Nice post Matt!

I am an executive who does not tolerate any "keys to the kingdom" funny business. In my career I have twice fired employees (DBAs) who played this game. Job security is not gained by keeping other coworkers from what they need to do their jobs, and I personally will not tolerate this kind of thing, and find it one of the most distasteful habits any worker can develop. So I would advise you first and foremost to ascertain whether or not this DBA is merely protecting his "empire", or truly worried about something it is not his area to be worrying about.

If this is something he is truly worried about, and his motives (though skewed) are honest, then you need to talk to your manager. I once again find myself astonished to have to state the obvious but - businesses run by all workers working together in the most cohesive and supportive manner. If you are not getting this, then the business has a problem and a manager should address that because the business is what feeds all employees.

All this said, the term "Administrator" in DBA does not mean that person administrates people, coworkers, employees in general or the public. They administer data. This DBA should be working FOR you, supporting your efforts, and assisting you where ever needed. Simply put, DBA's Serve - THEY DO NOT RULE. That is what executives and managers do. The DBA role can lead a person to a presumed arrogance that is beyond the business ethos and that is unacceptable!

I would suggest that if you are not getting support, full support from this DBA, you need to inform a manager. You should NEVER work anywhere where the "team" is really nothing more than a collection of small kingdoms with people pretending to be important because they withhold, obfuscate, and 'control' data - something you must have to do your job.

If you worked for me and came to my office and informed me of what I am gleaning from your post, I would be meeting with the DBA today - and by the end of that meeting he would be supporting you and all coworkers, or looking for a new job.