Cassandra Database Administrator - L2

Job Title: Cassandra Database Administrator

Key Responsibilities

Cluster Monitoring and Maintenance

• Proactively monitor Cassandra clusters to ensure optimal performance, availability, and reliability.
• Utilize tools such as Prometheus, Grafana, and DataStax OpsCenter to track metrics, identify bottlenecks, and address alerts promptly.
• Perform regular health checks, repairs, and validations to maintain consistent data distribution and cluster balance.

Incident and Request Management

• Handle Cassandra-related incidents and service requests within defined SLAs.
• Troubleshoot node failures, read/write latency issues, and replication inconsistencies.
• Document all incidents, root causes, and resolutions in the ticketing system for transparency and future reference.

Performance Optimization

• Analyze and tune key Cassandra parameters such as compaction strategy, GC tuning, and caching configuration to improve performance.
• Work closely with application teams to review data models and optimize CQL queries for better efficiency.
• Conduct periodic performance reviews and implement proactive improvements.

Backup, Recovery, and Disaster Recovery

• Implement, maintain, and validate backup and restore procedures using approved tools and scripts.
• Participate in disaster recovery planning and testing to ensure data resilience across environments.
• Ensure all backups meet business continuity and compliance requirements.

Change and Configuration Management

• Execute approved schema changes, node additions/removals, and software patching while following strict change management protocols.
• Document configuration updates and maintain version control of cluster topology changes.
• Identify risks associated with changes and record appropriate mitigation steps.

Automation and Scripting

• Automate routine DBA tasks (node repairs, monitoring setup, and log rotation) using Python, Bash, or Ansible.
• Collaborate with automation and DevOps teams to enhance operational efficiency and reduce manual effort.
• Contribute to the development of scripts and playbooks for rapid cluster provisioning.

Security and Access Management

• Manage authentication, authorization, and role-based access control (RBAC) within Cassandra.
• Implement and monitor TLS encryption, audit logging, and secure configurations for compliance.
• Periodically review access policies and audit database activities.

Collaboration and Escalation

• Work closely with L1/L2 support, infrastructure, and application teams to resolve escalated database issues.
• Communicate effectively with clients and internal teams during incident resolution or planned maintenance activities.
• Escalate persistent or complex issues to CoE or vendor support as needed.

Capacity Planning and Scaling

• Monitor resource usage and forecast storage or performance capacity requirements.
• Participate in cluster expansion, node rebalancing, and data compaction planning.
• Recommend infrastructure improvements to support growth and high availability.

Documentation and Knowledge Sharing

• Maintain up-to-date operational documentation, SOPs, and runbooks for Cassandra operations.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior DBAs and service desk teams.
• Share lessons learned and best practices across teams to strengthen overall database support maturity.

Reporting and Continuous Improvement

• Produce performance and incident trend reports to identify recurring issues or optimization opportunities.
• Recommend automation or configuration improvements to reduce operational workload and improve system reliability.

Academic Qualifications and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent qualification in IT/Computing (or demonstrated equivalent work experience).
• Certified Cassandra Administrator or equivalent certification will be valuable

Required experience:

• Minimum 4 years relevant work experience