Chief SQL Database Specialist

Job Opportunity: SQL Database Administrator

We are seeking a skilled Azure SQL Database Administrator with expertise in managing, optimizing, and securing databases across all versions of Azure SQL. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in performance tuning, migration, backup & restore, troubleshooting, and high availability solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

∙Administer, maintain, and optimize all versions of Azure SQL (PaaS/IaaS), including:
• Azure SQL Database
• Azure SQL Managed Instance
• SQL Server on Azure VM

∙Perform performance tuning and query optimization using DMVs, Query Store, Extended Events, and Execution Plans.

∙Handle full database lifecycle management including:
• Backup & restore strategies
• Point-in-time recovery
• Long-term retention policies
• Plan and execute migrations:
• On-prem to Azure SQL (PaaS or IaaS)
• Cross-region replication
• Version upgrades and compatibility checks

∙Troubleshoot complex SQL issues like deadlocks, blocking, high CPU/memory, and connectivity issues.

∙Implement and manage high availability and disaster recovery (HA/DR) using:
• Always On Availability Groups
• Failover Cluster Instances (FCI)
• Geo-replication and Auto-failover groups in Azure

∙Monitor database health using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, SQL Insights, or third-party tools (e.g., Redgate, SolarWinds).

∙Enforce security and compliance standards:
• Role-based access control (RBAC)
• Auditing, encryption (TDE/Always Encrypted), data masking

∙Automate administrative tasks using PowerShell, T-SQL, and Azure Automation.

∙Collaborate with application teams and DevOps for smooth deployments and continuous integration.

Required Skills & Experience:

∙7+ years of hands-on experience as a SQL Server DBA

∙At least 4+ years managing Azure SQL (all versions)

∙Strong skills in:
• Query tuning, indexing, partitioning
• SQL Server Profiler, Extended Events, Query Store
• Data migration and upgrades

∙Experience with tools like Azure Data Studio, SSMS, Azure CLI, and PowerShell

∙Familiarity with ARM templates, Bicep, or Terraform for infrastructure deployment

Preferred Qualifications:
• Microsoft Certification: DP-300 – Azure Database Administrator Associate
• Experience integrating Azure SQL with Power BI, SSIS, or Data Factory
• Exposure to CI/CD pipelines for SQL deployments (Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions)
• Working knowledge of NoSQL databases (Cosmos DB, etc.) is a plus

Soft Skills:
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Proactive problem-solving mindset
• Ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to support off-hours or on-call rotation if needed