Database Administrator

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Install, configure, patch, and maintain SQL Server (2016, 2019, 2022) in a VMware-based, on-prem environment.
• Administer Failover Cluster Instances (FCI) and Always On Availability Groups.
• Partner with infrastructure teams on VM sizing, storage (VMDK/RDM), and HA/vMotion compatibility.
• Maintain system health, performance, and uptime across all environments.
• Monitor and tune performance using SSMS, Query Store, Extended Events, DMVs, and execution plans.
• Manage indexing, statistics, and maintenance plans.
• Conduct capacity planning for CPU, memory, and storage in coordination with infrastructure teams.
• Design and maintain backup strategies (full, differential, transaction logs) aligned with RPO/RTPO.
• Perform and validate routine database restores.
• Maintain and test DR processes, including AG and FCI failover/failback.
• Coordinate SQL-aware backups with VMware snapshot tools (e.g., Veeam).
• Implement security features (TDE, Always Encrypted, row-level security, auditing).
• Manage access controls following least privilege principles.
• Integrate with Active Directory and Azure AD (Entra ID).
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, internal policies, and audit requirements.
• Remediate vulnerabilities identified through scans and audits.
• Develop T-SQL and PowerShell scripts to automate DBA tasks.
• Manage SQL Server Agent jobs (backups, DBCC, indexing, alerts, reporting).
• Standardize configurations across environments.
• Support database deployments via CI/CD tools (e.g., SSDT, Flyway, Liquibase).
• Maintain documentation for configurations, processes, and runbooks.
• Collaborate with infrastructure, networking, security, and application teams.
• Provide Tier 2/3 support and participate in 24×7 on-call rotation.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Relevant technical certification in Microsoft SQL Server or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on Microsoft SQL Server administration in a production environment.
• Experience with Always On Availability Groups and/or Windows Server Failover Clustering.
• Experience supporting SQL Server in a VMware-virtualized environment.
• Proficiency with T-SQL, SQL Server Agent, SSMS, and performance tuning tools (Query Store, Extended Events, DMVs, execution plans).
• Experience with backup and recovery strategies, including transaction log management.
• Working knowledge of Windows Server and Active Directory.
• Experience with PowerShell scripting for automation.
• Understanding of database security practices (user/role management, TDE, auditing).
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Effective communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced healthcare environment and participate in an on-call rotation.

SPECIALIZATION

• Deep expertise in SQL Server performance tuning and optimization using advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting tools.
• Advanced implementation and support of high availability architectures, including Always On Availability Groups and Failover Cluster Instances.
• Advanced T-SQL development for performance-critical database objects and query optimization.

CERTIFICATIONS

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300)
• VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV) or equivalent certification.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience with SQL Server data platform tools, including SSIS, SSRS, and SSAS.
• Experience with database monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds DPA, SentryOne SQL Sentry, Redgate SQL Monitor).
• Exposure to Azure SQL Managed Instance or Azure Arc-enabled SQL Server environments.
• Experience with database DevOps and source control practices (e.g., SSDT, Git, Flyway, Liquibase).

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• After-hours availability is required for scheduled maintenance windows, emergency database incidents, and participation in the IT on-call rotation.
• Employees working in an administrative role who are Medic-certified EMT/EMT-P may be considered essential personnel depending on circumstances.