Senior Database Administrator

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Designs, deploys, and manages Microsoft SQL Server databases on-premises and in Azure (e.g., Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance) with secure and governed architectures.
• Optimizes SQL Server performance through query tuning, index management, and resource optimization while adhering to data governance and security standards in Azure environments.
• Implements and enforces data security measures, including encryption (e.g., Transparent Data Encryption, Always Encrypted), Azure Active Directory authentication, and role-based access control (RBAC).
• Establishes and maintains data governance frameworks, including data classification, lineage tracking, and metadata management, to ensure data quality and compliance.
• Develops and executes backup, recovery, and high-availability strategies using Azure Blob Storage, Azure Backup, and Always On Availability Groups to protect data integrity and availability.
• Monitors and responds to security threats using Azure Defender for SQL, audit logs, and compliance tools, while ensuring governance policies are upheld.
• Troubleshoots and resolves complex database, security, and governance issues in SQL Server and Azure SQL platforms, minimizing disruption and ensuring policy adherence.
• Collaborates with development teams to design secure, efficient, and governed database schemas for Azure-hosted applications, incorporating data security and governance best practices.
• Automates database administration, security, and governance tasks using T-SQL, PowerShell, and Azure Automation to streamline operations and enforce standards.
• Conducts regular security assessments, vulnerability scans, and data governance audits of Azure database resources to meet regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, SOC).
• Leads migrations from on-premises SQL Server instances to Azure cloud database services, ensuring secure data transfer, validation, and governance compliance.
• Provides expertise on Azure data services (e.g., Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics) and their secure data transfer, validation, and governance compliance.
• Works with stakeholders to define and enforce data policies, standards, and procedures, ensuring data accessibility, accuracy, and accountability.
• Mentors junior DBAs and IT staff on Microsoft database technologies, Azure best practices, data security protocols, and data governance principles.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field required (equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of degree).
• Preferred Certifications: Microsoft Certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate; Microsoft Certified: Data Management and Analytics; and/or Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals.
• Strong proficiency in T-SQL, SQL Server administration, performance optimization, and secure, governed database design.
• In-depth knowledge of data security practices (e.g., encryption, access controls) and data governance principles (e.g., data quality, lineage, compliance).
• Expertise in Azure security tools (e.g., Azure Defender, Key Vault, network security groups) and governance tools (e.g., Azure Purview, data cataloging).
• Familiarity with PowerShell scripting for SQL Server, Azure automation, security, and governance management.
• Excellent analytical skills with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating security risks and ensuring data governance.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with technical teams and explain security and governance practices to non-technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of additional Azure data tools (e.g., Azure Data Lake, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Purview) and their secure, governed implementation preferred.
• Familiarity with hybrid cloud database architectures and secure, governed data synchronization between on-premises SQL Server and Azure preferred.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in database administration, with at least 3 years in a senior role focused on Microsoft SQL Server, data security, and governance.
• Extensive experience with Microsoft Azure, including Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and Azure security and governance features.
• Hands-on experience with SQL Server high-availability solutions (e.g., Always On, Failover Clustering) and Azure disaster recovery, aligned with governance policies.
• Experience with Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, or Infrastructure as Code (e.g., ARM templates, Terraform) in secure and governed deployments preferred.