SQL Server Database Administrator

SQL Server Database Administrator Houston, TX (100% on-site) Duration: initial 6-month contract (W2, not eligible for C2C) Pay: $86-91/hr We are seeking an experienced SQL Server Database Administrator to support enterprise-scale database environments across both on-premises infrastructure and cloud platforms. This role requires strong expertise in Microsoft SQL Server along with hands-on experience administering open-source databases such as PostgreSQL or MongoDB. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced enterprise environment and have experience with high availability, automation, cloud technologies, and database performance optimization. ResponsibilitiesDatabase AdministrationManage SQL Server databases across development, testing, production, and disaster recovery environments.Install, configure, patch, upgrade, and maintain SQL Server instances following established standards.Administer PostgreSQL databases; experience with MongoDB or other database platforms is a plus.Perform database backups, restores, disaster recovery testing, and ongoing capacity planning.Monitor database health, availability, and overall system performance.Performance & High AvailabilityTroubleshoot database performance, blocking, connectivity, and integrity issues.Support high availability and disaster recovery technologies including Always On Availability Groups, Distributed Availability Groups, and failover clustering.Partner with infrastructure and application teams to maintain secure, reliable, and scalable database environments.Automation & CloudDevelop and maintain automation using T-SQL, PowerShell, Python, Ansible, or similar tools.Support database deployments across Azure and AWS environments.Participate in CI/CD pipelines and DevOps initiatives to improve database deployment and operational efficiency.Operational SupportManage incidents, service requests, and change requests through an enterprise ticketing system.Provide production support during deployments and critical operational events.Contribute to database architecture discussions, operational standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.Required Qualifications5+ years of hands-on experience as a Microsoft SQL Server DBA.Strong experience supporting SQL Server 2016-2022 (newer versions are a plus).Experience administering PostgreSQL or MongoDB in production environments.Experience supporting Azure and AWS database environments.Knowledge of SQL Server high availability technologies including Always On Availability Groups.Experience supporting SQL Server within VMware or other virtualized environments.Strong scripting skills with T-SQL and PowerShell; Python or Ansible experience is preferred.Preferred QualificationsExperience working in regulated or SOX-compliant environments.Background in DevOps, automation, or infrastructure-as-code.Experience supporting high-volume enterprise applications.Familiarity with monitoring platforms such as SolarWinds, Idera, Dynatrace, or Grafana.Experience with additional database platforms, including Snowflake or other open-source databases....