The Database Administration Team is responsible for the availability and maintenance of critical data tier services which the Council consumes, to deliver day to day operations and the strategic objectives of the Authority.

The team is currently engaged on an exciting programme of work to migrate all on-premises Microsoft SQL Server databases to the Microsoft Azure cloud in the next twelve months. We are seeking an experienced Senior Database Administrator to help support the design, build and migration elements of our transition, as well as providing support for our outgoing on-premises databases.

The successful applicant should be knowledgeable in IaaS and PaaS SQL Azure services, preferably with experience of migrating services from an on-premise environment. You should be familiar with working in an application support environment, have a methodical approach and possess strong problem-solving skills. You should also be well versed in the use of specialised database support tools, be an effective communicator and work well either as an individual or part of a team. Knowledge of GIS, ITIL and Office 365 would be highly advantageous.

As a Senior Database Administrator, you will be responsible for carrying out maintenance and system configuration activities for some sixty database virtual machines and six hundred databases, supporting key business areas of the Council. You will be ensuring the management of risk and secure operation, including associated software upgrades and interfaces to applications within other business areas and to assist with management reporting requirements. You will be part of a small but dynamic three-person team, responsible for the installation, configuration, upgrade, administration, monitoring and maintenance of databases. Administering the support for operational databases in production and for internal or interim purposes such as iterative developments and testing. Improving the performance of databases and the tools and processes for database administration and automation.

Accountabilities

Accountable for leading the installation, configuration, upgrade, administration, monitoring and maintenance of databases to ensure optimisation and enable efficient operation of applications.

Accountable for managing the ongoing day to day support of databases to maintain continuity and efficient delivery in support of business operations to meet agreed service levels and application performance requirements.

Accountable for the design and implementation of processes and toolsets to ensure optimise the performance of varying applications and deliver greater efficiency in day to day maintenance and support activities.

Utilise the database management system software and tools, to support resolutions ensuring clear recommendations to recommend and implement corrective action.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Educated to A Level or equivalent by experience.
• Hold Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) and Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) or equivalent qualification.
• Qualification or high level of demonstrable capability with relevant vendor business applications
• Able to demonstrate a clear understanding of, and capability to work within, relevant ICT related standards including HMG Security Policy Framework, IITIL V3, ISO/IEC 38500, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 22301, ISO/IEC 20000, PRINCE2 and MSP
• Good written, verbal communication and presentational skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Evidence of continual professional development to keep pace with technical and business change that meet defined SFIA V7 competencies.

This position will initially, in line with current government guidance be based from home, with an expectation of being home based for the foreseeable future. However, if / when government guidelines change the role may then revert to being office based, whilst retaining some flexible working options.

Please note that Essex County Council has determined that the off-payroll working rules will apply to this assignment and where a worker elects to provide their services through an intermediary (such as a personal services company) then income tax and primary national insurance contributions will be deducted at source from any payments made to the intermediary.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity is key to our success.

If you have any queries regarding this role, or require anything further, please email or call us on 0333 013 5888. Lines are open Monday to Friday 08:30 - 16.30.