SQL Server Database Administrator

Summary:

Responsible for the implementation, configuration, maintenance, and performance management of critical SQL Server RDBMS systems, to ensure the availability and consistent performance of our division applications. This is a “hands-on” position requiring solid technical skills, as well as excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the development and sustainment of the SQL Server environment, ensuring operational readiness (security, health, and performance), executing data loads, and performing data modeling in support of multiple development teams. Must be capable of working independently and collaboratively.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Provide project and enhancement work on a range of new and existing SQL Server databases.
• Perform routine administration and performance monitoring activities to ensure optimal operation of the SQL Server databases.
• Provide advice and guidance where necessary to development staff.
• Complete tickets assigned and other requests within a mutually agreed upon time.
• Manage SQL Server databases through multiple product lifecycle environments, from development to mission-critical production systems.
• Configure and maintain database servers and processes, including monitoring of system health and performance, to ensure high levels of performance, availability, and security.
• Independently analyze, solve, and correct issues in real time, providing problem resolution end-to-end.
• Refine and automate regular processes, track issues, and document changes.
• Assist developers with complex query tuning and schema refinement.
• Provide support outside of normal office hours on a pre-planned basis and at short notice in emergency situations.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Participate in continuous process improvement.
• Download and install SQL Server service packs and updates.
• Configure and maintain SQL Security controls.
• Create, change, and improve SQL Server Agent tasks and maintenance plans.
• Create documentation and training for routine database administration activities.
• Stay abreast of new technologies related to areas of responsibility.
• Identify problem trends and proactively take action to reduce re-occurring incidents.
• Crosstrain developers and server administrators on good database design.
• Proactively monitor and report on system resources being consumed. Provide early warning of resource contentions and shortages to management with recommended course of action.

Required Skills and Knowledge:

• 5+ years MS SQL Server Administration experience required.
• Experience with Performance Tuning and Optimization (PTO), using native monitoring and troubleshooting tools.
• Experience with backups, restores and recovery models.
• Knowledge of High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR) options for SQL Server.

• Experience with SQL and PowerShell scripting.

• Experience working with Windows server, including Active Directory.
• Experience with cloud services (Microsoft Azure, AWS) a plus.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate certifications a plus, or equivalent experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Experience in building relationships with peers and customers.
• Effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to functional groups.
• Excellent documentation skills leading to effective standard operating procedures.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to organize and plan work independently.
• Ability to work in a rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to multi-task and context-switch effectively between different activities and teams.

Characteristics and Competencies (Career Architect):

• (24 - Functional / Technical Skills) – Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment.
• (51 – Problem Solving) – Uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions; probes all fruitful sources for answers; can see hidden problems; is excellent at honest analysis; looks beyond the obvious and doesn’t stop at the first answers.
• (43 – Perseverance) – Pursues everything with energy, drive, and a need to finish; seldom gives up before finishing, especially in the face of resistance or setbacks.
• (61 – Technical Learning) – Picks up on technical things quickly; is willing and able to learn new skills and knowledge; is good at learning new industry, company, product, or technical knowledge; does well in technical courses and seminars.
• (42 – Peer Relationships) – Can quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all; can represent his/her own interests and yet be fair to others; can solve problems with peers with a minimum of noise; is seen as a team player and is cooperative; easily gains trust and support of peers; encourages collaboration; can be candid with peers.
• (54 – Self Development) – Is personally committed to and actively works to continuously improve him/herself; understands that different situations and levels may call for different skills and approaches; works to deploy strengths; works on compensating for weakness and limitations.

Minimum Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is preferred. Equivalent experience and/or current SQL Server Accredited DBA status may be acceptable substitutes.
• 5+ years of SQL Server Administration experience

Physical/Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to sit at a standard desk within a standard office working environment for long periods of time.
• No out of the ordinary climbing, stooping, walking, or lifting is required for this position.
• Minor travel is required based upon requirement of issues or projects.

Note: The statements contained herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.