OCCU is a member-owned credit union based in Eugene, Oregon, guided by a clear and meaningful vision: to Enrich Lives. This purpose drives everything we do—from how we serve our members to how we support one another as colleagues. With a strong commitment to community impact, OCCU lives its values of tenacity, humility, and big-heartedness every day.
OCCU is seeking an experienced Principal Database Administrator to join our Technology Services team. This remote role supports OCCU’s enterprise database environment and business-critical technology infrastructure. Candidates must be available to work Pacific Time hours based on business needs. Finalists may be asked to attend an in-person, on-site interview in Eugene, Oregon, with travel expenses reimbursed.
The salary range for this role is $120,328 – $156,442 annually, depending on experience. The Principal Database Administrator serves as a senior technical expert responsible for designing, optimizing, securing, and supporting OCCU's database systems while partnering with business and technology teams to deliver reliable, scalable solutions.
About the Role:
The Principal Database Administrator provides solution engineering, administration, and support for OCCU's database systems and infrastructure. This role is responsible for supporting Microsoft SQL Server database solutions that power business applications and technology services across the organization. The position works closely with business partners and Technology Infrastructure Engineers to understand business needs, optimize database services, and implement technologies that support OCCU's strategic objectives. This role also ensures database services are proactively monitored, maintained, tested, and positioned for long-term reliability and performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Administer, monitor, and optimize OCCU's Microsoft SQL Server database environment and supporting infrastructure.
- Ensure database systems are properly configured for storage, backup and recovery, capacity management, high availability, and performance.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex database issues, production incidents, and escalation requests.
- Design, optimize, and maintain logical and physical database structures to support business growth and operational efficiency.
- Create, enhance, and support ETL processes, data integrations, and data movement solutions.
- Deliver highly available, secure, and reliable database services that support business-critical applications.
- Manage database access controls, permissions, and security standards.
- Develop automation, monitoring, performance tuning, and operational improvements that enhance system stability and efficiency.
- Partner with business stakeholders, infrastructure teams, and vendors to evaluate solutions and support technology initiatives.
- Contribute technical expertise to infrastructure projects, technology strategy development, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Maintain production support standards, system documentation, configuration management records, and operational procedures.
What We're Looking For:
- Minimum of 10 years of experience administering Microsoft SQL Server environments.
- Advanced SQL expertise, including query optimization, performance tuning, and database design.
- Experience designing and supporting high-availability database solutions, backup and recovery strategies, and real-time monitoring environments.
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills with the ability to resolve complex technical issues.
- Experience creating and optimizing ETL processes and supporting enterprise data integration solutions.
- Knowledge of Microsoft systems and application technologies.
- Experience implementing, deploying, and supporting system, software, and configuration changes.
- Experience working within ITIL environments, including change management and configuration management practices.
- Experience with scripting languages, automation tools, and database performance optimization.
- Ability to evaluate technologies, vendors, and solutions against business and technical requirements.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across business and technology teams.
- Ability to balance day-to-day operational support with long-term strategic planning.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with Oracle Database and/or MySQL administration.
- Experience supporting enterprise data warehouse environments.
- Knowledge of data warehouse architecture, Star Schema design, and data modeling best practices.
- Experience supporting financial services, banking, or other highly regulated industries.
- Experience with infrastructure automation and advanced monitoring platforms.
- Experience contributing to enterprise technology strategy and architecture decisions.
- Professional database, cloud, or infrastructure certifications.
A bachelor's degree in a related field—or equivalent experience driving measurable business outcomes—is required.
Why Join OCCU:
OCCU offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth, including:
- Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
- Paid time off plus 13 paid holidays
- Tuition reimbursement for eligible education and training
- Company-paid long-term disability
- 40 hours of company-paid core time annually for full-time employees to participate in community volunteer opportunities
OCCU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. If you're passionate about technology leadership, collaboration, and making a positive impact, we encourage you to apply online by submitting your resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience.
