Database Administrator II

Database Administrator II (SQL Server) Overview We are seeking a Database Administrator II to join a growing enterprise technology team supporting mission-critical SQL Server environments. This role is ideal for a hands-on DBA who enjoys balancing operational support, performance optimization, high-availability administration, and collaboration with development teams. The successful candidate will help maintain and optimize enterprise SQL Server infrastructure while serving as a key resource for database incident response, performance tuning, disaster recovery, and operational excellence. This position offers exposure to modern SQL Server high-availability technologies and the opportunity to work alongside senior database leadership on long-term modernization initiatives. What You'll Do Administer and support Microsoft SQL Server environments in enterprise production settings Manage and maintain SQL Server Failover Cluster Instances (FCI) and Always On Availability Groups Monitor database health, availability, and performance across critical systems Execute backup, recovery, and disaster recovery procedures Perform planned failovers, failbacks, and high-availability maintenance activities Troubleshoot and resolve database incidents, performance issues, and production outages Analyze execution plans, wait statistics, DMVs, and indexing strategies to improve performance Collaborate with application development teams on T-SQL optimization, schema reviews, and database design improvements Support SSIS packages, ETL processes, and SSRS reporting environments Develop and maintain PowerShell and T-SQL automation scripts Create and maintain operational documentation, runbooks, and knowledge-base articles Participate in change management processes, including CAB reviews, implementation planning, and rollback procedures Capture and document institutional knowledge to support long-term operational continuity Required Qualifications Technical Skills 2-5 years of hands-on Microsoft SQL Server administration experience in enterprise environments Experience supporting SQL Server Failover Cluster Instances (FCI) Experience administering Always On Availability Groups Strong understanding of backup, recovery, and disaster recovery processes Experience with T-SQL development and performance tuning Ability to analyze execution plans, performance metrics, blocking, deadlocks, and query optimization opportunities Experience supporting production database environments with high availability requirements Working knowledge of SSIS and SSRS administration Experience developing automation solutions using PowerShell and T-SQL Professional Skills Strong verbal and written communication skills Ability to communicate effectively during production incidents and operational reviews Proven ability to work independently while collaborating across technical teams Strong documentation and knowledge-sharing habits Methodical troubleshooting and problem-solving approach Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure production environments Preferred Qualifications Azure SQL or hybrid cloud database experience Experience with database monitoring tools such as SolarWinds DPA, Redgate, or Idera Understanding of Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC) Experience supporting SAN and enterprise storage technologies Exposure to database modernization initiatives or cloud migration projects Work Environment This position operates within a process-driven enterprise IT organization utilizing ITIL-aligned practices and formal change management procedures. The environment values collaboration, documentation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. The Database Administrator II will work closely with senior database leadership while maintaining ownership of day-to-day database operations and support activities. Schedule & On-Call Expectations This is a full-time, 12-month contract engagement with potential to extend. Core business hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, this position supports business-critical systems operating across multiple geographic regions and time zones. As a result, the role includes participation in a 24/7 production support environment and may require: Availability for critical production incidents outside normal business hours Participation in database maintenance activities during evenings or weekends when necessary Support of systems and stakeholders across multiple North American time zones Occasional after-hours troubleshooting, failovers, upgrades, and disaster recovery activities Candidates should be comfortable working in an environment where uptime, responsiveness, and operational reliability are critical to business success. What Success Looks Like Provides dependable support for mission-critical SQL Server environments Effectively manages incidents and production issues with minimal disruption Maintains high standards of database performance, security, and availability Produces thorough operational documentation and knowledge-transfer materials Builds trusted relationships with technical stakeholders and development teams Enables senior database leadership to focus on strategic modernization initiatives while maintaining operational excellence