PostgreSQL Database Administrator

Functional Title – PostgreSQL Database Administrator
Location: Hybrid/Remote - Ashburn, VA
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust 
Onsite: Must be in Ashburn office twice a week.
 
JOB DESCRIPTION: 
We are seeking a skilled PostgreSQL Database Administrator to join our team. The ideal candidate will specialize in PostgreSQL (RDS), bringing expertise in deployment, administration, query tuning, and database monitoring.

This role requires a proactive professional capable of managing database operations, optimizing performance, and supporting application development teams.

Responsibilities: 
• Database Administration:
◦ Configure and administer managed PostgreSQL instances in the AWS environment.
◦ Maintain database security policies, including role-based access control and data encryption.
• Query Tuning and Optimization:
◦ Analyze and optimize SQL queries for performance improvement, particularly on large tables.
◦ Work with development teams to review and enhance database-related code.
• Monitoring and Alerts:
◦ Set up and monitor Dynatrace alerts to ensure database reliability and availability.
◦ Investigate and resolve performance issues identified through monitoring tools or reported by users.
• Automation and Deployment:
◦ Develop and implement database automation scripts for routine tasks such as deployments, scaling, and maintenance.
◦ Assist in Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) processes for database updates.
• System Health and Troubleshooting:
◦ Proactively monitor database health and resolve capacity or connectivity issues.
◦ Conduct root-cause analysis for database incidents and implement preventive measures.
• Database Design and Support:
◦ Provide input on data modeling and schema design for new and existing applications.
◦ Collaborate with developers and data engineers to ensure efficient data access patterns.
• Documentation and Best Practices:
◦ Create and maintain detailed documentation of database environments, procedures, and standards.
◦ Enforce database best practices and policies.
• Training and Guidance:
◦ Act as a technical mentor to junior team members.
◦ Provide training to application developers and other stakeholders on database-related topics.

Qualifications: 
Required Skills:
• Extensive experience with PostgreSQL, including deployment, maintenance, and optimization.
• Strong knowledge of database tuning, query optimization, and indexing strategies.
• Experience with database monitoring tools, particularly Dynatrace or similar platforms.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for database automation.
• Understanding of cloud database architectures and services, such as AWS RDS.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and database version control.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. 
Preferred Skills:
• Experience with Postgres GIS queries using the PostGIS addon. 
• Knowledge of ETL pipelines and data warehouse architecture.
• Familiarity with analytics/modeling tools.
• Exposure to data replication and sharding strategies.
• Knowledge of government regulatory compliance standards. 
 Soft Skills:
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality results.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  
• Bachelors and five (5) years or more experience; Masters and three (3) years or more experience; PhD and 0 years related experience
• Certifications such as AWS Certified Database - Specialty, PostgreSQL DBA Certification, or similar are a plus.
BI Requirement 
• Current holder of a DHS Public Trust clearance or the ability to obtain one.   
• Note: Employment will be contingent upon having/obtaining a DHS Public Trust clearance prior to starting.  
• TS clearance would expedite hiring process.