Korero mo te turanga - About the role
We are looking for a permanent Senior Database Reliability Engineer, who has DevOps and infrastructure engineer experience, to join our well-established team.
As a Senior experienced Database Reliability Engineer, you will have expertise in PostgreSQL and cloud technologies. You will have a proven track record of managing, optimizing, and securing database environments, as well as have strong collaboration skills. Experience with SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) is highly desirable.
He pukenga tou - Skills & Experience
You will:
- Manage, maintain, and optimize AWS Aurora PostgreSQL databases to ensure high availability, and security.
- Design and implement database solutions in AWS Aurora PostgreSQL global databases using CDK and CI/CD pipelines.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including developers, DevOps, and product owners, to support database-related needs and initiatives.
- Administer PostGIS and other extensions in AWS Aurora PostgreSQL.
- Maintain Postgres trusted language extensions (TLE) scripts and configurations.
- Have experience managing AWS resources using cdk/cloudformation/terraform in production environment.
- Monitor database performance, identify issues, and implement corrective measures.
- Ensure data integrity and resilience is maintained through effective backup and recovery strategies.
You Have:
- Proven experience as a Database Administrator with a focus on PostgreSQL.
- Strong understanding of AWS technologies and experience with AWS database services (e.g., RDS, Aurora).
- Experience working in an Agile environment, with familiarity or certification in SAFe.
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills.
- Experience with database automation tools and scripting (e.g., Python, Bash).
- Knowledge of data security practices and compliance requirements.
Nice to Have:
- Certification in PostgreSQL or cloud technologies (Primarily AWS).
- Experience with Serverless technologies (e.g., Lambda).
- Familiarity with other database systems (e.g., MySQL, Redis) is a plus.
- Familiarity with AWS CDK
The annual full-time salary range for this role is $120,000 to $160,000 depending on skills and experience.
Nga mea e tukuna ana e tatau - What we offer our employees
- Interesting work which impacts Aotearoa as we care for whenua, moana and arawai.
- Eye & ear care reimbursements
- Annual Flu Vaccinations
- Reduced Health Insurance Premiums
- Diverse groups and networks
- If eligible for paid parental leave, you will be entitled to a top up payment for the first 18 weeks of the 26 weeks.
- A minimum of four weeks and three days annual leave
Te Takinatanga - Our Story
Toitu Te Whenua plays a vital role in understanding, developing, and caring for New Zealand's whenua, moana and arawai (land, sea and waterways). Whether you're developing our products and services to support our customers, managing the Crown estate, engaging with our iwi partners, or helping us be an effective regulator, your contribution can make a difference. Our mahi helps New Zealanders have confidence that the development of our land, communities and country is being planned from an informed and expert position that balances environmental, social, cultural, and economic considerations, now and for future generations.
Our Kia Toipoto Intentions - Public Service Gender, Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Pay Gap Action Plan
Toitu Te Whenua is a diverse team of individuals with different experience and perspectives. This drives our culture and high performance. We know that people from underrepresented groups and women in particular don't apply for roles if they're not a 100% match, but we're not looking for perfection, we're looking for potential. As an inclusive and supportive employer, we value difference and want to encourage anyone interested to apply, regardless of whether you tick all the boxes or not. As an organisation we embrace diversity, encourage work life balance and have a flexible approach to the way we work which means you will quickly feel connected and valued.
Tono mai - How to Apply
If you're eyeing up this role and believe you've got what it takes, please apply, or get in touch with the team.
To apply, please click "Apply Online." You'll be taken through to our Toitu Te Whenua Careers Centre where you'll be able to review further information about the responsibilities and accountabilities of this role in the Position Description. You'll be able to complete your online application form and upload a copy of your CV/Cover Letter.
Please note, while applications close on Wednesday 6 August 2025, we may be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.
For tracking and evaluation purposes, all applications must be submitted via our on-line process. You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be eligible for this position.
You may notice that the Position Description title for this role (Digital Specialist - Level Toru / 3) doesn't match the advertised title. At Toitu Te Whenua we design our roles around shared capabilities (rather than focusing on tasks). This means our position descriptions are broad, one position description can cover many roles, this is known as Broad Based Role (BBR). Using BBR allows us to be responsive to our customers and to strengthen the connections across our organisation. It also gives us the flexibility to provide wider opportunities to our people, to further their careers.
If you have any questions about this role or working at Toitu Te Whenua, please email [email protected] and our People Services Team will be in touch with you.
