SQL Developer and Database Administrator

The SQL Developer and DBA will play a critical role in designing, developing, maintaining, and optimizing database solutions to support GIC's operational and analytical needs. This position combines hands-on database administration with SQL development to ensure high availability, performance, and security of data systems. Drawing from industry best practices and the profiles of top candidates, the role emphasizes proactive monitoring, stakeholder collaboration, and agile project execution to deliver reliable data infrastructure aligned with business goals. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated professional with a blend of technical expertise and soft skills, ready to contribute to a dynamic team environment.

Key Responsibilities

The role involves a mix of administrative, developmental, and collaborative tasks. Responsibilities are prioritized based on common themes from experienced professionals in similar roles:

Database Administration

• Install, configure, and administer SQL Server environments (clustered and standalone, versions
• Perform regular backups, restores, and integrity checks (e.g., DBCC) to ensure data recovery and compliance.
• Proactively monitor database performance, capacity, and security using tools like Performance Monitor; optimize queries and indexes for efficiency.
• Manage user access, roles, and permissions; implement security best practices for databases, SSIS packages, and SSRS reports.
• Troubleshoot and resolve database issues, including performance bottlenecks and failover scenarios.

SQL Development

• Design, develop, and maintain stored procedures, triggers, functions, and complex T-SQL queries for data extraction, manipulation, and reporting.
• Build and deploy SSIS packages for ETL processes, data integration, and migrations.
• Create and customize SSRS reports and dashboards; integrate with tools like Spotfire or QlikView for business intelligence.
• Support data warehousing initiatives, including normalization, integrity checks, and bulk data operations.

Project and Release Management

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., developers, analysts, business stakeholders) on database-related projects using Agile methodologies.
  - Document changes, enhancements, and operational procedures; manage releases and deployments via tools like Jira.
  - Assist in strategic decisions for new systems, software upgrades, and infrastructure scaling.
• Provide training to end-users on reports, dashboards, and database tools.

Maintenance and Support

• Conduct quality assurance on imported/exported data; resolve bugs and implement fixes in production environments.
• Evaluate and test updates to source systems; support ad-hoc scripting and views for operational needs.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, including data confidentiality and audit trails.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (e.g., BSc Computer Science or Diploma in Business Information Systems).
• Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management or equivalent is advantageous.
• Matric (Grade 12) with strong mathematical/technical subjects.

Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years in SQL development and DBA roles, with proven experience in production environments.
• 2+ years hands-on with SQL Server administration (e.g., installations, clustering, backups).
• Experience in data migrations, ETL processes, and BI reporting (e.g., SSIS/SSRS/SSAS).
• Prior involvement in Agile projects, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional team management.
• Exposure to government or enterprise IT (e.g., SITA, FedEx equivalents) is a plus.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate.
• Agile Project Management Foundation (APMG) or SAFe DevOps Practitioner.
• Oracle Database 19c or equivalent.
• Data Analytics (e.g., LinkedIn Learning) or similar.

Key Skills and Competencies

Technical Skills

• Core Technologies**: Proficient in MS SQL Server , T-SQL, SSIS, SSRS, SSAS; Visual Studio; Windows Server.
• Tools & Platforms**: Jira, Git, AWS RDS, Spotfire/QlikView, Performance Monitor, Windows Task Scheduler.
• Development Practices**: Stored procedures, triggers, data mining, ETL, report generation from multiple systems.
• Other**: Basic networking, Active Directory management, cloud databases (Azure/AWS).

Soft Skills and Behavioural Competencies

• Strong communication and collaboration skills; ability to work in diverse teams and explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proactive problem-solver with a positive, self-motivated attitude; reliable under pressure with a focus on deadlines.
• Leadership potential in coordinating dependencies and driving process improvements.
• Commitment to continuous learning and ethical data handling.
• Multilingual proficiency (English essential; additional South African languages advantageous).