Banner Database Administrator

As a Banner Database Administrator at the University of Montevallo, your key responsibilities include setting up single sign-on with Ethos ID, maintaining and upgrading vital Evisions applications, assisting with ERP integrations, and troubleshooting various database applications like Degree Works. You'll also develop processes for database maintenance, create reports, and design user-friendly applications, all while ensuring optimal performance and high availability.

To qualify for the Banner Database Administrator position at the University of Montevallo, candidates typically need a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, coupled with experience in database administration and ERP systems—preferably Ellucian's Banner. Proficiency in SQL, database design, and troubleshooting skills are also essential, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Collaboration is essential for a Banner Database Administrator at the University of Montevallo. You'll work closely with the Information Services & Technology team as well as other university staff to implement database designs and enhancements effectively. Your role involves developing process documentation and maintaining communication for successful project delivery, ensuring that departments can use Banner's capabilities efficiently.

As a Banner Database Administrator at the University of Montevallo, you’ll work with a variety of software tools, including Ellucian's Degree Works, Communication Management tool, Page Builder, and MAPS server. You'll also utilize database management systems and backup solutions to enhance the operational effectiveness of the database environment.

The role of Banner Database Administrator at the University of Montevallo offers numerous growth opportunities. You can engage in continuous improvement initiatives, participate in innovative project implementations, and expand your knowledge of new technologies and database practices. Additionally, the position provides a supportive environment for professional development through collaboration with experienced IT staff and involvement in various information services projects.

In answering this question, focus on specific projects or tasks you’ve handled that utilized the Ellucian Banner system. Highlight your familiarity with its functionalities, any upgrades or maintenance you managed, and the tangible results you achieved, such as improved user experience or streamlined processes.

Begin your answer by outlining a systematic approach to troubleshooting. Discuss how you identify issues through monitoring, logging, and examining error messages, and then detail steps you take to resolve problems, involving techniques such as querying logs, analyzing performance metrics, or consulting documentation.

When discussing database security, explain methods like implementing user access controls, regularly updating software to patch vulnerabilities, and utilizing encryption for sensitive data. It’s also valuable to mention your experience with audits and best practices in compliance with data protection regulations.

To answer, share your strategies for staying informed, such as attending workshops, participating in webinars, and following industry publications or forums. Mention any relevant certifications or training programs you've completed that enhance your skills in database management.

Discuss your familiarity with developing and implementing backup and recovery strategies, emphasizing any specific tools or protocols you’ve employed. Provide examples of successful restoration from backups and how you’ve ensured data integrity throughout the recovery process.

In your response, outline the steps involved in a database upgrade, such as assessing system requirements, developing a comprehensive upgrade plan, testing in a sandbox environment, and executing the upgrade while minimizing downtime. Detail how you monitor the system post-upgrade to verify stability and performance.

To effectively answer, describe your methodology for data migration, including planning, data mapping, and testing. Highlight any tools or scripts you utilize for data extraction and loading, and emphasize the importance of validation to ensure accuracy during the migration process.

Share insights into essential design considerations, such as scalability, normalization, data types, and indexing strategies. Mention how you engage with end-users to understand their needs, ensuring the database design aligns with the functional requirements of the departments involved.

Discuss techniques like optimizing queries, indexing, and regularly maintaining statistics to enhance database performance. You might also suggest reviewing hardware configurations or implementing caching strategies as potential solutions to slow performance issues.

Use this question to share a specific challenge you encountered, along with the steps you took to resolve it. Highlight your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and how the experience contributed to your professional development in database administration.