SQL Server Database Administrator II

Title: SQL Server Database Administrator IILocation: Houston TX Remote (Occasionally in the office as needed. Work schedule can switch to onsite at any time.)Duration: 06+ MonthsPosition SummaryThis role blends traditional SQL Server DBA expertise with modern AI-enhanced operations, focusing on:High availability & performanceAutomation & efficiencyPredictive monitoring & analyticsCloud and hybrid data environmentsOverviewWe are seeking a mid-level Database Administrator II to help manage and support a large-scale Microsoft SQL Server environment. This role requires strong expertise in high availability, performance tuning, automation, and modern AI-driven database operations. The ideal candidate will combine traditional DBA skills with AI-assisted monitoring, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation to improve reliability and efficiency.Core Requirements5 9 years of SQL Server DBA experience managing large enterprise environmentsHands-on experience with SQL Server versions: 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012Strong analytical mindset with advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skillsWork as a team member, coordinate work and report backAbility to operate independently and act as a subject matter expert (SME)Key ResponsibilitiesSQL Server AdministrationAdminister and manage large numbers of SQL Server databases in production environmentsEnsure database availability, performance, and security compliancePerform proactive database health monitoring and capacity planningHigh Availability & Disaster RecoveryDesign and support HA/DR solutions including:Windows & SQL Server ClusteringAlways On Availability GroupsLog ShippingReplicationLeverage AI-driven anomaly detection tools to identify potential failures before they occurPerformance OptimizationPerform advanced tuning using:Execution plan analysisWait statistics and DMVsIndex optimization and query refactoringUse AI-assisted performance tools (e.g., Splunk, Fabrix.ai, Claude, Copilot) to identify performance bottlenecks and workload trendsBackup & RecoveryImplement and manage advanced backup and restore strategiesPerform disaster recovery testing and ensure SLA complianceAutomation & ScriptingDevelop and maintain scripts using:T-SQLPowerShellBuild intelligent automation frameworks for:Routine DBA tasksMonitoring and alertingSelf-healing database operationsBI & Data ServicesIndependently troubleshoot and support:SSISSSRSSSASDBAmpMonitoring & ToolsConfigure and manage tools such as:Native SQL Server toolsIdera Performance ManagerSolarWinds Database Performance AnalyzerRedhat Ansible Automation PlatformIntegrate AI-enabled monitoring platforms for:Predictive alertingRoot cause analysisAutomated incident responseCloud & Modern Data PlatformsStrong understanding of:Public cloud environments (AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform)Networking and DMZ architecturesExperience working with:Cloud-native databasesHybrid environmentsExposure to AI/ML services (Azure AI, ML pipelines, or similar) to support intelligent data operationsSecurity & ComplianceImplement database auditing and monitoring aligned with SOX controlsSupport governance using:Data classificationRole-based access controlApply AI-based anomaly detection for security threats and unusual access patternsAdditional Preferred SkillsExperience with:OraclePostgreSQLMariaDBMongoDBCosmos DBExposure to:Data engineering workflowsAI/ML data pipelinesData lake or warehouse architectureEducationBachelor s degree in:Computer ScienceMISEngineeringOr related field from an accredited institutionWhat Sets You ApartExperience with AI-driven database management or intelligent automation toolsAbility to combine traditional DBA practices with modern data and AI ecosystemsStrong ownership mindset with continuous improvement focus