Senior SQL Database Administrator (SQL DBA)

Job Title: Senior SQL Database Administrator (SQL DBA)
Experience: 10+ Years
Location: The Woodlands, TX / Watsonville, CA / Remote
Duration: 6–12 Months+ Contract

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior SQL Database Administrator (DBA) with over 10 years of industry experience to support and manage enterprise database environments. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in SQL Server (2019 and above), exposure to upcoming migrations (targeting SQL Server 2025), and working knowledge of Oracle databases. This role also requires hands-on experience with vendor management and strong communication skills to collaborate across teams and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer, maintain, and optimize Microsoft SQL Server environments (2019 and newer versions).
• Support database upgrades, patching, and migration activities, including planning for transition to SQL Server 2025.
• Ensure high availability, disaster recovery, backup, and recovery strategies are in place and tested.
• Monitor database performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement tuning improvements.
• Provide support for Oracle databases, including basic administration and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with application teams, infrastructure teams, and external vendors to ensure seamless operations.
• Manage third-party vendors for database-related services, tools, and support.
• Implement and maintain database security, compliance, and best practices.
• Document database environments, processes, and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience as a SQL Server DBA in enterprise environments.
• Strong expertise in SQL Server 2019 (experience with newer versions and upgrade planning is highly preferred).
• Hands-on experience with database migration and upgrade projects.
• Working knowledge of Oracle database administration.
• Proven experience in vendor management and coordination.
• Strong understanding of HA/DR solutions (e.g., Always On Availability Groups, clustering, replication).
• Experience with performance tuning, indexing strategies, and query optimization.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience planning or executing migration to SQL Server 2025 (or similar forward-looking upgrade initiatives).
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS) is a plus.
• Automation/scripting experience (PowerShell, T-SQL).
• Exposure to DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines for database deployments.

Soft Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to work independently in a remote or hybrid environment.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and highly organized.