Durham University

A database administration-focused role at Durham University supporting database maintenance, security, and performance while developing technical data and IT skills in a collaborative environment.The University  At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer. The Role and the DepartmentThe role supports the IS manager of the Database Administration (DBA)  team with the management, maintenance and optimisation of effective DBA services to the University and, is part of the wider Information Services (IS) collection of teams, which underpins the delivery of customer focused information systems and services.This role offers excellent opportunities to gain hands-on experience with data technologies, while enabling the post holder to develop advanced DBA skills. Specifically, the post holder will undertake activities relating to, and work with increasing independence to:Assist in daily database maintenance and monitoring activities.Perform regular database backups and validate recovery proceduresSupport database upgrades and patch installations.Monitor database performance and troubleshoot issues under senior DBA guidance.Support data security measures, including user access control and encryption.Help maintain database documentation, schemas, and procedures.Run queries and generate reports as requested by internal teams.Participate in database migration and upgrade projects.Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and company policies.Undertake incident ownership and managementThe Computing and Information Services (CIS) has an annual operational budget in excess of £27m, including multi-million pound programmes of change within year, and approximately 172 staff. The Senior Leadership Team report directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) with the following portfolios: Strategy and Change; Technical Services; Information Services, and; Cyber Security. CIS work with departments across the university to provide academic, teaching and administrative services that underpin the day-to-day activities of the whole organisation. CIS is a friendly, but demanding department, where much is expected and can be achieved by competent, self-motivated individuals who are demonstrable in their team work ability. The department works in a hybrid capacity, depending on the job role.Information Services (IS) is responsible for the provision of a wide range of end-user and customer facing technology services, ranging from: student record management; curriculum & learning, IWMS, integration services; AI; identity and access management, and; other immersive technology experiences.The post holder will be sponsored, and required, to undertake further study that will lead to the award of a digital related qualification.The decision as to what level of study will be undertaken, and the topic to be studied, will be determined by the post holder’s previous study and work attainment experiences, and acceptance by the training provider to offer a training place.It is a requirement for this role that the University is satisfied that you meet the apprentice eligibility criteria for the qualification you would be undertaking as part of the role. Including right to work, residency eligibility, visa duration, previous qualifications conditions and completion viability. This will be applicable for any apprenticeship funding eligibility. Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.The base location for this role is Boldon House, our exciting new professional services hub.  Boldon House is situated on the outskirts of Durham near the Arnison Centre in Pity Me. Boldon House brings a number of professional services teams together in a vibrant office environment which supports collaborative working and is designed to embrace hybrid working. Working at Durham    A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year. No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.  Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16. We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.   We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community.  Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).    If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.  We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.   Durham University is committed to equality,  diversity and inclusionOur collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.    As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct.  At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.   We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application.  If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification  When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role.  Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description.  Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.      Essential CriteriaQualifications/Experience1.     Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or a Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.2.    Degree level qualification and demonstrable experience of software coding skills learned within: a formal IT role, or; within an education setting, or; via a hobby.3.     Experience of working within a team to ensure the delivery of high-quality services. 4.     Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.5.     Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.6.   Residency eligibility - The apprentice must have the legal right to work in England. The apprentice must meet the residency requirements detailed in Annex A of the Funding Rules for Apprenticeships. This includes (but is not limited to): being ordinarily resident in the UK (or specified territories) for at least three years immediately before the apprenticeship begins, unless a specific exemption applies. Exemptions may apply to individuals with; refugee status or humanitarian protection, permission under the Ukraine or Afghan schemes, stateless status, certain family member rights, pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.  Skills/Abilities/Knowledge7.     Excellent spoken and written communication skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.  8.     Strong digital competence with demonstrable skills in using core digital tools including internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, digital booking system, project planning.9.     Industry or professional knowledge/recognition relevant to the role supported by relevant courses or certification.10.  Committed to continuing professional development.   11.  Ability to solve problems yourself and as part of a team and plan appropriate solutions.12.  Knowledge of health and safety issues.13.  Ability to participate in networks to share and discuss good practice and exchange information.14. Experience in at least 2 mainstream scripting languages, including JavaScript* Desirable Criteria 15. Basic understanding of SQL and relational database concepts, including database security principles*16. Familiarity with database platforms such as MySQL, Oracle, or Microsoft SQL Server*17. Basic understanding of SQL, PL/SQL, T-SQL 

Posted 10 days ago