SQL Server Database Administrator
Houston, TX (100% on-site)
Duration:
initial 6-month contract (W2, not eligible for C2C)
Pay:$86-91/hr
We are seeking an experienced SQL Server Database Administrator to support enterprise-scale database environments across both on-premises infrastructure and cloud platforms. This role requires strong expertise in Microsoft SQL Server along with hands-on experience administering open-source databases such as PostgreSQL or MongoDB. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced enterprise environment and have experience with high availability, automation, cloud technologies, and database performance optimization.
Responsibilities
Database Administration
- Manage SQL Server databases across development, testing, production, and disaster recovery environments.
- Install, configure, patch, upgrade, and maintain SQL Server instances following established standards.
- Administer PostgreSQL databases; experience with MongoDB or other database platforms is a plus.
- Perform database backups, restores, disaster recovery testing, and ongoing capacity planning.
- Monitor database health, availability, and overall system performance.
Performance & High Availability
- Troubleshoot database performance, blocking, connectivity, and integrity issues.
- Support high availability and disaster recovery technologies including Always On Availability Groups, Distributed Availability Groups, and failover clustering.
- Partner with infrastructure and application teams to maintain secure, reliable, and scalable database environments.
Automation & Cloud
- Develop and maintain automation using T-SQL, PowerShell, Python, Ansible, or similar tools.
- Support database deployments across Azure and AWS environments.
- Participate in CI/CD pipelines and DevOps initiatives to improve database deployment and operational efficiency.
Operational Support
- Manage incidents, service requests, and change requests through an enterprise ticketing system.
- Provide production support during deployments and critical operational events.
- Contribute to database architecture discussions, operational standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of hands-on experience as a Microsoft SQL Server DBA.
- Strong experience supporting SQL Server 2016–2022 (newer versions are a plus).
- Experience administering PostgreSQL or MongoDB in production environments.
- Experience supporting Azure and AWS database environments.
- Knowledge of SQL Server high availability technologies including Always On Availability Groups.
- Experience supporting SQL Server within VMware or other virtualized environments.
- Strong scripting skills with T-SQL and PowerShell; Python or Ansible experience is preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in regulated or SOX-compliant environments.
- Background in DevOps, automation, or infrastructure-as-code.
- Experience supporting high-volume enterprise applications.
- Familiarity with monitoring platforms such as SolarWinds, Idera, Dynatrace, or Grafana.
- Experience with additional database platforms, including Snowflake or other open-source databases.
...