---
name: database-administrator
description: "Occupational skill for the role 'database administrator' (also: data base administrators, database administrators, data administrator, DBA, database configurator, data base administrator). Use when the user asks for typical database administrator work such as: Develop standards and guidelines for the use and acquisition of software and to protect vulnerable information.; Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.; Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications."
---

# Database Administrator

Database administrators test, implement and administer computer databases. They use their expertise in database management systems to plan, coordinate and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases. They also use scripts and configuration files to tailor a database to users' needs.

## Core workflow

1. Develop standards and guidelines for the use and acquisition of software and to protect vulnerable information.
2. Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.
3. Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.
4. Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
5. Approve, schedule, plan, and supervise the installation and testing of new products and improvements to computer systems, such as the installation of new databases.
6. Train users and answer questions.
7. Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
8. Develop data models describing data elements and how they are used, following procedures and using pen, template, or computer software.

## How to use this skill

- Read `references/profile.md` for the occupation profile and scope.
- Consult `references/tasks.md` for the full task and activity inventory.
- Check `references/skills.md` for essential vs. optional competences.
- Check `references/tools.md` for the software commonly used in this role.

## Key competences (essential)

- administer ICT system
- apply company policies
- balance database resources
- create data models
- data models
- data quality assessment
- data storage
- database development tools
- database management systems
- define database physical structure
- design database backup specifications
- design database scheme
- distributed computing
- domain name service
- information structure

## Hot technologies

- IBM SPSS Statistics
- SAS
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Docker
- GitHub
- Kubernetes
- Red Hat OpenShift
- Spring Boot
- Apache Spark
- Microsoft Power BI

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*Sources: ESCO v1.2.1 (http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/8c57af09-719c-42b3-be40-6ed4946236cc), O*NET 30.3 (15-1242.00). See manifest.json for licensing/attribution.*
