Data administrators manage and organize electronic data, and develop and implement data administration policy, standards and models.

Data administrators manage computer systems that provide efficient, effective access to information (data) stored in large databases. For example, in organizations that keep electronic records of customer data (for example, name, address, phone number, credit card number, buying history), employees may use special software (database management systems) for a variety of purposes (for example, to send out invoices or catalogues, or log purchases and incentive program points). Data administrators are responsible for the day to day operation of database management systems and for long range planning regarding system design and operation.

Specific duties and responsibilities vary depending on the size and type of employer. In very large organizations, data administrators may have specialized responsibilities and work in teams. In other organizations, one data administrator may be responsible for all aspects of data administration. However, in general, data administrators:

• develop and implement data administration policies (which describe the types of information collected and who has access to data), technical standards (which ensure data security, integrity and validity) and data models (which describe data elements and how they are used)
• consult managers in the organization to determine and document data requirements, data collection and administration policy, and data access rules
• advise others in the organization about the collection of data and its suitability for various uses.

Data administrators also may:

• develop and administer policies and procedures for accessing and using networks, backing up data and recovering lost data
• manage projects and contractors 
• supervise the work of database analysts who design and maintain database management systems (for more information, see the Database Analyst profile).

Data administrators work in modern offices with sophisticated information technology. They usually work standard weekday office hours but may have to work late nights or weekends to implement changes and deal with emergency situations (for example, system failures). In some positions, travel may be required.

Dealing with system failures and negotiating with managers and other system users can be stressful.

Data administrators need a combination of related post-secondary education and experience. For example, they may have:

• a degree or diploma in computer science or a related discipline that has a significant information technology component, plus management related education or related experience
• a degree or diploma in commerce or management plus computer related education (for example, a database vendor certification program) or related experience.

Data administrator is not an entry level position. Employers generally prefer to hire applicants who have several years of related experience. Prospective data administrators are strongly advised to talk to potential employers about required and preferred qualifications before enrolling in an education or training program.

There are a wide variety of degree, diploma and certificate programs related to computer science offered by universities, colleges, technical institutes and private vocational schools throughout Alberta. For a list, see the Computer Programmer occupational profile.

Some Alberta universities also offer master's degree programs in business administration or management (for more information, see the Management Consultant profile) or software engineering programs (for more information, see the Software Engineer profile).

The following Alberta institutions offer programs specifically related to database administration:

• The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton offers Database Administrator programs through Continuing Education. These certificate programs are designed for students interested in managing relational database management systems. Students may specialize in Microscoft Access or Microsoft SQL Server 2005.  
• The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary offers a 40 week Database Administrator certificate program and an eight week  practicum. The admission requirement is a high school diploma with English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2 and Pure or Applied Math 30, or equivalent. Applicants must have experience with relational databases such as Microsoft Access and operating systems such as Windows or Linux/unix.
• The University of Calgary, offers a 120 hour Relational Databases certificate program through the Faculty of Continuing Education. The admission requirement is a high school diploma.

Continuing education programs may be offered on an as needed basis.

For current information about programs, admission requirements and mature student admission policies, please check post-secondary calendars or websites.

Information Systems Professional is a protected title under Alberta's Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act. This means that to call yourself an Information Systems Professional or use the I.S.P. designation, you must be a registered member of the Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta (CIPS Alberta). You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself an Information Systems Professional.

Most data administrators are employed in the head offices of large organizations in:

• the public sector (for example, government departments, health authorities, education institutions)
• the private sector (for example, retail chains, oil companies, telecommunications companies).

Some data administrators are employed by information technology consulting firms.

Experienced data administrators who have post-secondary education in business administration or management may advance to senior management positions or establish their own consulting firms.

Data administrators are part of a larger National Occupational Classification 2172: Database Analysts and Data Administrators. In Alberta, 79 per cent of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
• Information, Culture and Recreation
• Public Administration
• Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction
• Educational Services
• Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next ten years.

Salaries for data administrators vary depending on the responsibilities of the position and the administrator's education and experience.

According to the 2009 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Database Analysts and Data Administrators occupational group earned from $15.00 to $61.15 an hour. The average wage was $29.34 an hour.

For more detailed information, see WAGEinfo.

Post-secondary institution calendars and websites (see Educational Requirements above)

EDinfo website: www.alis.alberta.ca/edinfo

Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) website: www.cips.ca

Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) website: www.ictc-ctic.ca

Discover IT website: www.discoverit.org