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Senior Database Administrator
Type: Contract
Duration: 1 Year (Potential for Extension)
Pay Rate: $60-70/hour
Location: Hybrid Preferred (Ideally ~10 days/month in Madison)
The Senior Database Administrator is responsible for performing and overseeing database administration and development of database systems, following best practices for development, testing, implementation, and maintenance. Additional responsibilities include providing cloud-specific expertise, including:
- Database management (SQL/NoSQL)
- Cloud platform proficiency (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Automation and scripting (Python, Shell, Terraform)
- Security and compliance
The Senior Database Administrator works closely with Enterprise Architects, Developers, System Administrators, and Security teams to ensure high availability, performance, and security of databases. Tasks assigned to this level require an in-depth understanding of business processes and solution requirements, as well as the ability to identify and foresee problems and perform analyses to recommend resolutions. The role requires adaptability in a changing, fluid environment dedicated to continuous improvement and operates under minimal supervision in a team setting.
Key Responsibilities
Database Administration
- Ensure availability and performance of all databases.
- Plan and perform maintenance functions on databases and database applications, including moves, rebuilds, backups, upgrades, and restores.
- Proactively monitor database systems to ensure secure services with minimal downtime.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to integrity, performance, blocking/deadlocking, replication, log shipping, connectivity, and security.
- Install and configure new database servers; upgrade existing servers.
- Ensure all database servers are backed up, test backups, and document disaster recovery procedures to meet Recovery Time Objectives (RTO).
- Setup and maintain PostgreSQL, SQL Server Enterprise, and DynamoDB databases.
- Provision resources on AWS using Terraform.
- Evaluate and recommend tools and methods to improve database systems management and automation.
- Implement and enforce security measures, manage access controls, and ensure data integrity and consistency.
- Apply security patches according to schedule.
- Provide trend analysis for resource management decisions.
- Maintain accountability and communication on all projects.
Production Support
- Diagnose and resolve performance issues using best practices, configuration changes, and index/query optimization.
- Document processes and train Database Administrators for maintenance and recovery.
- Troubleshoot outages and database issues for internal and external customers, including after-hours and weekends.
- Provide off-hours support for scheduled production processing and system maintenance.
- Configure monitoring utilities to minimize false alarms.
- Write, optimize, and troubleshoot Stored Procedures, Triggers, Views, Indexed Views, etc.
M&A Support
- Collaborate with teams to develop and execute plans for successful acquisition projects.
- Participate in efforts to convert and implement merged or acquired business systems.
Other Responsibilities
- Mentor and guide team members; assist with onboarding and training.
- Work as part of an Agile team and provide 24/7 support when required.
- Participate in planning, stand-ups, reviews, and retrospectives.
- Continually develop skills to remain current and relevant.
- Perform code/design reviews and follow software development lifecycle best practices.
- Actively participate in virtual team meetings.
- Perform other duties as needed.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong critical thinking, analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Understanding of high-level architecture and design concepts.
- Advanced knowledge of business and system operations, policies, and procedures.
- Working knowledge of DevOps methodologies and tools (e.g., Jenkins, Kubernetes).
Required Technical Proficiencies
- T-SQL (Microsoft SQL Server) / SQL Server Management Studio
- SQL Server monitoring tools (Profiler traces, DMV queries, sp_BlitzIndex®)
- Microsoft Visual Studio / SSIS package development
- Reporting tools (SSRS, Crystal Reports)
- SQL Availability Groups
- Terraform and CloudFormation templates in AWS
- AWS RDS PostgreSQL
Preferred Technical Proficiencies
- NoSQL administration experience
- Scripting languages (PowerShell, Bash) for automation
- Familiarity with line-of-business administration systems
- Microsoft Core Technology stack
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