Database Administrator - Taunton

Are you a motivated and enthusiastic Database Administrator looking to grow your career? The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is looking for a DBA with experience supporting Microsoft SQL Server databases to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where you'll support and enhance a diverse range of database technologies. Our current estate includes on-premise MS SQL and Oracle and we are on a journey towards cloud-based platforms - primarily Azure SQL Managed Instance with PostgreSQL also on the roadmap.

Whether you are experienced across those technologies or looking to develop new skills, we will support your growth every step of the way. You will have the chance to design, plan build and provide hands-on support for all databases across UKHO. This is a varied and interesting role focused on delivering an excellent user experience. You will play a key part in developing, improving, and maintaining the UKHO's database estate, supporting critical internal services and our commercial product portfolio. Working within the Enterprise Applications team, you will collaborate with the Enterprise Applications Team Manager and colleagues to ensure the effective delivery of database services.

There will be a requirement to provide 24/7 support as part of an on-call rota. This is a reserved post and therefore it is essential that you are eligible to hold a reserved post. You will also need to hold and maintain DV clearance, and therefore we encourage you to check your eligibility before applying.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day operational support for the organisation's database estate.
• Assess, prioritise, and resolve incidents and change requests raised through the IT Portal.
• Plan and deliver system maintenance, patches, and upgrades alongside technical teams.
• Investigate and resolve complex or high-risk database issues, including root cause analysis and escalation where required.
• Ensure robust business continuity through effective management of high availability, backups, and replication.
• Collaborate closely with development, configuration, technical support teams, third party suppliers, and business stakeholders to maintain performance, reliability, and interoperability.
• Identify opportunities to improve build standards, automation, and support processes to enhance service efficiency.
• Support project delivery by installing, configuring, integrating, upgrading, and testing new database services.
• Act as a subject matter expert on database operations, SQL development, performance tuning, and best practice standards.
• Work with Lead DBAs, development teams, and suppliers to ensure platforms meet security, compliance, and audit requirements.
• Produce and maintain documentation including standards, procedures, security guidance, configurations, and support records.
• Support and guide less experienced staff, ensuring effective knowledge sharing and adherence to documentation and processes.

Person specification

You should be proficient in supporting Microsoft SQL Server, probably gained over at least 2 years. Any experience supporting Oracle or PostgreSQL will be useful. If you don't have skills in either of these technologies, you will need to show a willingness to develop skills in them. You should have experience or an interest in building and supporting cloud-based database platforms, ideally Microsoft Azure. You will have good Windows server administration and PowerShell skills and general IT experience. You will need to be a team player, self-motivated, with a positive and pro-active approach to the challenges that the post demands. You must be focused on the timely delivery of solutions to support the UKHO business needs.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Working Together, Managing a Quality Service.

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: Demonstrable experience and knowledge of MS SQL Server administration and support. Working knowledge of database design, installation, process automation and upgrades. Proficient in the troubleshooting of complex database operational incidents and performance issues. Experience or understanding of administering MS Azure based systems.

Onboarding Checks:

In the event you are offered a role with us, you will be required to go through Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks which will include Employment and Right to Work Checks. Security Clearance (SC) will need to be obtained prior to the role commencing. You will also need to apply for Developed Vetting (DV) which can be completed while working for us but the offer will remain conditional until DV is gained.