databases across multiple IT groups and end users.
- Provide technical and training assistance in areas of expertise.
- Configure systems and software with flexibility to adapt to changing business needs while maintaining production stability.
- Monitor assigned database servers and DBMS environments.
- Execute and review database backups.
- Assist in the development of technical database requirements based on business specifications.
- Assist in projects deploying new or upgraded databases, coordinating with other IT groups and end users.
- May represent SPP at industry committees and working group meetings as needed.
- Communicate effectively across all SPP departments, clearly explaining designs, plans, configurations, and procedures.
- Forecast hardware and tuning requirements based on performance analysis.
- Lead database design, development, and deployment efforts.
- Capture and review performance issues with vendors and internal teams.
- Develop and execute upgrade and patch‑deployment plans for database applications.
- Develop, monitor, and enforce database security policies at a broader, strategic level.
- Gather business and technical requirements for assigned projects; evaluate alternative database technologies.
- Lead or participate in testing and production cut‑over for assigned initiatives.
- Lead projects involving new or upgraded databases; develop associated project plans and timelines.
- Provide technical expertise to SPP committees and working groups, and represent SPP and member companies at NERC committees.
- Assist IT Management in formulating database‑related IT strategy.
- Provide high‑level technical training and mentorship to staff or training teams.
- Configure systems and software in support of business change while overseeing production integrity at an organizational level.
Benefits
- Competitive and transparent pay with bonus opportunities
- Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
- Relocation bonus (if applicable)
- Hybrid working environment for positions that are eligible
- Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Associate degree
