Overview
Skills
Job Details
Resource 1 is seeking an experienced SQL Server DBA for a 1-year contract with our client who has recently migrated most of their SQL Server databases to SQL on Azure VM. This role is remote and requires a collaborative professional who can work with existing DBA to manage day-to-day operations, support mission critical databases (including off-hours support), and provide guidance on database best practices. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in MS SQL Server, strong problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to performance, availability, and security in a 24x7 environment.
Database Monitoring & Availability:
- Monitor SQL Server databases in an Always On environment using tools like Idera and Nagios.
- Diagnose and resolve issues with Availability Group (AG) health and related replication or failover challenges.
- Identify and resolve long-running processes that are consuming excessive CPU or resources.
Database Replication:
- Manage transactional replication between Always On
- Ensure replication processes are healthy, performant, and reliable.
Performance Tuning:
- Analyze and optimize slow-running queries, stored procedures, and database jobs.
- Optimize backups, restores, and other scheduled maintenance tasks.
Patching & Maintenance:
- Apply MS SQL Server and Windows patches in a 24x7 production environment.
- Ensure database systems remain up-to-date, secure, and compliant with organizational standards.
Data Refresh & Environment Management:
- Execute development and test database refreshes from production backups.
- Maintain consistency and data integrity across environments.
Best Practices:
- Provide guidance on SQL Server best practices, processes, architecture improvements and potentially a future migration to MI (Managed Instance).
Qualifications:
- Strong experience with MS SQL Server, including administration, monitoring, and tuning.
- Hands-on experience with Always On Availability Groups and troubleshooting replication issues.
- Proficient in performance tuning, query optimization, and resource management.
- Experience with transactional replication.
- Proven ability to manage patching and maintenance in 24x7 production environments.
- Experience performing database refreshes for development or test environments.
- Familiarity with backup, restore, and disaster recovery strategies.
- Willingness to participate in non-business hour support for critical events.
Pluses:
- Experience implementing or advising on SQL Server best practices
- Migrating from on-prem SQL Server to Azure VM to MI (Managed Instance)
- Microsoft certification in Azure Database Administration
Medical insurance and a 401(k) plan is offered to all eligible W2 employees.