Database Administrator

Database Administrator - Postgres, SQL Server, MySQL

Project Overview:

Innosoft is the prime contractor for MD Benefits (formerly MD THINK), supporting the management, design, development, testing, and implementation of this strategic Information Technology (IT) program. Maryland Benefits is seeking an agile development resource team with required skill sets to build and/or maintain the Maryland Benefits infrastructure/platform, applications development, data repositories, reports and dashboards and support activities related to network services and system operations.

The Shared Data Platform (SDP) is designed as a cloud-based, data-centric infrastructure to support scalable, flexible, and integrated data operations. It empowers self-service and accelerates data-driven decision-making across the enterprise. Key strategic goals include establishing a mature data infrastructure that balances analytics and business intelligence, enabling iterative learning and actionable insights, and fostering a "Data Center of Excellence" (DCoE) to govern and enhance data-driven processes. The SDP also prioritizes the delivery of trusted information and the streamlined onboarding of State Agencies to the Maryland Benefits platform through standardized procedures, ultimately driving operational efficiency and measurable business value. The "Data Platform - Automation" team plays a critical role in achieving these goals by supporting the "Data Platform - Engineering" team.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• The Database Management Specialist shall provide highly technical expertise and support in the use of DBMS. This individual is responsible for performing the following tasks:
  
• Performance Monitoring and Tuning: DBAs continuously monitor database performance, identifying bottlenecks, and proactively optimizing query execution plans, indexes, and database configurations. This ensures efficient use of resources and enhances overall system performance.
  
• Resource Allocation and Management: DBAs manage database resources, such as CPU, memory, and storage, to prevent resource contention and ensure fair distribution among applications and tools.
  
• Backup and Recovery: DBAs implement robust backup and recovery strategies to safeguard data integrity and provide rapid data recovery in case of failures or disasters. This ensures the reliability and stability of the shared platform.
  
• Security and Access Controls: DBAs enforce security measures, access controls, and encryption to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access and ensure data privacy and compliance with regulations.
  
• Database Provisioning and Scaling: DBAs handle the provisioning of new databases and scaling of existing databases to meet the evolving demands of applications and tools on the shared platform. This ensures scalability and flexibility in data storage.
  
• Data Replication and High Availability: DBAs configure database replication and high availability mechanisms to minimize downtime and provide continuous access to critical data for applications and users.
  
• Query Optimization and Troubleshooting: DBAs optimize complex queries, identifying and resolving performance issues. They collaborate with application developers to troubleshoot and resolve database-related problems.
  
• Version and Change Management: DBAs manage database schema changes and versioning to coordinate updates and ensure compatibility between different applications and tools.
  
• Monitoring and Alerting: DBAs set up monitoring and alerting systems to proactively detect issues and promptly respond to potential problems in the shared platform, ensuring observability and quick incident resolution.
  
• Capacity Planning: DBAs conduct capacity planning to forecast future resource requirements and ensure that the shared platform can meet growing demands while maintaining optimal performance.
  
• Collaboration with Data Architects and Developers: DBAs collaborate with data architects and application developers to understand data requirements and recommend database design improvements, data modeling enhancements, and best practices.
  
• Database Security Audits: DBAs conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to maintain a secure database environment and address potential security risks.
  

Requirements

Education:

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in computer science, information systems, engineering, business, or a related scientific or technical discipline; or three (3) years of equivalent experience in a related field.

General Experience:

• The proposed candidate must have at least six (6) years of experience in DBMS systems analysis and programming.
  
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field. Master's degree is a plus.
  
• Five-plus (5+) Years of proven experience as a Database Administrator, with a focus on managing cloud-based databases such as RDS Postgres, RDS Aurora for Postgres, and RDS SQL Server in AWS cloud environments.
  
• Extensive knowledge of AWS cloud services such as Networking, Security, and Alerts and Monitoring.
  
• Strong understanding of data modeling principles, governance, and security practices.
  
• Demonstrated expertise in designing data integration solutions and optimizing data processing performance.
  
• Strong communication and presentation skills to effectively convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
  

Specialized Experience:

• The proposed candidate must have at least three (3) years of experience in using current DBMS technologies, application design utilizing various database management systems, and experience with DBMS internals.
  
• Key qualifications include strong project management skills, leadership abilities, effective communication, and the capacity to identify and resolve issues while adapting to changing circumstances. Significant experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, product owners, and stakeholders is essential.
  
• Preferred qualifications include a technical background and experience in data and AI/ML projects. Functional experience with local or government projects in Data Services (MDM/R360/EDMS), Child Support, Integrated Eligibility, Child Welfare, Adult Protective Services, Juvenile Justice, or Health and Human Services is also preferred.
  

Benefits