Database Administrator Transnet Engineering Vacancy
Transnet Engineering has opened applications for an experienced Database Administrator (Microsoft SQL Server) at its Kilner Park location in South Africa. The position forms part of the organisation’s ICT and Digital Enablement function and offers an opportunity for an experienced information and communications technology professional to contribute to the management, security and performance of critical database environments. Database Administrator Transnet Engineering
The vacancy is a permanent position within Transnet Engineering, with the successful candidate reporting to the Manager: Digital Enablement. The advertised reference number is req5784.
According to the vacancy information, applications must reach Human Resources before the official closing date of 7 September 2026. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their applications are received before the deadline.
For professionals with substantial database administration experience, particularly those with Microsoft SQL Server expertise, this opportunity could provide a pathway into a technically demanding environment involving database security, performance optimisation, automation, disaster recovery and data governance.
Database Administrator Transnet Engineering Job Details
The position is based at Kilner Park and falls under the ICT, Digital Enablement, KNP department within Transnet Engineering.
Position: Database Administrator (Microsoft SQL Server): Re-advert
Reference: req5784
Operating Division: Transnet Engineering
Employee Group: Permanent
Department: ICT, Digital Enablement, KNP
Location: Kilner Park, South Africa
Reporting To: Manager: Digital Enablement
Grade: F
Closing Date: 7 September 2026
The role is centred on maintaining reliable, secure and high-performing database environments that support business operations.
What Will the Database Administrator Do?
The successful candidate will have broad responsibility for the organisation’s database infrastructure.
Key duties include designing, implementing and maintaining database schemas, tables, stored procedures and functions in collaboration with software development teams. The administrator will also be expected to establish database standards, naming conventions and administration best practices.
Another important responsibility will be managing the database lifecycle. This includes provisioning database instances, performing upgrades and migrations, and helping decommission outdated systems when required.
The position also places significant emphasis on Microsoft SQL Server administration, performance management, monitoring and troubleshooting. The successful candidate will be expected to monitor database availability and performance, respond to alerts and incidents, and proactively identify potential problems.
Database performance optimisation will also form part of the role. This can include query optimisation, indexing strategies and configuration adjustments designed to improve throughput and system reliability.
The vacancy further highlights automation. The successful applicant may develop administration scripts using technologies such as PowerShell, Python and SQL to improve efficiency and reduce repetitive manual processes.
Database Administrator Transnet Engineering Requirements
Applicants should carefully assess the minimum qualification and experience requirements before submitting an application.
The advertised requirements include a three-year National Diploma in an ICT-related qualification together with relevant professional experience.
Candidates are expected to have either:
- At least five years’ experience in an ICT environment as a Database Administrator, including at least one year in a supervisory or specialist role; or
- At least six years’ experience in an ICT environment as a Database Administrator, including at least two years in a supervisory or specialist role.
This means the opportunity is primarily aimed at experienced database professionals rather than entry-level applicants.
Candidates should ensure that their CV clearly demonstrates their database administration background, relevant ICT qualifications, specialist or supervisory experience and technical capabilities.
Technical and Professional Competencies
The role requires more than technical database knowledge. The advertised competency requirements indicate that the successful candidate should also demonstrate strong communication, leadership, planning and relationship-management capabilities.
Important competencies include strategic thinking, inspirational leadership, planning and coordinating, effective communication, collaboration and service orientation.
The successful applicant should also be comfortable working with business stakeholders, software development teams, Information Security teams and external vendors.
Because the position includes operational responsibilities and a rotating 24/7 on-call schedule, applicants should understand that the role may require responsiveness outside standard working hours when critical production database issues occur.
Database Security, Backup and Disaster Recovery
Security and business continuity are major components of this position.
The Database Administrator will be expected to implement database security controls covering user access, authentication and authorisation. Responsibilities also include protecting sensitive information through measures such as encryption, masking and redaction.
The role involves conducting security audits and vulnerability assessments and applying relevant patches to support compliance with applicable standards.
Backup and recovery processes are equally important. The successful candidate will develop, test and continuously improve database backup and recovery strategies. Regular disaster recovery exercises will also help ensure that critical systems can be restored efficiently following an outage.
These responsibilities make database reliability and data protection central priorities for the position.
Why This Transnet Engineering Job Matters
Modern organisations depend heavily on reliable data infrastructure. Database administrators play an important role in ensuring that business applications can access accurate information securely and efficiently.
At Transnet Engineering, the role combines traditional database administration with automation, monitoring, cybersecurity, capacity planning, governance and collaboration with technology teams.
The successful applicant will also be expected to monitor database growth and performance trends, assess future capacity requirements and recommend technology improvements that support scalability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The position therefore offers experienced ICT professionals the opportunity to work across several areas of enterprise technology rather than focusing exclusively on routine database maintenance.
How to Apply for the Database Administrator Vacancy
Applicants interested in the position should review the official vacancy information carefully and ensure that their application demonstrates how their qualifications and experience meet the stated requirements.
The advertised closing date is 7 September 2026.
Applicants should not wait until the final day to submit their applications. Technical problems, incomplete information or delays in processing can create unnecessary risks close to the deadline.
Before applying, make sure you:
- Update your CV.
- Ensure your contact details are correct.
- Upload clear certified documents if requested.
- Double-check your academic information.
- Apply well before the closing date.
- Keep copies of your application confirmation.
- Submitting an incomplete application may reduce your chances of being shortlisted.
Database Administrator Transnet Engineering Career Advice
Experienced ICT professionals applying for this position should tailor their CV to the vacancy rather than submitting a generic CV.
Where applicable, clearly highlight experience with Microsoft SQL Server, database performance tuning, SQL, PowerShell, Python, database security, backup and recovery, disaster recovery, monitoring, migrations and database lifecycle management.
Applicants should also demonstrate examples of working with development teams, information-security professionals, vendors and business stakeholders.
If you meet the requirements, do not wait until the final day to apply. The vacancy specifically states that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that Human Resources receives the application before the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Database Administrator Transnet Engineering vacancy?
It is a permanent Database Administrator position within Transnet Engineering’s ICT, Digital Enablement department. The role focuses on Microsoft SQL Server database administration, security, performance, automation, backup, recovery and data governance.
Where is the position located?
The position is based at Kilner Park, South Africa.
What is the closing date?
The application closing date is 7 September 2026. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their applications reach Human Resources before the deadline.
What qualification is required?
The advertised minimum qualification is a three-year National Diploma in an ICT-related field, together with the specified database administration experience.
How much experience is required?
Applicants must meet one of the advertised experience routes: five years of ICT Database Administrator experience with at least one year in a supervisory or specialist role, or six years of ICT Database Administrator experience with at least two years in a supervisory or specialist role.
Is this an entry-level database administrator position?
No. The stated experience requirements indicate that this opportunity is intended for experienced database administration professionals.
What technical skills are relevant?
Relevant capabilities include Microsoft SQL Server administration, SQL, database performance optimisation, monitoring, backup and recovery, security, automation and database lifecycle management. Experience with PowerShell and Python is also relevant to the advertised responsibilities.
What happens if an applicant does not receive a response?
The vacancy states that if an applicant has not heard from Transnet within 90 days, they should consider their application unsuccessful.
Final Thoughts
The Database Administrator (Microsoft SQL Server) vacancy at Transnet Engineering represents an opportunity for an experienced ICT professional to take responsibility for critical database infrastructure in a permanent role.
With responsibilities spanning database performance, security, automation, disaster recovery, monitoring, governance and technical collaboration, the position is suited to professionals who can combine strong database administration expertise with problem-solving, communication and operational skills.
Eligible candidates should review the requirements carefully, prepare a targeted application and submit it before the 7 September 2026 closing date.
Important: Always verify the vacancy details and application instructions through the official Transnet recruitment channel before submitting personal information or documents.
