Database Administrator - onsite Columbus, OH

Novalink Solutions LLC•Columbus, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Database Administrator provides server administration for Microsoft SQL Server database products. The DBA3 implements, configures, and maintains SQL Server systems and ensures their performance and availability so corporate applications run smoothly. The role develops and orchestrates Azure and on-premises database management system (DBMS) architectures, administering Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server hosted on Azure Virtual Machines in line with organizational objectives. The position designs, plans, and deploys high availability and disaster recovery (HA/DR) solutions, manages replication, and configures Azure database backup, monitoring, security, migration, and disaster recovery capabilities. It monitors and tunes DBMS performance, provides Tier III resolution for critical technical issues, and collaborates with IT Architecture staff, the Chief Information Officer, and IT Managers to develop solutions that meet agency requirements. The DBA also contributes to solution-design business cases and develops database strategies and project plans to meet business needs. The role works with development and IT staff across the application lifecycle to design DBMS architecture, data-exchange standards, and security models. It documents installation, monitoring, security, configuration, migration, and development best practices, and works with the State Chief Information Security Officer to implement and enforce security standards established by the State of Ohio and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The DBA provides formal mentorship to peers and lower-level staff. When assigned, the position may serve on a Disaster Recovery/Business Resumption Team, Incident Response Team, or similar public health response team, potentially requiring 24/7 operations at remote locations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or an equivalent technical field, or equivalent work experience.
At least 5 years of dedicated hands-on experience managing enterprise-level Microsoft SQL Server database environments, including on-premises and Azure-based platforms.
At least 5 years of experience in performance monitoring and tuning.
At least 5 years of experience implementing role-based access control and related security and compliance measures.
At least 5 years of experience supporting developers and conducting code reviews.
Deep expertise in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and SQL Server database internals.
Advanced command of Transact-SQL (T-SQL) syntax.
Experience implementing SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) packages and Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) workflows.
Experience supporting Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines.
Knowledge of Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, Microsoft Entra ID, Azure Key Vault, Azure Backup, and Azure role-based access control.
Experience migrating and integrating databases between on-premises SQL Server and Azure environments.
Understanding of Azure database security, networking, scalability, cost optimization, and HA/DR capabilities.
Sharp analytical and troubleshooting skills, strong attention to detail, and ability to explain complex database issues to non-technical stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on familiarity with third-party monitoring and backup tools such as Redgate.

Responsibilities

Install, configure, patch, and upgrade SQL Server instances across production, staging, and development environments; manage server storage, system databases, and data file structures.
Monitor system health, resource allocation, and server metrics; tune performance through index and query optimization and resolution of blocking or deadlocks.
Design, test, and execute database backup and recovery policies; implement HA/DR solutions such as Always On Availability Groups, Log Shipping, Failover Cluster Instances, and replication.
Perform performance tuning and system configuration across DBMS platforms.
Collaborate with IT development staff to design DBMS architecture and standards for data exchange and data security throughout the application lifecycle.
Apply business intelligence concepts when developing standards and best practices.
Document installation procedures, monitoring, security policies, configuration changes, migration processes, and development best practices.
Work with the State Chief Information Security Officer to implement and enforce State of Ohio and Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction security standards.
Implement role-based access control, manage user logins and database permissions, and configure encryption at rest and in transit.
Support developers with schema refinement, table design, data type selection, and code reviews of stored procedures, triggers, functions, and complex T-SQL queries.
Write T-SQL, PowerShell, and command-line scripts to automate maintenance, index maintenance, integrity checks, statistics updates, backups, monitoring, and reporting.
Develop and orchestrate Azure and on-premises DBMS architectures, and administer Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines.
Configure and support Azure database backup, monitoring, security, migration, and disaster recovery; use Azure Monitor and Azure Key Vault as appropriate.
Design and deploy HA/DR strategies, including hardware selection and recommendations, and manage replication to maintain data integrity and accessibility.
Collaborate with IT Architecture staff, the Chief Information Officer, and IT Managers on solutions that meet agency requirements.
Contribute to analysis and development of solution-design business cases by authoring relevant sections.
Resolve complex technical challenges at Tier III to support system stability and continuity.
Develop database strategies and apply project-planning principles, practices, and techniques.
Mentor peers and lower-level staff through verbal instruction or technical documentation.
When assigned, serve on a Disaster Recovery/Business Resumption Team, Incident Response Team, or similar public health response team; assignments may require 24/7 operations at remote locations.