# Tasks & work activities — database administrator

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 15-1242.00 (Database Administrators).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Develop standards and guidelines for the use and acquisition of software and to protect vulnerable information.
- **[Core]** Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.
- **[Core]** Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.
- **[Core]** Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
- **[Core]** Approve, schedule, plan, and supervise the installation and testing of new products and improvements to computer systems, such as the installation of new databases.
- **[Core]** Train users and answer questions.
- **[Core]** Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
- **[Core]** Develop data models describing data elements and how they are used, following procedures and using pen, template, or computer software.
- **[Core]** Review procedures in database management system manuals to make changes to database.
- **[Core]** Select and enter codes to monitor database performance and to create production databases.
- **[Core]** Write and code logical and physical database descriptions and specify identifiers of database to management system, or direct others in coding descriptions.
- **[Core]** Identify, evaluate and recommend hardware or software technologies to achieve desired database performance.
- **[Core]** Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
- **[Core]** Provide technical support to junior staff or clients.
- **[Core]** Test changes to database applications or systems.
- **[Supplemental]** Identify and evaluate industry trends in database systems to serve as a source of information and advice for upper management.
- **[Supplemental]** Review workflow charts developed by programmer analyst to understand tasks computer will perform, such as updating records.
- **[Supplemental]** Revise company definition of data as defined in data dictionary.

## Detailed work activities

- Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables.
- Analyze market or customer related data.
- Assess database performance.
- Coordinate software or hardware installation.
- Create databases to store electronic data.
- Develop computer or information security policies or procedures.
- Develop database parameters or specifications.
- Develop detailed project plans.
- Develop models of information or communications systems.
- Develop performance metrics or standards related to information technology.
- Evaluate utility of software or hardware technologies.
- Implement security measures for computer or information systems.
- Install computer software.
- Modify software programs to improve performance.
- Provide recommendations to others about computer hardware.
- Provide technical support for software maintenance or use.
- Read documents to gather technical information.
- Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
- Train others in computer interface or software use.
- Update computer database information.
- Write computer programming code.