Chief Database Specialist

We are seeking an experienced Database Administrator to manage, optimize, and ensure the availability and security of our IBM DB2 database systems.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for installing, configuring, and upgrading DB2 database software and related tools, ensuring that the environment is properly set up for optimal performance.

• Key Responsibilities:

  • Database Installation and Configuration: Install, configure, and upgrade DB2 database software and related tools, ensuring that the environment is properly set up for optimal performance.

  • Database Management: Manage DB2 instances, databases, tablespaces, schemas, and other database objects. Ensure that databases are running smoothly with high availability.

  • Performance Tuning: Monitor and optimize DB2 database performance by analyzing and tuning queries, indexing strategies, and system resources.

  • Backup and Recovery: Implement and manage regular database backup and recovery strategies to ensure data integrity and business continuity. Perform database restores when necessary.

  • Security Management: Implement database security policies by managing user access, roles, and privileges. Ensure databases are secure and comply with organizational and regulatory standards.

  • Troubleshooting and Support: Provide day-to-day operational support for DB2 databases, troubleshoot and resolve performance or operational issues, and ensure system uptime and availability.

  • Database Maintenance: Perform routine database maintenance, including data migration, upgrades, and patches, to keep the database environment up to date and running efficiently.

  • Replication and Data Integration: Configure and manage DB2 replication solutions, such as Q Replication or InfoSphere Data Replication, to ensure data consistency across systems.

  • Monitoring and Reporting: Set up monitoring tools to track database performance and availability, and provide regular reports to management on system health, capacity, and performance.

  • Collaboration with Development Teams: Work closely with developers and application teams to design, implement, and optimize database solutions for applications.

  • Documentation: Maintain clear documentation of database configurations, processes, and best practices. Ensure disaster recovery plans are documented and regularly tested.

  • Compliance and Best Practices: Ensure adherence to database industry best practices, compliance standards, and data privacy regulations.

Experience: 3+ years of hands-on experience with IBM DB2 administration (both LUW and z/OS environments are preferred).

Technical Skills:

• Expertise in DB2 database installation, configuration, tuning, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in SQL, including writing optimized queries, stored procedures, and triggers.
• Strong understanding of DB2 backup and recovery methods, including point-in-time recovery and high availability solutions.
• Familiarity with DB2 performance tuning tools and techniques (e.g., DB2 Optimizer, EXPLAIN plan, and performance metrics).
• Experience with DB2 replication tools like Q Replication or InfoSphere Data Replication.
• Strong understanding of database security, user access control, and compliance management.
• Experience with Unix/Linux or Windows OS in a database administration role.
• Familiarity with database monitoring tools such as DB2 Performance Expert, OEM, or similar.
• Knowledge of backup/recovery tools and strategies like IBM Spectrum Protect or third-party solutions.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively work with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Certification in DB2 or related technologies (e.g., IBM Certified Database Administrator).
• Experience with other database management systems such as Oracle, SQL Server, or MySQL is a plus.
• Knowledge of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) and their integration with DB2 is a plus.
• Familiarity with automated deployment and configuration management tools such as Ansible, Chef, or Puppet.