How Do I Measure My DBA Skills Part 7

Lead Development DBA

Over the past few weeks I have been writing about DBA skills for various career levels, and for a couple of different DBA types - the Production DBA and the Development DBA. Today, we’re examining the Lead Development DBA. You’ll discover what this person needs to know.

DEV DBA III/Lead Development DBA – 5 to 7 Years

1. All competencies from previous level.
2. Manages most administrative aspects of non-prod environments without assistance from other DBAs.
3. Participate in T-SQL development and database design of advanced complexity.
4. Investigates potentially complex data issues within SQL Server.
5. May have several years of progressive experience with SSIS, SSRS or SSAS.
6. Administers source control systems for the environment.
7. Regularly automates tasks. This should include the use of T-SQL, SQL Server Agent, and PowerShell.  May include the use of other languages like Python or C#.
8. Creates and manage design documentation related to development work.
9. Regularly explores, learns and implements new SQL Server development features. Examples would include new T-SQL enhancements and new feature sets like Temporal Tables for SQL Server 2016 and Data Virtualization for SQL Serer 2019..
10. Advanced understanding of execution plans, indexes, and query tuning.
11. Investigate complex data integrity/repair issues within SQL Server.
12. Leads in knowledge sharing in two or more areas from levels I, II, or III.
13. Assists with SQL Server migrations and upgrades in DEV/QA or production.
14. Mentors Junior DBA’s and Developers.
15. Participates in code reviews.
16. May contain competencies from Production DBA levels up to level 1 or 2.
17. Demonstrates emotional intelligence and may take an interest in leadership roles.

So let’s dive into a few of these points in the skill list.

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What Is the Value of Mentoring?

There aren’t many formal mentoring relationships these days. It seems to be rare when two people enter into an arrangement where one person agrees to give of their time energy and resources to answer questions and assist another person. Oh sure, you do it casually when you give an assignment to someone and say, “Let me know if you need any help.”

However, that’s different from a recent offer made to people in the SQL Server community. Paul Randal is once again offering his time to multiple people, inviting others to engage in discussion about non-technical subjects. To be sure, it is a unique and wonderful opportunity.

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