SQL DBA

We are looking for an experienced SQL DBA to support SQL Database Assessment and Modernization initiatives. The candidate will be responsible for assessing existing SQL Server environments, analyzing database performance, availability, security, backup and recovery mechanisms, and identifying modernization opportunities.
The role requires strong expertise in SQL Server administration, database performance tuning, troubleshooting, migration planning, and operational health assessment.
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Key Responsibilities
Database Assessment
Conduct comprehensive assessment of SQL Server environments.
Review database inventory, versions, configurations, and infrastructure dependencies.
Analyze database usage patterns, workloads, and growth trends.
Assess database operational maturity and support processes.
Evaluate database architecture for scalability, reliability, and maintainability.
Prepare database assessment findings and recommendations.
Performance Analysis & Optimization
Perform database performance assessment.
Analyze:
o Query performance
o Wait statistics
o Resource utilization
o Index effectiveness
o Blocking and deadlocks
o Execution plans
Identify performance bottlenecks and optimization opportunities.
Recommend tuning strategies for improved response time and throughput.
Database Administration
Review SQL Server administration practices and standards.
Assess:
o Database maintenance jobs
o SQL Agent jobs
o Database consistency checks
o Capacity management
o Patch and upgrade management
Ensure adherence to operational best practices.
High Availability & Disaster Recovery
Assess current HA/DR architecture.
Review:
o Always On Availability Groups
o Log Shipping
o Replication
o Clustering
o Failover strategies
Validate Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPO).
Recommend resiliency improvements.
Backup & Recovery Assessment
Review backup strategies and retention policies.
Validate recovery testing procedures.
Assess disaster recovery readiness.
Identify gaps and risks in backup and recovery frameworks.
Security & Compliance
Audit database security configurations.
Review:
o User access controls
o Authentication mechanisms
o Encryption practices
o Auditing and monitoring
o Compliance requirements
Recommend security improvements and governance controls.
Monitoring & Automation
Review database monitoring tools and alert mechanisms.
Assess automation opportunities for administrative tasks.
Recommend operational efficiency improvements.
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Key Deliverables
SQL Server Assessment Report
Database Inventory Report
Performance Assessment Report
Security Assessment Report
HA/DR Assessment Report
Backup & Recovery Assessment Report
Migration Readiness Assessment
Risk & Dependency Matrix
Database Modernization Recommendations
Effort Estimation & Roadmap
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Required Technical Skills
SQL Server Administration
Microsoft SQL Server (2012/2014/2016/2019/2022)
SQL Server Configuration Manager
SQL Server Agent
Database Maintenance & Administration
Installation, Upgrade & Patch Management
Performance Tuning
Query Tuning
Index Optimization
Execution Plan Analysis
Performance Monitoring
Wait Statistics Analysis
Resource Optimization
High Availability & DR
Always On Availability Groups
Log Shipping
Replication
Failover Clustering
Backup & Recovery Strategies
Monitoring Tools
SQL Profiler
Extended Events
DMVs
Performance Monitor
SQL Diagnostic Tools
Migration Tools
SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA)
Data Migration Assistant (DMA)
Azure Database Migration Service
SQL Assessment Tools
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Soft Skills
Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
Excellent stakeholder communication skills.
Ability to conduct assessment workshops with customers.
Strong documentation and reporting skills.
Ability to work independently in customer-facing engagements.