Principal Database Administrator

City of Aurora•Aurora, CO

23h•$104,376 - $130,471•Remote

About The Position

Provides primary support in the maintenance, installation, configuration of Microsoft SQL Server and other relational, line of business database services. Reporting development/support, reporting databases, developing packages and triggers along with procedures to improve application performance. Establishes and maintains DEV/TRAIN/PROD instances. Interacts with other IT Divisions and City employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
5 years of experience as Database Administrator of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 or higher.
2 years of Windows Server administration, including experience in Web application implementation in a Microsoft SQL Server environment.
Valid Colorado Driver's License.

Nice To Haves

Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server (2016–2022), including relational engine internals, Always On Availability Groups, Failover Cluster Instances, replication, log shipping, Query Store, DMVs, and Extended Events.
In‑depth understanding of T‑SQL development, stored procedures, views, functions, triggers, schema design principles, and performance‑driven data modeling.
Knowledge of SSIS‑based ETL/ELT development, SSRS reporting datasets, and integrations with enterprise BI platforms.
Strong knowledge of PowerShell automation, scripted maintenance, CI/CD database deployment practices, and configuration management.
Thorough knowledge of backup/restore strategies, disaster recovery architectures, RPO/RTO planning, and continuity of operations (COOP) requirements.
Detailed knowledge of Azure SQL (Single DB, Managed Instance), hybrid cloud deployments, and Azure Government environments.
Strong knowledge of database security concepts, including encryption (TDE), access control, dynamic data masking, RLS, key management, and secure credential handling.
Working knowledge of applicable government security frameworks such as NIST SP 800‑53/800‑171, CIS Benchmarks, CJIS, HIPAA, and agency‑specific audit requirements.
Knowledge of DISA STIGs and government database hardening practices for SQL Server and Windows Server hosts.
Familiarity with public‑sector records management (FOIA/CORA), data retention schedules, audit trails, and eDiscovery workflows.
Expert-level proficiency with Microsoft SQL Server (2016–2022), including Always On Availability Groups, Failover Cluster Instances, replication, log shipping, Query Store, DMVs, and Extended Events.
Advanced T‑SQL development, including stored procedures, views, functions, triggers, and performance‑optimized schema design.
Strong capability in performance tuning using execution plans, indexing strategies, memory/IO optimization, and system‑level diagnostics.
Deep knowledge of SSIS ETL/ELT development, SSRS dataset preparation, and support for BI/reporting platforms.
Automation expertise with PowerShell (SQL modules, DSC, scheduled tasks) and scripting for patch workflows, maintenance routines, and CI/CD database deployments.
Robust backup and recovery planning, including point‑in‑time recovery, encryption, and RPO/RTO‑driven strategy design.
Proficiency with Azure SQL (Single DB/MI), hybrid cloud deployments, and Azure Government environments.
Strong familiarity with database security controls such as TDE, Row-Level Security, Dynamic Data Masking, certificate management, and secure key storage.
Experience with enterprise monitoring tools (native and third‑party), alerting frameworks, and capacity forecasting.
Ability to design, implement, and oversee highly available, secure, mission‑critical SQL Server environments across government systems.
Ability to diagnose and resolve complex production issues, lead war rooms, and drive permanent corrective actions.
Ability to develop automated, repeatable, and compliant maintenance and deployment processes.
Ability to translate regulatory and policy requirements into actionable technical controls, procedures, and measurable compliance indicators.
Ability to enforce governance over data access, retention, encryption, and monitoring in alignment with government audit requirements.
Ability to communicate clearly with executives, technical teams, and external auditors, providing accurate summaries and documentation.
MS SQL Server certification is strongly preferred.
ITIL Foundation qualification.

Responsibilities

Primary support for all lines of business Microsoft SQL Server instances, including all upgrades and migrations to new versions when necessary. Provides support as required for other databases.
Administers production SQL Server Reporting Services, Integration Services, and SQL Agent Jobs.
Responsible for the configuration and management of production SQL Server (Always on Availability groups/Mirroring/Replication), ensuring a highly available SQL Server production environment.
Assist with the deployment of SQL products and services in development and COTS application deployment as required.
Ensure all database servers are backed up and tested to meet the business’s Recovery Point Objectives (RPO).
Performs database services such as job processing, tuning, archiving, and installing upgrades to test and production database environments.
Co-Lead the future implementation of Business Intelligence, Data Lakes, Data Warehouses, Business Analytics, as resources and funds allow.
Responsible to ensure that the SQL Server environment meets established security requirements.
This position may serve as the lead on specific projects or initiatives.
Performs additional duties as assigned.