Senior System Programmer/Database Administrator

Posted Friday, December 15, 2023

This position serves as the Virginia Military Institute SQL Database Administrator responsible for the administration and maintenance of the Colleague SQL and Softdocs database environment and associated systems. Responsibilities include configuration and maintenance of implementing best use practices, user training and support, and database administration ensuring the backup, security, and performance of systems. These duties require performing programming, design, and development of the Institute’s ERP (Ellucian Colleague) systems and related third party tools and administer the Softdocs Imaging system.

Key Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide application system support, systems programming/design and training for Admissions, Business Office, Development, Financial Aid, Human Resources, Registrar, Commandant, Infirmary and other departments utilizing Ellucian Colleague Software in a Unidata/SQL hybrid environment.
• Handle all custom data elements to the LIVE account for production.
• Provide application system support, systems programming/design and training for departments utilizing Softdocs Electronic Imaging Software in a SQL environment.
• Install software patches or software updates and upgrades to existing databases and web servers.
• Plan for and test software updates, new releases, and new modules.
• Responsible for setting up user access and security classes.
• Evaluate, troubleshoot, and resolve routine user problems.
• Monitor database integrity and guard against the inappropriate alteration of data, with the knowledge of how to make non-standard modifications when appropriate.
• Install upgrades, service packs, and security updates for development, test, and production Colleague, Softdocs and SQL database environments in coordination with server administrators to protect data from intrusion and maximize system stability.
• Analyze, review, identify, evaluate, and develop system processes to ensure end-users needs are being met.
• Responsible for creating and executing SQL backup and recovery policies, maintaining integrity and reliability of access to information.
• Maximize the uptime of SQL databases supporting college data marts, and business applications through system monitoring, performance tuning, and routine maintenance tasks such as index rebuilds, file compressions, statistical updates, and database consistency checks.
• Participate in disaster recovery and capacity planning activities.
• Provide guidance and specification to server administrators regarding hardware and operating system configuration.
• Coordinate design review activities with other team members to ensure applications adhere to the standards and structure developed
• Contribute to the team development through presentations, demonstrations, and mentoring of other team members to solidify systems utility and performance.
• Coordinate access to underlying databases and data storage with application developers.
• Create and maintain operational, technical, and user documentation.
• Coordinate applications training and conducts software training workshops.
• Troubleshoot functional and technical issues and provides related solutions to users.
• Conduct detailed needs and systems analysis.
• Evaluate software service requests and prepares detailed project time estimates.
• Evaluate third party software packages and serves as liaison with Microsoft and other software and support vendors.
• Maintain a positive, helpful, constructive attitude and work relationship with supervisor, college staff, students, and the community.
• Adhere to all policies, procedures, guidelines of VMI.
• Maintain confidentiality, sound judgment and discretion in all areas of work.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Qualifications:
• Attention to detail with an eye towards accuracy. Broad knowledge of PC hardware and software.
• Fundamental knowledge of data retrieval required; advanced retrieval preferred.
• Knowledge of Ellucian Colleague (or similar ERP) applications software.
• UniData Administrator Fundamentals.
• Managment Envision Custom Software.
• Knowledge of Ellucian Self Services software.
• Experience in Colleague Financial, Student, Human Resources, Reporting Techniques.


Knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Ability to demonstrate and provide strong customer service.
• Ability to follow University and IT departmental procedures and policies.
• Ability to use discretion in handling confidential matters.
• Ability to work cooperatively with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and office atmosphere.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• An understanding of the implications of the loss of data integrity.
• Ability to document procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each key essential duty and be successful in the position.

Associates degree in Computer related field and experience with associated systems and a minimum of three years related experience and/or training with Microsoft SQL Server databases.

Additional Considerations

Familiarity with Ellucian Colleague, Unidata, Windows Server, SQL Server, SQL Server Cluster utilizing Availability groups (Always on), IIS, ASP.NET, C#, Java, Entrinsik Informer, Auditing software, EasySpooler, Softdocs Content management System, Active Directory accounts and security groups.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
MCDBA certification preferred but not required for the position.

Candidates can apply at: Senior System Programmer/Database Administrator-Job Application

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

In addition to a resume, please include a cover letter with details regarding your experience as it relates to the key responsibilities of the job. Please provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

Contact:
Human Resources
hroffice@vmi.edu
540-464-7322