Senior SQL Server Database Administrator

Overview

Remote
Depends on Experience
Accepts corp to corp applications
Contract - Independent
Contract - W2
Contract - 12 Month(s)
No Travel Required

Skills

Access Control
Agile
Backup
Business Continuity Planning
Change Management
Cloud Computing
Cloud Security
Collaboration
Communication
Conflict Resolution
Continuous Delivery
Continuous Integration
DMS
Data Integrity
Data Security
Database
Database Administration
Database Performance Tuning
DevOps
Disaster Recovery
Encryption
Extract
Transform
Load
FOCUS
High Availability
Management
Microsoft
Microsoft Azure
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server DBA
Migration
Optimization
Performance Tuning
Problem Solving
Project Management
Query Optimization
Regulatory Compliance
Reporting
Resource Management
SQL
SQL Azure
SQL Tuning
Scalability
Scrum
Servers
Standard Operating Procedure
Storage
Testing
Transact-SQL
Virtual Machines
Web Portals
Windows PowerShell

Job Details

Job Title: Senior SQL Server Database Administrator (Remote USA)

Location: Remote, USA
Employment Type: Contract
Experience Level: Senior

Our organization is currently in the process of migrating a large-scale database environment from on-premises infrastructure to Microsoft Azure Cloud. The project involves managing a mix of ~200 servers/nodes and ~1000 SQL Server databases. This role focuses on optimization, ensuring best practices, and streamlining the migration process.

We are looking for a SQL Server DBA with strong experience in both on-premises SQL Server environments and Azure Cloud environments. The ideal candidate will be able to handle complex migration tasks, optimize database performance, ensure high availability, and implement best practices for both environments.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior SQL Server Database Administrator (DBA) to join our team remotely. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the design, implementation, performance tuning, security, and maintenance of SQL Server databases in a 24x7 enterprise environment. Excellent communication skills are essential, as this role involves close collaboration with development teams, business stakeholders, and cross-functional IT groups.

Key Responsibilities:

Migration & Cloud Transition:

  • Lead the migration of SQL Server databases from on-premises to Azure cloud environments, ensuring seamless transitions with minimal downtime.
  • Develop and execute detailed migration plans that include assessing current infrastructure, selecting appropriate Azure services, and performing phased migration.
  • Collaborate with the cloud team to integrate Azure-native database services (e.g., Azure SQL Database, Managed Instances, SQL Server on Azure VMs) into the migration.
  • Ensure data integrity and consistency throughout the migration process, including testing post-migration.

Database Optimization & Performance:

  • Perform database performance tuning, including query optimization, index management, and SQL Server configuration to ensure the optimal performance of all environments.
  • Implement best practices for scalability, high availability, and disaster recovery (HA/DR) across on-prem and Azure environments.
  • Analyze and optimize ETL processes, backup strategies, and storage utilization for both on-prem and cloud databases.
  • Continuously monitor and fine-tune the performance of SQL Servers running on Azure, ensuring cost-effective scaling and resource management.

Best Practices & Security:

  • Ensure security compliance (e.g., encryption, access control) and data protection policies are in place for all environments, with a focus on cloud security best practices.
  • Document and establish standard operating procedures for database management, including change management, patching, and backup strategies.
  • Implement automated monitoring and alerting systems for SQL Server databases, both on-premises and in Azure.
  • Provide input on the design and implementation of business continuity plans and disaster recovery processes for SQL Server databases in the cloud.

Collaboration & Reporting:

  • Work closely with the infrastructure, development, and operations teams to ensure smooth migration, optimization, and overall database environment health.
  • Provide regular status updates to project management, highlighting any roadblocks or performance bottlenecks.
  • Act as a point of escalation for complex database issues and ensure timely resolution.

Requirements:

  • 5+ years of SQL Server DBA experience (2016+)
  • Proven experience with Azure SQL, Azure DMS, and large-scale cloud migrations
  • Strong in T-SQL, performance tuning, and HA/DR strategies
  • Familiar with Azure Portal, PowerShell, and cloud monitoring tools
  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or similar certifications.
  • Experience with DevOps tools and CI/CD pipelines related to database deployments.
  • Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies.

Please share your updated resume, rate and contact details.

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