What does a lead database administrator do?
A lead database administrator or DBA serves as a primary technologist in an organization or company. Lead database administrators are technical experts in terms of database and middleware technology design, tuning, configuration, troubleshooting, and building. They use specialized software for data storage and organization. Their role may also include database migration, troubleshooting, performance monitoring, and data recovery. Among the necessary skills for this job include problem-solving, organizational, interpersonal, and communication.
Lead database administrator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead database administrator resumes:
- Perform DB2 DPF configuration, installation, tuning and maintenance to manage additional database capacity requirements.
- Manage development of data migration to include SSIS packages incorporating legacy data and data structures into the enterprise data repository.
- Lead multiple infrastructure planning and implementation including instance strategy, technical platform selection, architecture design, backup and recovery strategy.
- Coordinate DBA activities on server build team to ensure timely delivery of database servers build according to customer requirements.
- Monitor and tune database and query performance using RDBMS tools.
- Establish coding standards for the Java development team to optimize query efficiency.
- Develop SSIS packages to extract, transform and load into the database from source system.
- Perform SQL, PL/SQL and k-Shell script maintenance on existing monitoring scripts and automate common tasks.
- Set up a link between z/OS and Linux for data transfer between the two database platforms.
- Develop PL/SQL packages, procedures and functions accordance with business requirements for loading data into database tables.
- Review stored procedures & scripts before allowing them to be put into production (working closely with QA group).
- Design and develop a proprietary ETL solution.
- Monitor database and Unix system performances identifying and removing bottlenecks.
- Develop Unix shell scripts to routinely monitor databases and send notifications.
- Centralize procedure and monitoring for backup and recovery thru grid control.
Lead database administrator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 6% of Lead Database Administrators are proficient in DBA, PL/SQL, and Linux. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Lead Database Administrators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- DBA, 6%
Provided consultation services on Data Architecture and Business Intelligence issues and daily DBA monitoring tasks, activities and Event monitoring automation.
- PL/SQL, 5%
Design databases, Tables, Views, Indexes, Triggers, Stored Procedures, Functions and Packages using PL/SQL.
- Linux, 5%
Incorporated all necessary configurations and successfully migrated to Linux environment with system testing.
- Database Administration, 5%
Provided Information/Data modeling and Database Administration services to Drake Hospital on a total revamp of all patient care information systems.
- Microsoft SQL Server, 4%
Developed a migration plan to move several hundred existing installations of Microsoft SQL Server 6.5 and 7.0 to this target platform.
- Disaster Recovery, 4%
Implemented the Vision 2000 mainframe application Disaster Recovery process which was performed successfully and completed under our original time estimates.
Most lead database administrators use their skills in "dba," "pl/sql," and "linux" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential lead database administrator responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a lead database administrator to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what lead database administrators do because "dbas must monitor a database system’s performance to determine when action is needed." Additionally, a lead database administrator resume shows how lead database administrators use analytical skills: "performed tuning, optimization, and monitoring of databases and established database performance metrics and recommend tuning. "
Communication skills. Many lead database administrator duties rely on communication skills. "most database administrators work on teams and need to communicate effectively with developers, managers, and other workers.," so a lead database administrator will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways lead database administrator responsibilities rely on communication skills: "provided full database administration and development support for over two dozen telecommunication activation systems for seven major telecommunication clients. "
Detail oriented. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of lead database administrators is detail oriented. This skill is critical to many everyday lead database administrator duties, as "working with databases requires an understanding of complex systems, in which a minor error can cause major problems." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "designed and developed complex object-oriented client-server and distributed and data warehouse applications. "
Problem-solving skills. lead database administrator responsibilities often require "problem-solving skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "when database problems arise, administrators must troubleshoot and correct the problems." This resume example shows what lead database administrators do with problem-solving skills on a typical day: "identified, tested, and resolved database performance issues (monitoring and tuning) to ensure optimum database performance. "
The three companies that hire the most lead database administrators are:
- Amazon19 lead database administrators jobs
- Honeywell10 lead database administrators jobs
- Eversource Energy4 lead database administrators jobs
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Compare different lead database administrators
Lead database administrator vs. Senior etl developer
An ETL (extract transform load) developer is an IT specialist who designs and fills advanced data storage systems intended for the clientele. ETL developers are responsible for loading business data into a data warehouse. Their role is significant in the establishment and growth of large data warehouses. It is their responsibility to implement the ETL processes. Their skillset includes expertise in data analysis, a background in software engineering, experience with database architecture, and knowledge in using ETL tools.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between lead database administrators and senior etl developer. For instance, lead database administrator responsibilities require skills such as "database administration," "microsoft sql server," "disaster recovery," and "recovery procedures." Whereas a senior etl developer is skilled in "sql server," "informatica powercenter," "informatica workflow," and "schema." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Senior etl developers tend to make the most money working in the hospitality industry, where they earn an average salary of $115,824. In contrast, lead database administrators make the biggest average salary, $117,574, in the retail industry.senior etl developers tend to reach similar levels of education than lead database administrators. In fact, senior etl developers are 1.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.8% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Lead database administrator vs. Sql developer
An SQL developer is responsible for designing database systems for storing and accessing business information. SQL developers incorporate a high-level of data management and technical knowledge to ensure the safety and security of the systems, preventing unauthorized access that may put the company's reputation in jeopardy. They evaluate the network infrastructure, run multiple diagnostic tests, and update the information security systems for optimal performance and efficient navigation. An SQL developer must have excellent skills in programming languages, data engineering, and software management to handle the complexities of system commands and data validation.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that lead database administrator responsibilities requires skills like "linux," "database administration," "disaster recovery," and "recovery procedures." But an sql developer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "sql server analysis," "ssis packages," "c # .net," and "javascript."
Sql developers may earn a lower salary than lead database administrators, but sql developers earn the most pay in the health care industry with an average salary of $93,938. On the other hand, lead database administrators receive higher pay in the retail industry, where they earn an average salary of $117,574.sql developers earn similar levels of education than lead database administrators in general. They're 1.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Lead database administrator vs. Sql server developer
A structured query language (SQL) server developer is a specialist who is tasked to develop and maintain systems to store, organize, and access databases. With their experience in data architect and management, SQL server developers can develop and scale SQL databases based on the needs of their organization. They conduct troubleshooting in databases which involve data validation and extensive testing to ensure that the end user's specifications are met. They are also involved in the maintenance of the organization's server.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from lead database administrator resumes include skills like "dba," "linux," "database administration," and "disaster recovery," whereas an sql server developer is more likely to list skills in "sql server analysis," "ssis packages," "sql server profiler," and "windows server. "
Sql server developers earn the best pay in the health care industry, where they command an average salary of $95,274. Lead database administrators earn the highest pay from the retail industry, with an average salary of $117,574.sql server developers typically earn similar educational levels compared to lead database administrators. Specifically, they're 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.8% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Lead database administrator vs. Senior/lead developer
A lead developer typically works for a software company. They are responsible for designing, developing, and debugging code. They lead a software team and communicate all team activities to their management. They must have creative expertise, great communication skills, and an aptitude for teamwork.
Types of lead database administrator
Updated January 8, 2025
