Database Administrator (On-Call/Part-Time)

About the Role

The Database Administrator (DBA) provides enterprise-level data platform administration, engineering, and governance for NCEH/ATSDR systems and applications. This role is responsible for the design, operation, security, optimization, and modernization of database environments, data pipelines, and analytics platforms supporting both managed and non-managed IT assets across NCEH/ATSDR programs. The DBA ensures data availability, integrity, security, and performance across cloud and on-premise environments while maintaining compliance with CDC, HHS, OMB, and federal IT security and lifecycle requirements.

Responsibilities

• Database Administration & Operations
  • Design, implement, administer, and maintain enterprise database environments supporting NCEH/ATSDR applications and analytics platforms.
  • Manage database environments across Development, QA, UAT, Staging, and Production.
  • Ensure high availability, reliability, performance optimization, and scalability of databases and supporting infrastructure.
  • Execute database backup, recovery, archival, and disaster recovery strategies in alignment with federal continuity requirements.
  • Maintain and update database baseline documentation, configurations, and inventories.
• Data Management & Engineering
  • Design, create, modify, and maintain relational and analytical databases, schemas, and objects.
  • Develop and maintain data pipelines for ingestion, transformation, validation, and delivery of data across enterprise systems.
  • Support ETL/ELT workflows using cloud and enterprise data integration tools.
  • Maintain Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs), data dictionaries, and metadata artifacts.
  • Support data migration, consolidation, and modernization initiatives across legacy and cloud-based platforms.
• Enterprise Platforms & Analytics
  • Administer and support data solutions leveraging:
    • Microsoft Dataverse
    • Azure SQL / SQL Server
    • Databricks
    • CDC consolidated SQL Server environments
    • Enterprise Data Analytics and Visualization (EDAV) platforms
  • Support analytics and reporting solutions using Power BI, SQL-based reporting tools, and enterprise visualization platforms.
  • Collaborate with application developers, data scientists, and BI teams to optimize data structures for analytics, reporting, and advanced modeling.
• Security, Privacy, & Compliance
  • Implement database security controls in compliance with FISMA, NIST, CDC, and HHS requirements.
  • Support system security authorization activities, including documentation, audits, and evidence generation related to data storage and processing.
  • Enforce role-based access control (RBAC), encryption at rest and in transit, and secure credential management.
  • Support vulnerability remediation, audit readiness, and continuous monitoring activities related to data platforms.
  • Ensure proper handling of PII, sensitive data, and controlled unclassified information (CUI).
• Lifecycle & Governance Support
  • Support Enterprise Performance Life Cycle (EPLC) activities related to data assets, including design reviews, documentation, and stage-gate readiness.
  • Provide technical input for IT governance, asset reviews, modernization planning, and data consolidation efforts.
  • Support governance boards and data calls by providing accurate data inventories, reports, and technical analyses.
  • Identify opportunities to improve data quality, reduce redundancy, and automate manual data processes.
• Operations & Maintenance (O&M) and Modernization
  • Provide ongoing O&M support for production data systems, including issue resolution, performance tuning, and change implementation.
  • Support Development, Modernization, and Enhancement (DME) initiatives, including new data solutions and system enhancements.
  • Monitor system health, capacity, and performance metrics; implement proactive improvements.
  • Support decommissioning and data archival activities in accordance with federal records management requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 10 to 12 years of progressive experience as a Database Administrator, Data Engineer, Data Platform Engineer, or equivalent role supporting complex enterprise data environments.
• Experience must include hands-on support for enterprise database administration, data pipeline development, ETL/ELT processes, cloud or hybrid data platforms, database security, performance tuning, backup and recovery, disaster recovery, and production operations.
• Demonstrated experience supporting regulated or federal IT environments, including security, privacy, audit readiness, documentation, and compliance activities.
• Experience with SQL Server/Azure SQL, Microsoft Dataverse, Databricks, enterprise analytics platforms, and Power BI or SQL-based reporting tools preferred.

Skills

• Database Technologies
  • SQL Server / Azure SQL
  • Relational and analytical database design
• Data Platforms & Tools
  • Microsoft Dataverse
  • Databricks
  • Azure Data Factory or equivalent ETL tools
  • SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)
• Cloud & Enterprise Environments
  • Azure (preferred); AWS familiarity a plus
  • Hybrid and cloud-native data architectures
• Data Engineering
  • Data pipelines, ETL/ELT processes
  • Data migration and integration strategies
• Security & Compliance
  • FISMA, NIST 800-53, CDC/HHS IT security standards
  • Encryption, RBAC, audit logging

Professional Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to translate technical data concepts into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience working in multi-stakeholder, matrixed environments.
• Excellent technical documentation and written communication skills.
• Ability to operate independently while coordinating closely with program managers, developers, and security teams.

Preferred Certifications

• Microsoft Azure Data Engineer or Database certifications.
• Cloud platform certifications (Azure or AWS).
• Security or compliance certifications (e.g., Security+, CISSP – not required).