Database Administrator (Executive Officer)

The Database Administrator

The Database Administrator is responsible for supporting the maintenance and operation of the organisation’s databases. Key responsibilities include ensuring optimal database performance and security, troubleshooting and resolving database issues, and assisting with database development and administration tasks.

Role Responsibilities

The role of Database Administrator includes, but is not limited to, the following duties:

• Collaborating with the database team to design, install, test, and maintain databases.
• Creating regular database backups and restorations, and managing routine maintenance activities such as storage management and performance optimisation.
• Assisting in configuring user permissions, managing access, and implementing security measures to protect sensitive information.
• Working with the team to troubleshoot issues, diagnose errors, and ensure the smooth operation of databases.
• Analysing slow queries and resolving connectivity issues as required.
• Monitoring data quality, identifying and correcting inconsistencies, and applying appropriate data validation techniques.
• Using Structured Query Language (SQL) to generate reports, extract data, and perform basic data manipulation.
• Ensuring data security, preventing unauthorised access, and maintaining consistency across applications.
• Optimising database queries and overall application performance to improve user experience.
• Writing and refining SQL queries to efficiently retrieve, manipulate, and store data.
• Utilising cloud-based database solutions, including cloud backups and hosted instances.
• Responding to helpdesk queries assigned to the Database Team and liaising with application vendors as needed.
• Maintaining clear and up-to-date documentation of databases and their configurations.
• Managing Oracle Exadata Cloud at Customer (ExaCC) database hardware environments.
• Administrating Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) environments.
• Evaluating existing systems and processes and providing recommendations for adopting new practices aligned to TÉ’s strategy and goals.

Note: This job description is subject to re-definition as part of ongoing reforms within the Public Service and change management initiatives within TÉ.

Person Specification

On the closing date of Monday, 30th June 2025 at 5pm, candidates must satisfy all the following requirements:

Essential Criteria

• Hold a relevant academic qualification at a minimum Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications in a related discipline (e.g. Computer Science, Data Science, Data Analytics, Mathematics, Statistics, GIS); and
• A record of achievement in their career to date working with and administrating databases, or as part of a university qualification; and
• Experience writing and optimising SQL queries to retrieve, manipulate, and store data efficiently; and
• The capacity to demonstrate to a high level the key competencies that have been devised for posts at this level under the following headings:

People Management

Analysis & Decision Making

Delivery of Results

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of Database Administration, particularly with Oracle (preferred), PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, or NoSQL databases such as MongoDB.
• Ability to establish and maintain a single, authoritative source of critical data, ensuring consistency and quality across the organisation.
• Experience in implementing data security measures to protect against unauthorised access and data breaches.
• Proven ability to manage and maintain databases, ensuring data integrity, performance, and availability.
• Experience in leveraging AI-driven automation to optimise processes and support data-driven decision-making.

Principal Conditions of Service

(Please also refer to the Important Additional Information Document provided.)

General

The appointment is on a probationary basis to a permanent post in the Civil Service and is subject to the Civil Service Regulation Acts 1956 to 2005, the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004, and any other Act for the time being in force relating to the Civil Service.

Salary

The PPC (Personal Pension Contribution) salary for this position, with effect from 1st March 2025, is:

€37,544 - €60,610 per year

Personal Pension Contribution (PPC)

The PPC pay rate applies when the individual is required to pay a Personal Pension Contribution (otherwise known as a main scheme contribution) in accordance with the rules of their main/personal superannuation scheme.

This is different from a contribution in respect of membership of a Spouses’ and Children’s Scheme or the Additional Superannuation Contributions (ASC).

A different rate will apply where the appointee is not required to make a Personal Pension Contribution.

Long Service Increments may be payable after:

• 3 years (LSI1)
• 6 years (LSI2)

subject to satisfactory service at the maximum of the scale.

Important Note

Entry will be at the minimum of the scale and the rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

Different terms and conditions may apply if you are a currently serving civil or public servant.

Subject to satisfactory performance, increments may be payable in line with current Government Policy.

Payment will be made fortnightly in arrears by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) into a bank account of your choice.

Payment cannot be made until a bank account number and bank sort code have been supplied on appointment, and statutory deductions from salary will be made as appropriate.

You will agree that any overpayment of salary, allowances, or expenses will be repaid by you in accordance with Circular 07/2018: Recovery of Salary, Allowances, and Expenses Overpayments made to Staff Members / Former Staff Members / Pensioners.

Tenure and Probation

The appointment is to a permanent position on a probationary contract in the Civil Service.

The probationary contract will be for a period of one year from the date specified on the contract.

During the probationary period, your performance will be reviewed to determine whether you:

Have performed in a satisfactory manner;

Have been satisfactory in general conduct;

Are suitable from the point of view of health, with particular regard to sick leave.

Prior to the completion of the probationary contract, a decision will be made as to whether or not you will be retained pursuant to Section 5A(2) of the Civil Service Regulation Acts 1956–2005.

The details of the probationary process will be explained by HR, and you will be given a copy of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s guidelines on probation.

All appointees will serve a one-year probationary period.

If an appointee who fails to satisfy the conditions of probation has been a serving civil servant immediately prior to appointment from this competition, the issue of reversion will normally arise. In the event of reversion, an officer will return to a vacancy at their former grade in their former Department.

Suspension of Probation

The probationary period stands suspended:

• During Maternity Leave or Adoptive Leave.
• During Parental Leave or Carer's Leave where the employer determines that probation should be suspended.
• Under any other statutory provision providing that probation shall:

Where probation is suspended, the employer will notify the employee of the circumstances relating to the suspension.

Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977–2015

The Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977–2015 will not apply to the termination of this employment by reason only of the expiry of the probationary contract without it being renewed.

Organisation of Working Time Act

The terms of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 will apply, where appropriate, to this employment.

Headquarters

Headquarters will be such as may be designated from time to time by the CEO.

When required to travel on official duty, the appointee will be paid appropriate travelling expenses and subsistence allowances, subject to normal Civil Service regulations.

Duties

The employee will be required to perform any duties appropriate to the position which may be assigned from time to time.

The officer may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business that would interfere with the performance of official duties or conflict with their role.

Hours of Attendance

Hours of attendance will be fixed from time to time but will amount to:

• Not less than 41 hours and 15 minutes gross per week, or
• 35 hours net per week.

No additional payment will be made for extra attendance over and above these hours, as the rate of remuneration payable covers any exceptional extra attendance liability that may arise from time to time.

TÉ offers flexible working, with a commitment to work-life balance and a family-friendly workplace.

Annual Leave

The annual leave allowance for this position is:

• 23 days initially
• 24 days after 5 years' service
• 25 days after 10 years' service
• 26 days after 12 years' service
• 27 days after 14 years' service

This allowance is subject to the usual conditions regarding the granting of annual leave in the Civil Service, is based on a five-day week, and is exclusive of public holidays.

How to Apply

Candidates must submit, on or before 5pm on Monday, 30th June 2025:

• A cover letter / personal statement (maximum 2 pages) clearly outlining:

  • Why you wish to be considered for the post; and
  • Where you believe your skills, knowledge, experience, and values meet the requirements of the position.

  Format:

  • Calibri Font Size 12
  • 1.5 line spacing
• A completed application form (MS Word format).
• Proof of eligibility as set out below.

Citizenship Requirements (Proof of Eligibility)

Eligible candidates must be:

• A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or
• A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
• A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or
• A non-EEA citizen who has a Stamp 4 permission or a Stamp 5 permission.