We’re seeking a talented Lead Database Administrator (DBA) with extensive Microsoft SQL Server Database experience to come and join us at the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO).

You will have the chance to conceptualise, plan, set up and provide hands-on support of all databases within the UKHO. There will be the need to support Oracle, PostgreSQL and Cloud hosted systems as well but you would be given the opportunity to cross train into these technologies, if you don’t currently have experience with them.

There will be a requirement to provide 24/7 support as part of an on-call rota.

This is a DV reserved post and therefore open to sole UK nationals only. It is a condition of the role that you obtain DV clearance and are eligible to hold a UK reserved post, and therefore we encourage you to check your eligibility before applying. You may also need to provide further information regarding eligibility for DV reserved role before interview.

Hybrid working

This role is eligible for flexible and hybrid working as per UKHO agreements, however the successful candidate is required to work from the Taunton office at least 3 days a week, from the outset. This is to perform activities that require an on-site presence. The UKHO is based in Taunton, Somerset so the successful candidate should be within 1 hour commuting distance.

Additional Information:

Part-time hours will be considered (minimum of 32 per week)

This is a varied and interesting role where you will deliver an excellent user experience. Through developing, improving and maintaining the UKHO’s database estate, you will support our key internal products and services and commercial product portfolio -critical to the operations of UKHO. Working within the Enterprise Applications team you will work with the Enterprise Applications Team Manager and other team colleagues to manage the delivery of technical services to our internal customers and in deliver our commercial products by supporting the UKHO Enterprise Applications and services in a third line role.

The high-level responsibilities of the role are to:

• Lead the provision of support and system administration tasks for all database environments across development, test and live.
• Use MS SQL Server knowledge and skills in SQL Server database technologies including Always on Availability Groups, SSIS, SSRS.
• Use Windows Server system admin skills to help support the database infrastructure.
• Provide technical input into projects, designing and building the most appropriate systems regarding database security, resilience, and functionality.
• Implement UKHO policies to ensure the security, integrity and resilience of the databases to provide database services in accordance with the relevant SLAs.

On a day-to-day basis your responsibilities will include:

• Provide day to day support for the database estate.
• Proactively manage, plan and deliver the implementation of database system maintenance, regular patches, and upgrades
• Use system administration tools to investigate, diagnose and resolve complex and/or high-risk problems to maintain service level agreement levels
• Analysis of problems, evaluating options, prioritising and providing long-term pro-active fixes
• Take responsibility for the Business Continuity and backup of database platforms, managing high availability and implementing solutions for managing back-ups, restoration and replication, and monitoring compliance against recovery objectives
• Interacting with multiple technology teams and business stakeholders as well as external third parties, and business stakeholders to optimise and maintain database standards, reliability, availability, performance and interoperability with existing systems.
• Evaluate, prioritise and work on database related incidents and changes via the IT Portal.
• Constantly look for opportunities to implement improvements to database build standards, automation and support processes to improve the reliability and efficiency of the database service.

Support project activities including:

• Install, configure, integrate, upgrade and test database services for new projects.
• Influence and support delivery teams and software developers as a subject matter expert with database operations and standards, including the development of complex SQL and tuning of DML code.
• Collaborate with other DBAs, development, other technical teams and third parties to ensure that system and data security guidelines are adhered to in the design, set up and operations of database platforms. Ensure that appropriate controls are in place to manage processes and maintain compliance with internal and external audit ules.
Define and maintain system documentation, i.e., standards, security orders, procedures, configuration information, help desk calls, etc, and ensure that less experienced staff are instructed in their use.

Experience

• You should have extensive experience designing, implementing, and supporting MS SQL Server probably gained over at least 5 years, including Always on Availability Groups, SSRS, SSIS.
• Any experience supporting Oracle or PostgresSQL will be useful. If you don’t have skills in either of these technologies, you will need to show a willingness to develop skills in them.
• You should have experience or an interest in building and supporting cloud-based database platforms, ideally Microsoft Azure.
• You will have good Windows server administration and Powershell skills and general IT experience.
• You should have good experience of troubleshooting complex database operational incidents and performance issues.

You will need to be a team player, self-motivated, with a positive and pro-active approach to the challenges that the post demands. You must be focused on the timely delivery of solutions to support the UKHO business needs at all times.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Demonstrable skills in designing, implementing, and supporting MS SQL servers (lead criteria)
• Experience of troubleshooting complex database operational incidents and performance issues.
• Demonstrable experience and knowledge of MS SQL Server administration and support (lead criteria)
• Strong knowledge of database design, installation, process automation and upgrades.
• Highly proficient in the troubleshooting of complex database operational incidents and performance issues.

We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:

• Demonstrable skills in designing, implementing, and supporting MS SQL servers (lead criteria)
• Experience of troubleshooting complex database operational incidents and performance issues.

At the UK Hydrographic Office, it's very important to us that our people feel valued.

We offer a huge range of benefits such as training and development, well-being support, flexible/ homeworking, a fantastic state of the art building, high spec equipment, and so much more.

See our attached Candidate Information Pack for more details.

Job contact :

• Name : recruitment.queries@ukho.gov.uk
• Email : recruitment.queries@ukho.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment.queries@ukho.gov.uk