Database Administrator Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills, Duties & Sample Templates)

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If you’ve Googled “Database Administrator job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over again: bullet points, corporate jargon, and lifeless templates.

The problem? These kinds of job posts don’t actually help you attract great candidates—they just check a box. You end up with a dry, recycled list of duties that could apply to any company, anywhere.

But the best database administrators aren’t just looking for tasks—they’re looking for impact. They want to know what kind of systems they’ll manage, what challenges they’ll solve, and how their work will support your business goals.

That’s why a strong job post matters.

It’s your first opportunity to stand out, tell your company’s story, and attract mission-driven professionals who care about doing great work. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to write a high-quality Database Administrator job description—one that connects with top talent and helps you hire smarter.

👉 If you haven’t already, we recommend starting with our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent: Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. It explains why most job descriptions fail—and gives you the modern format that actually works.

Ready to write a great job post for a Database Administrator? Let’s get started.

Smart Hiring Starts Here WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results

What does a Database Administrator (DBA) really do? Their Roles

In simple terms, a database administrator is responsible for managing the systems that store your company’s most important data. That includes everything from customer records to financials, product data, and internal tools.

But it’s not just about maintaining databases—it’s about protecting them, optimizing them, and making sure your team always has fast, reliable access to the information they need.

A great DBA isn’t just a technical expert. They’re a problem-solver, a systems thinker, and a protector of your digital infrastructure. They ensure your data is backed up, secure, and running efficiently—so your business can move quickly without disruptions.

Whether they’re troubleshooting a slow query, setting up disaster recovery protocols, or designing a better way to store customer data, a DBA plays a critical role behind the scenes in keeping your operations smooth and scalable.

Two Great Database Administrator Job Description Templates

✅ Job Description Template: Experienced Database Administrator

📌 Job Title: Database Administrator (Join Our Growing SaaS Team)

💼 Location: Remote (U.S. only) | Full-Time
💰 Salary Range: $85,000–$110,000/year (based on experience)
🕒 Schedule: Monday to Friday, Flexible hours

🎥 [Include a quick Loom video from your CTO or hiring manager if possible.]

Who We Are

At ClearFlow Systems, we help fast-growing businesses manage their operations through our cloud-based inventory software. We’re a lean team of builders and problem-solvers, and we’re looking for a skilled Database Administrator to help us scale our infrastructure as we grow.

Our stack runs on PostgreSQL with AWS hosting, and our team values reliability, thoughtful engineering, and continuous learning.

Your Role in a Nutshell

You’ll be our go-to person for everything database-related—from managing performance and backups to improving data structures and supporting our dev team with complex queries. You’ll own our database health, and help us scale with confidence.

What You’ll Do

  • Manage and optimize PostgreSQL databases in production and staging environments

  • Monitor performance and tune queries for speed and efficiency

  • Ensure backups, redundancy, and disaster recovery are airtight

  • Set up permissions, security controls, and audit trails

  • Help troubleshoot issues with engineering and product teams

  • Contribute to database design decisions as we grow

What We’re Looking For

  • 3+ years of hands-on experience with PostgreSQL (or similar RDBMS)

  • Experience with AWS RDS, monitoring tools (e.g., Datadog), and backup strategies

  • Familiarity with schema design and query optimization

  • Excellent communication and documentation habits

  • Bonus: Experience with data warehousing, scripting (Python, Bash), or CI/CD

Why You’ll Love Working Here

  • Remote-first, flexible hours, and a no-meeting Fridays culture

  • Annual learning stipend and paid certifications

  • Health, dental, and 401(k) with employer match

  • A smart, respectful team that gives you real ownership

  • A product with traction—and lots of room to scale

Our Hiring Process

We use WorkScreen to evaluate every candidate fairly, based on skills and critical thinking—not just resumes.
Once you apply, you’ll complete a short evaluation. We review every submission and follow up with selected candidates for a video interview.

👉 Apply here: [WorkScreen application link]

🌱 Job Description Template: Entry-Level / Trainable DBA

📌 Job Title: Junior Database Administrator (We’ll Train You)

📍 Location: Hybrid – Atlanta, GA | Full-Time
💰 Salary Range: $55,000–$65,000/year
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm

🎥 [Optional: Loom video from IT lead explaining why this is a great learning opportunity.]

Who We Are

We’re Bellmark Credit, a fast-growing financial services company focused on helping small businesses secure funding to grow. We deal with high volumes of customer and transaction data, and we’re looking for someone who’s passionate about systems and wants to learn how to manage and protect it.

What the Role Looks Like

You’ll work closely with our senior IT team to learn how to maintain our databases, troubleshoot performance issues, and support daily operations. You don’t need years of experience—we’ll train you on the tools we use.

What You’ll Do

  • Assist with managing SQL Server databases

  • Monitor system health and flag issues

  • Learn to write basic queries and reports

  • Help maintain data integrity and security standards

  • Support documentation and process improvements

What We’re Looking For

  • Some exposure to databases (through school, bootcamp, or personal projects)

  • Eagerness to learn and grow into a long-term technical role

  • Basic understanding of SQL

  • Strong attention to detail and a love for problem-solving

  • Bonus: Excel/Google Sheets skills, scripting knowledge

Why This Role Is a Great Fit

  • You’ll be mentored by experienced engineers

  • We offer full training and clear promotion paths

  • Company-paid certification opportunities (AWS, SQL, etc.)

  • Paid time off, health/dental/vision, and 401(k)

  • A supportive culture that actually invests in junior talent

How to Apply

We respect your time. We use WorkScreen to ensure every candidate gets a fair evaluation based on skill and interest—not just your resume.

👉 Start here: [WorkScreen application link]

Hire Smarter, Faster, and More Confidently with Workscreen.io

Breakdown of Why These Posts Work

Let’s break down why these Database Administrator job descriptions actually work—and why they attract better candidates than the usual templated posts.

✅ 1. Clear, Specific Job Titles

Both templates avoid vague titles like “Database Admin” or “IT Specialist.”

  • One says “Database Administrator (Join Our Growing SaaS Team)”—it hints at both the role and the mission.

  • The other says “Junior Database Administrator (We’ll Train You)”, which is honest, clear, and appealing to entry-level applicants.

👉 Why it works: Clarity attracts. The right title sets expectations and instantly signals whether the role is relevant to the reader.

✅ 2. Warm Introductions With Context

Instead of jumping straight into duties, both posts start with a human intro:

  • Who the company is

  • What they care about

  • Why they’re hiring for this role

👉 Why it works: Top candidates want to know who they’re working with, not just what they’ll be doing. This builds trust early.

✅ 3. Transparent Salary & Perks

Each post includes:

  • A clear salary range

  • Specific benefits (health insurance, 401(k), paid training, learning stipends)

  • Culture perks like remote flexibility or mentorship

👉 Why it works: Transparency builds credibility—and it saves everyone time by filtering out mismatched expectations.

✅ 4. Real Responsibilities, Not Buzzwords

Tasks are explained in a way that’s practical and engaging:

  • “Manage and optimize PostgreSQL databases”

  • “Ensure backups, redundancy, and disaster recovery are airtight”

  • “Assist with managing SQL Server databases”

No vague filler like “maintain operational excellence” or “leverage cross-functional synergies.”

👉 Why it works: It gives candidates a real picture of their day-to-day—and shows them their work matters.

✅ 5. Respectful, Modern Hiring Process

Each job post explains:

  • That every application is reviewed

  • That skill-based evaluations (via WorkScreen) are used

  • That applicants will hear back

👉 Why it works: Most candidates are used to being ghosted. A respectful process makes your company stand out before the first interview.

✅ 6. Tone That Connects

Both posts are written like a conversation—not like a contract. They reflect a team that cares about people, not just productivity.

  • “You’ll be our go-to person…”

  • “We’ll train you on the tools we use.”

  • “You’re not just doing data—you’re protecting the foundation of our business.”

👉 Why it works: Great candidates don’t want to feel like a cog. This tone shows they’ll be valued.

Example of a Bad Database Administrator Job Description

❌ Bad Job Post Example

Job Title: Database Administrator
Company: TechNova
Location: New York, NY
Type: Full-Time

Job Summary:
We are looking for a database administrator to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for maintaining our databases and ensuring data integrity. They will also provide support to other departments as needed.

Responsibilities:

  • Maintain database systems

  • Monitor performance

  • Run backups and recovery

  • Provide technical support

  • Ensure data accuracy

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

  • 2–4 years experience with SQL

  • Strong communication skills

  • Familiarity with backup processes and user access controls

How to Apply:
Send your resume and cover letter to hr@technova.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

❌ Why This Job Post Falls Flat

🚫 1. Generic, Flat Job Title

Just “Database Administrator.” No personality. No mission. No specialization.

👉 This could be any job, anywhere—there’s no hook for the right applicant.

🚫 2. The Introduction Is Boring and Vague

“We are looking for a database administrator to join our team…”
This intro tells you nothing about the company, the team, or why the role exists.

👉 Strong candidates won’t waste time on companies that don’t tell a compelling story.

🚫 3. No Salary, No Perks, No Transparency

There’s zero mention of compensation or benefits.

👉 This sends the wrong signal: either the employer isn’t confident in their offer—or they’re hiding something.

🚫 4. Responsibilities Are Superficial

“Maintain database systems” and “run backups” are so vague they’re almost meaningless.

👉 It doesn’t help candidates understand the scope, tools, or challenges of the job.

🚫 5. Zero Cultural Signal

There’s no mention of team values, work environment, or who the candidate would be working with.

👉 Culture fit matters—this job post gives no insight into what it’s like to actually work there.

🚫 6. Dismissive Hiring Process

“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is cold and outdated.

👉 It makes the company sound disorganized or uninterested in candidate experience.

🚫 7. No CTA, No Warmth

There’s no invitation, no energy, no encouragement. Just “send a resume.”

👉 That’s not a call to action—it’s a missed opportunity to make a real connection.

Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out

Most job descriptions stop at the bare minimum: duties, requirements, and an email to apply.

But if you want to attract serious, high-performing candidates—not just people who are spraying out résumés—you need to show that you actually care about how they experience your hiring process.

Here are a few simple, high-impact additions that can instantly elevate your job post:

🔒 1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice

Show candidates that you respect their personal information.
Example:

IMPORTANT NOTICE: We take your privacy seriously. We will never ask for sensitive personal information (like bank details or payment) at any stage of the hiring process.

👉 Why it works: This builds immediate trust and reassures applicants that your company is legitimate and professional.

🌴 2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time

Most candidates value balance just as much as salary.
Example:

“Enjoy up to 24 flex days off per year—so you can recharge, refocus, and come back stronger.”

👉 Why it works: It signals that you care about their well-being, not just their output.

📈 3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities

Don’t just say you offer growth—show what that looks like.
Example:

“We invest in your growth with a $1,000/year learning stipend, access to paid certifications, and internal mentorship programs.”

👉 Why it works: Top candidates want to know there’s a future with your company—not just a job.

🎥 4. Include a Loom or Video Introduction

Add a short video from the hiring manager or founder explaining the role and what kind of person they’re looking for.

👉 Why it works: It puts a human face to your company, creates connection, and makes your post stand out—especially in a list of 100 other text-only ads.

Example:

👋 Before you apply, take 60 seconds to meet our CTO. Here’s what we’re building and why we’re excited about it.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4

These simple tweaks can elevate a “pretty good” job post into something memorable—and that’s what it takes to attract the best candidates in a noisy hiring market.

💡 5. Explain What Makes This Role Special

Instead of listing tasks, explain how this role impacts your team or company.
Example:

“This role will be key to helping us scale our data systems as we move into international markets.”

👉 Why it works: People want to do meaningful work. Show them how this role fits into the bigger picture.

When you combine these details with a thoughtful tone, transparent process, and clear title—you don’t just post a job. You sell the opportunity.

Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?

These days, almost every hiring platform (including ATS tools like Manatal and Workable) offers AI-generated job descriptions.

It sounds convenient…
Click a button. Get a job post. Done.

But here’s the truth:

Using AI without input or intention leads to generic, boring job posts that do the opposite of what you want—they repel great candidates and attract the wrong ones.

❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone

Here’s what happens when you blindly generate job posts using AI:

  • You get filler content with no connection to your company’s values or voice

  • Your job post sounds just like everyone else’s

  • You attract low-effort applicants skimming for keywords

  • Worst of all: you create a forgettable first impression

Let’s not forget—your job description is often the very first interaction a candidate has with your company. Would you really trust that moment to a generic robot?

✅ The Right Way to Use AI (It’s a Collaborator, Not a Creator)

AI can still be a great tool—if you use it with purpose.

Here’s how to use it effectively:

✍️ Step 1: Start With Raw Inputs

Before asking AI to write anything, give it the right building blocks:

  • What your company does

  • Who you’re looking to hire

  • What your company culture is like

  • The tone you want (casual, warm, professional, bold, etc.)

  • Key responsibilities and benefits

  • Your salary range and hiring process

💬 Step 2: Prompt It Like This

“Help me write a job description for a Database Administrator.
We’re a remote-first SaaS company that helps e-commerce brands manage inventory.
We use PostgreSQL and AWS. Our culture is collaborative and async-friendly.
We’re looking for someone who’s performance-driven, organized, and values clean, scalable systems.
The salary range is $85,000–$110,000.
We offer remote work, flex time, learning stipends, and use WorkScreen to evaluate applicants.
I want the tone to feel warm and respectful. Here are a few rough notes I’ve written to guide the structure [paste your notes]…”

🛠️ Step 3: Use AI to Polish, Not Replace

Once AI gives you a draft:

  • Add real stories and values

  • Include specific tools, benefits, and cultural signals

  • Edit the intro and CTA to sound like a real human wrote it

  • Personalize the post with things like a Loom link or hiring manager quote

🔁 Final Tip: Think of AI as Your Co-Writer

Let it structure, smooth, and shape your message—but don’t let it write the message for you.

Because at the end of the day, top talent doesn’t apply to bots. They apply to brands they connect with.

Hire Smarter, Faster, and More Confidently with Workscreen.io

Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?

✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)

📌 Job Title: Database Administrator (PostgreSQL | Remote)
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time | Remote
💰 Salary Range: $XXX–$XXX (based on experience)

Who We Are
We’re a fast-growing [Industry] that helps e-commerce brands scale efficiently. Our team is remote-first, async-friendly, and obsessed with clean, scalable systems. Now, we’re looking for a Database Administrator who can help us maintain and optimize our PostgreSQL infrastructure.

Why This Role Matters
Our customers rely on us for speed and accuracy. You’ll be the guardian of that data—helping us stay fast, reliable, and secure as we grow.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Administering and optimizing PostgreSQL databases in staging and production

  • Setting up monitoring and alerts for performance issues

  • Designing and improving schemas and indexes

  • Handling backups, restores, and disaster recovery

  • Collaborating with the dev team to support database needs

What We’re Looking For

  • 3+ years of experience with PostgreSQL or similar RDBMS

  • Familiarity with AWS (RDS preferred)

  • Bonus: Experience with scripting, monitoring tools, or CI/CD pipelines

  • Excellent documentation and communication skills

Perks & Benefits

  • Remote work with flexible hours

  • Learning stipend + paid certifications

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • 401(k) with company match

  • No-meeting Fridays

  • Supportive, growth-focused culture

How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate all applicants fairly. It’s a quick, skill-based evaluation that helps us get to know you beyond your résumé.

👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen application link]

🧾 Option 2: Structured Format (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)

📌 Job Title: Database Administrator
📍 Location: Remote (US)
💼 Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary: $XXX–$XXX

Job Brief
We’re hiring a skilled Database Administrator to manage, secure, and optimize our production PostgreSQL databases. You’ll work closely with our engineering team to ensure data systems are fast, reliable, and scalable.

Responsibilities

  • Install, configure, and maintain PostgreSQL databases

  • Monitor system performance and implement tuning as needed

  • Manage database access and security protocols

  • Design and maintain data backups and recovery plans

  • Collaborate with developers to improve query performance

  • Document procedures and data architecture

Requirements

  • 3+ years of DBA experience

  • Strong SQL skills and experience with PostgreSQL

  • Familiarity with AWS (especially RDS)

  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

  • Clear written communication

  • Bonus: Experience with scripting (Bash, Python), DevOps tools, or data warehousing

Benefits

  • Fully remote team

  • Health, dental, vision coverage

  • Learning & development stipend

  • Paid time off + sick days

  • Flexible hours & work-life balance

Application Process
We use WorkScreen to identify top candidates based on real skills—not just keywords. Submit your application through our evaluation portal:

👉 Apply now: [Insert WorkScreen application link]

Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step

Writing a great job description is just the beginning.

Once the applications start coming in, you still need to answer a harder question:
Who’s actually qualified?

That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.

WorkScreen helps you go from hundreds of applicants to a ranked shortlist of top performers—based on real skills, not guesswork.

🎯 Here’s How WorkScreen Makes Hiring Smarter:

Automatically ranks applicants
Each candidate completes a short, role-specific evaluation. WorkScreen scores them and places the top performers on a leaderboard—so you instantly know who’s worth interviewing.

Skill-first, not résumé-first
No more guessing based on past job titles. You get a clear view of how each person thinks, solves problems, and communicates—before the interview.

Protects your time (and budget)
WorkScreen filters out low-effort applicants—like those who copy-paste AI-generated answers or apply with one click and ghost later. You’ll only spend time on real, committed candidates.

Flexible and fast
Choose from prebuilt tests or add your own custom questions. Review results at your pace. No logins or friction for candidates.

Bottom line?
WorkScreen helps you avoid hiring mistakes, move faster, and build better teams—without adding work to your plate.

Start hiring smarter today Create your job post on WorkScreen, share the link anywhere, and let us handle the rest.

FAQ

A strong database administrator (DBA) should have both technical expertise and operational judgment. Here are some key skills to look for:

  • Proficiency in SQL (especially PostgreSQL, MySQL, or SQL Server)

  • Experience with database performance tuning

  • Knowledge of backup, restore, and disaster recovery processes

  • Understanding of data security and access controls

  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS RDS, Azure)

  • Strong documentation and communication skills

  • Bonus: Scripting (Python, Bash), DevOps familiarity, or data warehousing experience

Soft skills like attention to detail, problem-solving, and collaboration with developers are just as important—since DBAs often serve as a bridge between data infrastructure and product teams.

As of 2025, the average salary for a Database Administrator in the United States ranges between $75,000 and $120,000 depending on:

  • Experience level (junior vs. senior DBA)

  • Location (major tech hubs pay more)

  • Industry (finance, healthcare, and SaaS often pay higher)

  • Database platform expertise (PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server, etc.)

Entry-level DBAs typically earn between $55,000–$70,000, while senior or specialized DBAs can command $130,000+ in high-demand environments.

A Database Administrator (DBA) focuses on managing, securing, and optimizing data storage systems—ensuring uptime, performance, and reliability.

A Data Engineer, on the other hand, builds data pipelines, integrates multiple sources, and prepares data for analysis. Think of DBAs as maintaining the engine, while data engineers design the highways.

Some roles may blur the line, but for most companies, a DBA is more operational and infrastructure-focused.

Use a platform like WorkScreen.io, which helps you assess candidates based on real-world tasks and critical thinking—not just buzzwords on a résumé.

You can also:

  • Ask candidates to walk through how they solved a performance issue

  • Request a short take-home SQL challenge

  • Look for clarity in how they explain complex systems (clear = they understand)

You don’t need to be technical—you just need the right tools and structure.

It depends on your team’s needs.

  • If you have a technical team or devops lead in place, hiring a junior DBA and training them may be more cost-effective and scalable.

  • If you’re storing sensitive data, scaling fast, or lacking internal expertise, hiring a senior DBA who can own the function from day one is safer.

You can also start junior and bring in a contractor or consultant to set up the architecture.



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Author’s Details

Mike K.

Mike is an expert in hiring with a passion for building high-performing teams that deliver results. He specializes in streamlining recruitment processes, making it easy for businesses to identify and secure top talent. Dedicated to innovation and efficiency, Mike leverages his expertise to empower organizations to hire with confidence and drive sustainable growth.

Hire Easy. Hire Right. Hire Fast.

Stop wasting time on unqualified candidates. WorkScreen.io streamlines your hiring process, helping you identify top talent quickly and confidently. With automated evaluations , applicant rankings and 1-click skill tests, you’ll save time, avoid bad hires, and build a team that delivers results.

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