Lead Data Platform Administrator / Database Administrator

Written By Lisa Cornish

We are recruiting for a Lead Data Platform Administrator / Database Administrator for our client, the Australian Electoral Commission.

The Database Administrator (DBA) ensures that databases supporting the modernised website and associated applications are secure, reliable, performant and well‑governed.

Please note, candidates must hold an active Baseline security clearance prior to commencement.

Estimated start date: Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Initial contract duration: ASAP to 30/06/2027

Extension term: N/A

Experience level: Lead - EL1 equivalent

Location of work: ACT

Working arrangements: Hybrid

Maximum hours: 40 hours per week

Applicants will perform the role from the National Office in Canberra. Hybrid working arrangements (i.e. a combination of onsite attendance at this AEC office and remote working) may be considered at the discretion of the Hiring Manager.

Security clearance: Must be able to obtain Negative Vetting Level 1.

Applications close Thursday 18 June, 2026.

Please note we can only accept responses from candidates with an active baseline clearance.

Key duties and responsibilities

Role will be responsible for, but not limited to:

Database management and optimisation

  • Design, administer and maintain database architecture, schemas, tables, views and naming conventions to ensure data integrity and accuracy.

  • Monitor and tune performance (indexes, queries, storage, connections) to meet service levels across development, test, staging and production environments.

  • Implement and maintain backup, recovery and failover procedures; contribute to disaster recovery planning and testing.

Security and compliance

  • Apply security hardening and access controls (roles, privileges), and ensure encryption, patching and audit requirements are met.

  • Safeguard information against unauthorised access, modification or disclosure and maintain compliance with AEC security and governance frameworks.

Change, testing and quality

  • Support controlled changes to database structures and configurations.

  • Maintain versioned change records and documentation.

  • Test database systems and upgrades, including debugging, tracking, reproduction and resolution of issues in line with approved procedures.

Design and implementation support

  • Write and maintain logical and physical database descriptions and related technical documentation.

  • Work with developers to optimise SQL and data access patterns; contribute to solution design and data modelling discussions.

Integration, migration and operations

  • Support data migration, cleansing and validation activities.

  • Assist with integrations (including CMS

  • and API‑driven services) to maintain data quality across platforms.

  • Provide service support in diagnosing, resolving and repairing database‑related issues, and participate in incident and problem management processes.

Stakeholder engagement and team contribution

  • Provide accurate specialist advice and guidance to project teams and stakeholders.

  • Tailor explanations for technical and non‑technical audiences.

Governance and continuous improvement

  • Implement and administer database documentation, guidelines, policies and procedures

  • Ensure accurate records and compliance with audit requirements.

  • Identify opportunities to improve database reliability, automation and operational efficiency

  • Support standardisation of patterns and practices.

Criteria

The buyer has specified that each candidate must provide a one page pitch to address all criteria specified. This is equal to 5000 characters.

Essential criteria

  • Demonstrated experience administering enterprise databases (e.g. MS SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB), including performance tuning, monitoring and capacity planning.

  • Experience implementing security controls, backups, recovery and high‑availability patterns in line with governance and audit requirements.

  • Proven ability to support upgrades, patches and structured change processes, including testing and issue resolution.

  • Strong SQL skills and experience collaborating with developers and technical teams to optimise queries and data design.

  • Clear written and verbal communication skills with the ability to provide sound advice to stakeholders at different levels.

Desirable criteria

  • Experience with AWS database services (e.g. RDS/Aurora, snapshots, Performance Insights) and cloud‑hosted operational patterns.

  • Experience supporting web platforms or CMS technologies (Drupal desirable) and data integrations with APIs.

  • Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automated database deployment or schema management.

  • Experience working in multi‑disciplinary Agile delivery teams.

Submissions

Please provide a one-page pitch addressing the selection criteria, in addition to a resume of no more than three pages, contact details for two referees and your preferred hourly rate.

Why Data Knowhow?

As a contractor with Data Knowhow, you will be provided with mentoring and training to advance your career opportunities - we are keen to support you in your career journey and expand future opportunities for you. Data Knowhow provide expertise in data management, analytics and communication, with our staff mentoring and supporting you during your placement with our clients.

Data Knowhow provides EAP services managed by Wisdom Wellbeing (https://www.wisdomwellbeing.com/au/) and salary sacrificing opportunities offered through Simplygreen (https://www.simplygreen.com.au/).

12% superannuation is provided on top of your requested daily rate if you are successful in this position.

We are continually expanding our offerings to make life as a Data Knowhow employee a valuable experience.

Applications close Thursday 18 June, 2026.

Position contact

Lisa Cornish

Director, Data Knowhow

lisa.cornish@dataknowhow.com.au

+61 412 073 873

Lisa Cornish
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