SQL Server Database Administrator II

Title: SQL Server Database Administrator II

Location: Houston TX Remote (Occasionally in the office as needed. Work schedule can switch to onsite at any time.)

Duration: 06+ Months

Position Summary:

This role blends traditional SQL Server DBA expertise with modern AI-enhanced operations, focusing on:

• High availability & performance
• Automation & efficiency
• Predictive monitoring & analytics
• Cloud and hybrid data environments

Overview

We are seeking a mid-level Database Administrator II to help manage and support a large-scale Microsoft SQL Server environment. This role requires strong expertise in high availability, performance tuning, automation, and modern AI-driven database operations. The ideal candidate will combine traditional DBA skills with AI-assisted monitoring, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation to improve reliability and efficiency.

Core Requirements

• 5 9 years of SQL Server DBA experience managing large enterprise environments
• Hands-on experience with SQL Server versions: 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012
• Strong analytical mindset with advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Work as a team member, coordinate work and report back
• Ability to operate independently and act as a subject matter expert (SME)

Key Responsibilities

SQL Server Administration

• Administer and manage large numbers of SQL Server databases in production environments
• Ensure database availability, performance, and security compliance
• Perform proactive database health monitoring and capacity planning

High Availability & Disaster Recovery

• Design and support HA/DR solutions including:
• Windows & SQL Server Clustering
• Always On Availability Groups
• Log Shipping
• Replication
• Leverage AI-driven anomaly detection tools to identify potential failures before they occur

Performance Optimization

• Perform advanced tuning using:
• Execution plan analysis
• Wait statistics and DMVs
• Index optimization and query refactoring
• Use AI-assisted performance tools (e.g., Splunk, Fabrix.ai, Claude, Copilot) to identify performance bottlenecks and workload trends

Backup & Recovery

• Implement and manage advanced backup and restore strategies
• Perform disaster recovery testing and ensure SLA compliance

Automation & Scripting

• Develop and maintain scripts using:
• T-SQL
• PowerShell
• Build intelligent automation frameworks for:
• Routine DBA tasks
• Monitoring and alerting
• Self-healing database operations

BI & Data Services

• Independently troubleshoot and support:
• SSIS
• SSRS
• SSAS
• DBAmp

Monitoring & Tools

• Configure and manage tools such as:
• Native SQL Server tools
• Idera Performance Manager
• SolarWinds Database Performance Analyzer
• Redhat Ansible Automation Platform
• Integrate AI-enabled monitoring platforms for:
• Predictive alerting
• Root cause analysis
• Automated incident response

Cloud & Modern Data Platforms

• Strong understanding of:
• Public cloud environments (AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform)
• Networking and DMZ architectures
• Experience working with:
• Cloud-native databases
• Hybrid environments
• Exposure to AI/ML services (Azure AI, ML pipelines, or similar) to support intelligent data operations

Security & Compliance

• Implement database auditing and monitoring aligned with SOX controls
• Support governance using:
• Data classification
• Role-based access control
• Apply AI-based anomaly detection for security threats and unusual access patterns

Additional Preferred Skills

• Experience with:
• Oracle
• PostgreSQL
• MariaDB
• MongoDB
• Cosmos DB
• Exposure to:
• Data engineering workflows
• AI/ML data pipelines
• Data lake or warehouse architecture

Education

• Bachelor s degree in:
• Computer Science
• MIS
• Engineering
• Or related field from an accredited institution

What Sets You Apart

• Experience with AI-driven database management or intelligent automation tools
• Ability to combine traditional DBA practices with modern data and AI ecosystems
• Strong ownership mindset with continuous improvement focus