SQL Database Administrator

About the Role
We are seeking a skilled SQL Database Administrator (DBA) to manage, optimize, and secure mission-critical Microsoft SQL Server databases. This 12+ month contract role offers the opportunity to work remotely while ensuring high availability, performance tuning, and robust disaster recovery strategies for enterprise systems.

Key Responsibilities

Database Management & Optimization

• Install, configure, and upgrade Microsoft SQL Server instances (2012–2022).

• Monitor database performance and proactively tune queries, indexes, and server configurations.

• Support development teams with database design, stored procedures, and performance optimization.

High Availability & Disaster Recovery

• Implement and maintain HA/DR solutions such as Always On Availability Groups, Failover Clustering, Log Shipping, and Replication.

• Perform regular backups, restores, and recovery testing to ensure data integrity.

Security & Compliance

• Implement and manage database security, including roles, permissions, and encryption.

• Monitor systems to prevent unauthorized access and ensure compliance with organizational policies.

Automation & Monitoring

• Automate routine database tasks using PowerShell or SQL Server Agent jobs.

• Monitor system health using SQL Server Profiler, Extended Events, and third-party monitoring tools.

Support & Documentation

• Troubleshoot database-related issues including service outages, slow queries, and job failures.

• Maintain documentation for systems, processes, and data flows.

• Participate in on-call rotations and provide after-hours support as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• 5+ years of professional experience as a SQL Server DBA.

• Strong T-SQL skills, including stored procedures, triggers, and query optimization.

• Experience with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and administration tools.

• Hands-on expertise with Always On, Clustering, Log Shipping, and Replication.

• Familiarity with SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and Reporting Services (SSRS).

• Solid understanding of backup/recovery strategies and disaster recovery planning.

• Experience with PowerShell or other scripting languages for automation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cloud-based SQL Server deployments (Azure SQL, AWS RDS).

• Microsoft certifications (Azure Database Administrator Associate, MCSE: Data Management and Analytics).

• Exposure to DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines for database deployment.

Location & Contract Details

• Remote role (Nashville, TN).

• 12+ months contract.