THE KEY RESULT AREAS OF THIS POSITION ARE AS FOLLOWS

Database design and architecture design, development and maintenance.

• Develop, design, and maintain the structure of GIS databases to support efficient data storage, retrieval, and analysis.
• Design database schemas to accommodate spatial data requirements and business needs. 
• Define spatial indexing strategies to optimise query performance.
• Ensure database architecture is scalable and meets performance and capacity demands.

Data management and maintenance.

• Manage and maintain large volumes of geospatial data to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the data. 
• Manage relational database concepts (tables, indexes, constraints)
• Manage spatial databases (PostGIS, Oracle Spatial, SQL Server with Spatial Extensions)
• Data normalisation, schema design, and optimisation.
• Conduct regular data updates, imports, and exports from various sources to ensure data consistency.

Performance Optimisation.

• Monitor and tune database performance, optimising spatial queries indexing, and database configuration.
• Install, configure, and maintain spatial databases, query optimisation, and performance tuning.
• Implement best practices for database performance, including load balancing, partitioning, and query optimisation.
• Resolve performance issues related to database size, indexing, and data access methods.
• Monitor the quality of spatial data, performing regular audits, cleaning, and validation.
• Manage data backups and recovery processes to ensure data availability and disaster recovery.

Database security and compliance.

• Implement and manage security policies for access to spatial data, ensuring data is protected from unauthorised use.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies and regulations related to data security and privacy.
• Manage user roles and permissions for database access, ensuring proper authentication and data usage controls.
• Data Integration and Interoperability:
• Integrate GIS databases with other enterprise systems, ensuring seamless data exchange between GIS and other business applications.
• Develop and manage spatial data services, such as WMS (Web Map Service) and WFS (Web Feature Service), to make data accessible to users and applications.
• Collaborate with developers to build APIs or other data interfaces that enable the use of spatial data by external systems.
• SQL programming and Python for GIS automation. 
• Writing scripts to automate repetitive GIS tasks

Technical support and troubleshooting.

• Provide technical support to GIS users and other stakeholders who interact with geospatial databases.
• Troubleshoot database issues, including corruption, connectivity problems, and performance bottlenecks.
• Collaborate with IT teams to resolve infrastructure-related issues, including server and network problems that impact database availability.

Documentation and Reporting.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of database structures, configurations, and procedures.
• Produce regular reports on database health, performance, usage, and updates.
• Develop guidelines and best practices for managing spatial data and utilising databases.

Collaboration and training.

• Collaborate with GIS analysts, developers, and IT personnel to ensure spatial data needs.
• Train end users and team members on best practices for database usage, spatial data management, and software tools.
• Stay up to date with the latest GIS technologies and industry trends and receive recommendations for improvements or new technologies.
• Draft progress reports as required and as per the approved schedule or plan.
• Identify any potential issues or risks that could affect the project's progression and communicate these to the relevant team members.
• Capture lessons learnt and communicate these to the relevant project team members.
• Ensure that all allocated work packages (specify the work packages) are delivered on time, to specification, and within budget.
• Submit all documentation (specify the documents required for submission) as per the requirements of the Programme Manager or delegated project manager.
• Submit timesheets as per requirements and schedule.
• Complete work packages (what work packages should be completed, be specific) within the available time allocation.

OTHER TASKS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• Consolidate Project Performance Information.
• Participate in project management activities.
• Work closely with the Project Administrator to file all project documents, ensuring that all records are accurate and up to date.
• Attend and participate in relevant project meetings as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES

• A Minimum Honours degree in Geoinformatics or Database Management or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Geomatics or Computer Science or Information Technology or Geography, or a related field. 
• Strong knowledge of SQL and spatial queries.
• Extensive knowledge of Geographic data types (vector, raster), spatial reference systems, projections, and coordinate systems. 
• Knowledge of Microsoft products, i.e., Azure Knowledge and management of Oracle Databases.
• Extensive knowledge of PostgreSQL Esri Technical Certification (e.g., ArcGIS Enterprise Administration Professional). 
• Extensive knowledge in database and architecture design, development, and maintenance. 
• Extensive knowledge of Metadata standards, Data quality assessment methods, and Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards. 
• Extensive knowledge in SQL programming language and Python for GIS automation and writing scripts Good understanding of GIS systems, geospatial analysis, and cartography fundamentals .
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills .
• Thorough familiarity with word processing, spreadsheet, and project scheduling computer applications. 
• Ability to work effectively both as a team member and independently. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure, troubleshoot, and meet deadlines. 
• Excellent critical and creative thinking and analytical skills.
• The incumbent must have access to a laptop or personal computer and the internet to upload the confirmed data to the ECSECC GIS platforms.

EXPERIENCE

• 3–5 years experience in GIS DBA experience. 
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining spatial databases (PostGIS, Oracle Spatial, SQL Server Spatial, etc.)
• Hands-on experience with GIS software (ArcGIS Enterprise, QGIS, GeoServer).
• Strong knowledge of SQL and spatial queries.
• Familiarity with data migration, ETL processes, and GIS automation (Python, FME, GDAL).
• Experience in database performance tuning, backup/recovery strategies, and security management.
• Understanding of OGC standards (WMS, WFS, WCS) and metadata standards

ECSECC has the intention to promote equity (race, gender and disability) through the filling of this post with a candidate whose appointment will promote representativity of the organisation, in accordance with its Employment Equity plan. ECSECC reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Please email your letter of application and CV (including copies of qualifications) to vacancies@ecsecc.org on or before 07 November 2025.

Security checks and qualification verifications will be conducted for the selected candidate. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Enquiries regarding the application process should be addressed to the Human Resources unit on 043 701 3413/3400.