database-administrator/references/tasks.md

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.