Position Title: Senior Database Administrator

Position Summary:  Cross Insurance is seeking a highly skilled Senior Database Administrator with a strong focus on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) to join our software development team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of designing, implementing, and maintaining complex database systems in GCP environments. This individual will play a critical role in ensuring the performance, security, and scalability of our data infrastructure, supporting our software development efforts and contributing to the overall success of our business.

This incumbent brings an entrepreneurial spirit, independent and creative thinking, and leadership through collaboration and influence.

Responsibilities:

• Database Design and Administration: Design, implement, and maintain database systems in GCP environments, with a focus on Cloud SQL, Cloud Spanner, and other GCP-native database technologies. Ensure optimal performance, security, and scalability.
• Data Modeling and Optimization: Develop and maintain data models, schemas, and indexes, ensuring data integrity, consistency, and efficiency in GCP environments.
• Performance Tuning: Monitor and optimize database performance in GCP, identifying and resolving bottlenecks, and implementing proactive measures to prevent future issues.
• Backup and Recovery: Design and implement backup and recovery strategies within GCP, ensuring data availability and business continuity in the event of system failures or disasters.
• Security: Implement and maintain robust security measures to protect sensitive data in GCP, including access controls, encryption, and auditing.
• Collaboration: Work closely with software developers, architects, and other stakeholders to understand their data needs and provide expert guidance on database design, optimization, and usage within GCP.
• Troubleshooting: Quickly diagnose and resolve database issues in GCP environments, minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operation of critical business applications.
• Cloud Expertise: Leverage your deep expertise in GCP data and database technologies to design and implement cloud-native solutions that meet the specific needs of our organization.
• Documentation: Maintain comprehensive documentation of database systems, configurations, and procedures in GCP to ensure knowledge transfer and smooth operation.
• Mentoring: Share your knowledge and experience with other team members, helping them develop their database skills and contribute to the team's success, particularly in GCP environments.

Qualifications:

• Essential:
  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, or a related field or equivalent practical experience.
  • 7+ years of experience in database administration, with a strong focus on GCP.
  • Deep understanding of relational and NoSQL database systems, with emphasis on Cloud SQL, Cloud Spanner, and other GCP-native databases.
  • Expertise in GCP data warehousing solutions like BigQuery.
  • Strong knowledge of data modeling, query optimization, and performance tuning techniques in GCP environments.
  • Experience with backup and recovery strategies, disaster recovery planning, and data security best practices within GCP.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Certifications in GCP database technologies.
• Familiarity with other cloud platforms like Azure or AWS.
• Knowledge of programming languages like Python or Java.
• Experience in the insurance industry or a related field.
• Familiarity with CI/CD in a cloud environment.
• Familiarity with cloud DevOps using Infrastructure as Code

Personal Competencies:

Critical Thinking - actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.

Conflict Resolution – The ability to find a peaceful solution to a disagreement.

Communication – The ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and concretely in writing and verbally in a positive manner to foster the sharing of knowledge.

Active Listening – The ability to keep you engaged with your conversation partner in a positive way. The process of listening attentively while someone else speaks, paraphrasing and reflecting what is said, and withholding judgment and advice.