Database Administrator

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Database Administrator to join our dynamic IT team. In this critical role, you will be responsible for the administration, maintenance, and optimization of our SQL Server environments, ensuring high performance, availability, and security. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Microsoft SQL Server technologies, with a strong focus on high availability, disaster recovery, and performance tuning. This position requires a proactive approach to database management, coupled with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to support enterprise applications and mission-critical systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Database Administration & Maintenance: Administer and maintain SQL Server environments ranging from SQL Server 2012 to 2019, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and security. Manage database installations, upgrades, patching, and security hardening to align with organizational standards and compliance requirements.
• High Availability & Disaster Recovery: Design, implement, and maintain robust High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR) solutions, including Always On Availability Groups, Failover Cluster Instances (FCI), and Log Shipping. Ensure minimal downtime and rapid recovery in the event of system failures.
• Performance Monitoring & Optimization: Continuously monitor database health, performance, capacity, and availability in production environments. Conduct advanced SQL performance tuning, including query optimization, execution plan analysis, index optimization, wait statistics analysis, Dynamic Management Views (DMVs), and SQL Profiler diagnostics to enhance system efficiency.
• Backup & Recovery Strategies: Develop and maintain comprehensive backup and recovery strategies to safeguard critical data. Ensure data integrity and availability through regular testing and validation of backup procedures.
• User & Security Management: Oversee user management, including provisioning, deprovisioning, and access control. Implement and enforce security policies to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Database Migration & Upgrades: Lead database migration projects, ensuring seamless transitions with minimal disruption to operations. Validate data integrity throughout migration and cutover activities to maintain business continuity.
• 24/7 Production Support: Provide round-the-clock production support to troubleshoot and resolve critical database incidents. Act as a first responder to performance issues, outages, and other operational challenges to minimize downtime and impact on business operations.
• Automation & Efficiency: Automate routine Database Administrator (DBA) activities to improve operational efficiency, reduce human error, and enhance system reliability. Develop and maintain scripts and tools to streamline database management tasks.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with development, infrastructure, Business Intelligence (BI), and business teams to support enterprise applications. Provide technical guidance and expertise to ensure alignment with business objectives and IT strategies.

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience as a SQL Server Database Administrator, with a proven track record in managing large-scale, mission-critical database environments.
• Technical Expertise: Strong expertise in Microsoft SQL Server administration, including versions 2012 through 2019. In-depth knowledge of Always On Availability Groups, Failover Cluster Instances (FCI), Log Shipping, Database Mirroring, and Backup/Restore operations.
• Performance Tuning: Proficiency in T-SQL and database performance tuning, with the ability to analyze and optimize complex queries, execution plans, and index strategies. Experience with wait statistics, DMVs, and SQL Profiler is essential.
• Disaster Recovery & Security: Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing disaster recovery solutions. Strong understanding of database security, maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting in high-availability production environments.
• Analytical Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality solutions under pressure.
• Collaboration: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment. Capable of translating technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional Tools & Technologies: Experience with SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS), and Power BI is a plus.
• Data Warehousing: Knowledge of data warehousing concepts and dimensional modeling techniques.
• ERP Environments: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and their database integrations.
• Certifications: Microsoft SQL Server DBA certifications such as MCITP are highly desirable.
• Application Integration: Experience with .NET applications and a solid understanding of application/database integration principles.