"Mata Ahupae - Applications Database Administrator"

Job Description

• Are you an effective communicator and enjoy working as part of a team?
• Can you balance the demands of both project and operational work while maintaining a high standard of service?
• Do you have extensive experience in the implementation, support, and maintenance of enterprise critical applications?

About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Mata Ahupae - Applications Database Administrator in the Application Support team, Te Tai Matihiko - Digital Solutions on a fixed-term, full-time contract.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide high levels of application and database administration support and system management, ensuring systems perform to user expectations, are secure and accessible, and service levels are adhered to, to ensure user satisfaction.
• Perform system reviews and undertake planning to ensure systems cope with expected growth and that systems complement planned or existing Digital Solutions systems.
• Ensure that known vulnerabilities have been addressed and that all reasonable precautions are taken to protect sensitive information.
• Plan and perform database and application layer upgrades and implement and configure software required to maintain all supported systems.
• Maintain an active relationship and liaise positively with vendors, other service providers, and the wider Digital Solutions team to support, maintain, develop, and address issues associated with key databases and applications.
• Maintain a high level of technical knowledge and take an innovative approach to achieving the required outcomes.

Applications from both senior DBAs and less experienced DBAs are encouraged, and an appointment will be made cognizant of qualifications, skills, and experience. Appointment at a senior level will require:

• Evidence of extensive knowledge and proven experience as an effective Senior Applications Database Administrator.
• Experience in technical leadership of projects related to database/middleware and be able to demonstrate technical leadership qualities in both project and operational environments.
• Knowledge and experience of working within a large complex environment.

The senior will be required to demonstrate role specific competencies at a senior level.

About you

The ideal candidate will:

• Have excellent problem-solving and analytical skills and enjoy helping others succeed through the use of the University platforms which we support.
• Keep calm under pressure and manage your time efficiently
• Be able to balance the demands of both project and operational work while maintaining a high standard of service.
• Understand and believe in the importance of responsiveness and customer service, and nurture effective relationships with vendors, stakeholders, and users.
• Maintain a high level of technical knowledge and bring innovation, integrity, and sound judgement in your approach to work.
• Be an effective communicator and enjoy working as part of a team, while also being an organised self-starter.

Key requirements:

• Appropriate relevant tertiary qualification, industry experience or product-based qualification.
• Proven and extensive experience in the implementation, support, and maintenance of enterprise critical applications at both the database and middle tier levels.
• Extensive knowledge in underlying database architecture including but not necessarily limited to Oracle.
• Excellent knowledge of middleware technologies including Oracle Web Logic and Apache Tomcat.
• Understanding of change control processes.
• Ability to work under pressure and adjust to shifting priorities.
• Proven expertise in supporting and maintaining enterprise-wide applications in a secure, managed, and auditable manner.
• Proven ability to manage application and database upgrades.
• Able to co-ordinate, liaise and generally work closely with application vendors.

Role Description:

Click here to see further information, including salary.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page.

Close date for vacancy:

04 December 2025.

Contact details for vacancy:

If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Michael Hikuroa (michael.hikuroa@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply:

Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our career's page and not via email. When applying for this position, candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter. Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current, relevant visa, they will need to secure this independently.

We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.