My only concern is that titles start to get watered down. I've been in I.S. departments where fellow programmers couldn't write a "for loop" to save their lives - or build a sql query without a wizard. But then I get pinged all day to help someone truncate a log or troubleshoot their failed sql jobs. All in all, you'll find who you're looking for (like Robi points out). Dan Larson Programmer Saint Cloud, Minnesota To me, it's a good idea to always carry two sacks of something when you walk around. That way, if anybody says, "Hey, can you give me a hand?" you can say, "Sorry, got these sacks." ~Jack Handy

Per Merriam-Webster: Main Entry: ad•min•is•tra•tor Pronunciation: \əd-ˈmi-nə-ˌstrā-tər, -ˌstrā-ˌtȯr\ Function: noun Date: 15th century 2 a: one who administers especially business, school, or governmental affairs Main Entry: ad•min•is•ter Pronunciation: \əd-ˈmi-nə-stər\ Function: verb Inflected Form(s): ad•min•is•tered; ad•min•is•ter•ing \-st(ə-)riŋ\ Etymology: Middle English administren, from Anglo-French administrer, from Latin administrare, from ad- + ministrare to serve, from minister servant — more at minister Date: 14th century transitive verb 1: to manage or supervise the execution, use, or conduct of So if we really want to get "technical" about any of this, then Database Administrator is exactly what this job describes considering this person will manage and supervise the execution and use of the database. The DBA has many different responsibilities, but the overall goal of the DBA is to keep the server up at all times and to provide users with access to the required information when they need it. The DBA makes sure that the database is protected and that any chance of data loss is minimized. Database Administrator responsibilities typically include the following: [list] [*]Installing and Upgrading system software [*]Monitoring the Database Server's Health and Tuning Accordingly [*]Using Storage Properly [*]Performing Backup and Recovery Duties [*]Managing Database Users and Security [*]Establishing and Enforcing Standards [*]Transferring Data [*]Replicating Data [*]Data Warehousing [*]Scheduling Events [*]Providing 24-Hour Access [*]Working with Developers (Note: DBAs are neither database programmers nor database developers. Those who built and designed Raiser's Edge are the database programmers and developers) [/list] Now my biggest question is why on earth simple terminology is so incredibly important that an "argument" has ensued and taken over my e-mail box. This looks like a very interesting job and in a great location! Best of luck in your search! Denise Thomas Database Coordinator Dallas Zoological Society

Uncle!! I give... Dan Larson Programmer Saint Cloud, Minnesota To me, it's a good idea to always carry two sacks of something when you walk around. That way, if anybody says, "Hey, can you give me a hand?" you can say, "Sorry, got these sacks." ~Jack Handy

I would say that I think it is fine to question the use of the title DBA and there can be a separate forum quesion related to it if we want to discuss it but I do not believe it is good forum ettiquite to question a job posting of another poster. My personal opinion...I beleive that the DBA skill requirements will differ hugely depending on the database you are adminsitering. Administering Raisers Edge at a small non- profit vs administering SQL Server or Oricle at a national non-profit will require vastly different skills but I would call them both DBAs without fear that the title DBA is being watered down. An executive secretary can adminster an Access database and is the DBA of that database but is hardly qualified to be a DBA of other databases or other access databases in other situations. It is just terminology... Melissa S. Graves Director of Development Services The Village for Families and Children mgraves (at) villageforchildren.org www.villageforchildren.org GET ON THE BUS! Check out what the Blackbaud User Society is talking about today at www.blackbus.org!

Kudos to you, Denise... I couldn't have said it any better. Thank you for the much needed "cease fire", which by the way, my inbox thanks you for as well!