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’re experienced across those technologies or looking to develop new skills, we will support your growth. 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 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; we encourage you to check your eligibility before applying.
Hybrid working: This job role can be worked on a hybrid basis, an informal, non‑contractual and voluntary arrangement, working between the office in Taunton and remotely within the UK. The successful candidate is required to work from the Taunton office 3 days a week, although this is dependent on business need. The role might be considered part‑time of a minimum of 32 hours per week.
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 inter‑operability.
* 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
* Proficient in supporting Microsoft SQL Server, typically with at least 2 years of experience. Experience supporting Oracle or PostgreSQL is useful. If you lack skills in either of these technologies, you should show a willingness to develop them.
* Experience or interest in building and supporting cloud‑based database platforms, ideally Microsoft Azure.
* Good Windows server administration and PowerShell skills, and general IT experience.
* Team player, self‑motivated, positive and proactive approach, focused on timely delivery of solutions to support UKHO’s business needs.
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