Hello all. I'm a novice with some questions about databases. I'd like some opinions/insights...

Is the work of a database specialist who focuses on creating/modifying/maintaining MS Access databases for in-office use at the same level as the work done by a database specialist who works with larger-scale DBMS's such as Oracle and DB2?

My work in a government personnel office calls for me to document and analyze the work of employees in various occupational areas, IT included. Right now, I'm looking at job descriptions of a couple different employees -- one is an Oracle database administrator, and the other uses MS Access to create and maintain in-office databases. I'm told that the Oracle specialist is performing more complex work requiring a more advanced skills set than the Access guy. Agree? What questions do I need to ask to really find out?

I can answer some of your questions:

An Oracle specialist is the database King! Oracle is 100% more complex than MS Access, and I would say any specialist of Oracle is a specialist in any DBMS.

As for MS Access - grab a book and learn it on the weekend, its very trivial. I also read somewhere (awhile back and can't remember the link) that Microsoft recommended using MS Access for testing purposes only.. as it isn't a full fledge DBMS.

IF the Oracle guy can prove himself, take him!