SQL Developer
SQL Developer
Requisition ID: 00138492
Organization: Sheriff's Department
Job Posting: Feb 9, 2026, 2:20:23 PM Closing Date: Feb 23, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
Full-time A.M. P.M.
Posting Salary: $102,032 annually
Cook County
Sheriff
Job Code: 7173
Job Title: SQL Developer
Salary Grade: 23
Department: Sheriff’s TechOps Bureau – Data Operations
Bargaining Unit: Not Applicable
Position Details: Civilian (non-sworn) / non-merit ranked / internal & external candidates
FLSA Status: Exempt
Probation Period: 12 Months
Designation – SEAM EE: Technical
Characteristics of the Position
General Overview
Under the direction of the Executive Director of Data Operations / Designee, the SQL Developer plays a pivotal role in spearheading the development of SQL databases and crafting applications that seamlessly interface with them. This position involves not only writing and testing robust code but also designing and implementing tables, stored procedures, views and functions, along with executing complex calculations and optimizing existing procedures through strategic use of indexing and temp tables.
The SQL developer collaborates closely with team members across Business Intelligence and Applications to create innovative database protypes that effectively validate system requirements. Additionally, the SQL Developer is responsible for producing comprehensive code documentation, providing detailed progress reports, and conducting thorough code reviews while delivering constructive feedback. This dynamic role is essential for driving the success of our data initiatives for the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Works with design, creating, and maintaining efficient SQL databases to enable departments and employees to accomplish the goals set by the Sheriff’s Office on a timely basis.
Writes efficient SQL queries to retrieve, manipulate, and analyze data which includes optimizing queries to improve performance and minimize response time.
Design, develop and maintain extract, transform, load (ETL) processes to integrate data from various sources for applications, dashboard, and reporting purposes.
Collaborates with architecture team, application development and operations to help achieve a state-of-the-art environment that meets current and future business objectives.
Develop and create scripts, triggers, stored procedures, and functions using Transact-SQL.
Create documentation for SQL code, database schema, procedures, and processes for future reference, troubleshooting, and team collaboration.
Diagnose and resolve issues related to database performance, query errors, and system failures which involves debugging SQL code and working closely with the team to ensure system stability.
Performs other related assignments and duties as directed.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strong knowledge of SQL syntax, relational database management systems, and database architecture.
Strong understanding of database normalization (reduce redundancy) and denormalization (optimize performance)
Knowledge of indexing, query execution plans, and optimization techniques for improving query performance.
Knowledge of ETL tools and techniques for data extraction, transformation, and loading.
Ability to design data models, including creating entity relationship diagrams (ERD).
Understanding software development life cycles to ensure smooth development and deployment of web-based applications.
Expertise in writing complex SQL queries, store procedures, triggers, and functions.
Strong ability to analyze and interpret data, including working with large datasets.
Skilled in designing normalized relational database schema, creating tables, relationships, and constraints.
Skilled in performance tuning, indexing, query optimization, and database maintenance.
Skilled in identifying and resolving query issues, including debugging complex queries and resolving errors in database transactions.
Strong understanding of Microsoft SQL 2016, 2022, and SQL PaaS as well as various SQL Server features including SSIS, SSRS, XML, etc.
Experience with modern API technologies (REST, SOAP, JSON, XML).
Strong leadership, project management skills, time management, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to accept responsibility, be self-governing, be proactive, and responsible for accomplishment.
Excellent customer service skills with the ability to react diplomatically and patiently to internal and external customers.
Good follow-up skills paired with the ability to multi-task and determine root causes.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to read, analyze and interpret technical procedures.
Ability to work independently under minimal supervision in stressful situations and meet deadlines.
Ability to manage multiple projects utilizing best practices based on departmental priorities.
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of a bachelor’s or higher degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field AND at least two (2) years of work experience in SQL Development, OR (5) years of full time, professional work experience in SQL Development, database design, and query optimization
Strong proficiency in writing SQL queries including complex joins, subqueries, and stored procedures.
Ability to diagnose and resolve issues related to database performance, integrity, and security, with attention to detail in data analysis and debugging.
Understanding of database normalization, schema design, and relational data modeling.
Knowledge of data extraction, transformation, and loading.
Required to be capable of working any shift assigned, including days, afternoons or midnights; must be capable of working Holidays and weekends; must be capable of working mandatory overtime, as required.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Microsoft Azure SQL Database and Amazon RDS
Strong ability to identify bottlenecks in SQL queries and optimize database performance using indexing, query optimization, and caching.
Knowledge of JSON and XML
Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python, PowerShell, and/or C#
Strong knowledge of migrating data across different platforms or from on-prem to cloud platforms.
Possession of ITIL Foundation Certification.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM): Data Platform or Business Intelligence.
The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee’s normal line of work.
**Article EE, Civilian Selection Process, of the Sheriff’s Employment Action Manual (SEAM), applies to this employment process and can be found at the following link:
https://cookcountysheriffil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SEAM-Article-EE-Civilian-Selection-Process-updated-11-15-25.pdf
Please note that there are no remote job opportunities, all positions are located onsite.
All Cook County Sheriff’s Office employees must apply on the internal employment page to be considered; the application may be accessed via the SheriffNet site on the Human Resource page.
Note: All Internal Applicants are subject to Cook County Promotional salary rules if selected.
I Certify that no Political Reasons or Factors were considered in any decision I made or action I took related to this Employment Action. Further, I do not know of or have any reason to believe that anyone else considered or took action based on Political Reasons or Factors with respect to this Employment Action.
EEO Statement
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits all unlawful discrimination in its hiring and promotional process. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office employment decisions will not be based on race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, family or parental status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
Benefits
Health Insurance Program – Health insurance coverage includes medical, dental and vision care and is available for an employee and his/her eligible dependents.
Holidays – Thirteen (13) Holidays are granted in each Fiscal Year. Employees who are active at the beginning of the fiscal year (December 1st) also qualify for a floating holiday.
Sick Leave – Granted sick leave is earned and accrued at the rate of one (1) day for each month of service and may be accumulated up to one hundred and seventy-five (175) working days.
Vacation Leave – Granted Vacation leave is earned and accrued, with employees having the opportunity to accrue fifteen (15) days within the Fiscal Year; Vacation leave accruals increase based on an employee’s anniversary date of employment.
Life Insurance – Basic term life insurance, equal to one (1) time the employee’s annual salary, is offered to every employee at no cost and the employee may elect to purchase supplemental coverage.
Pension Plan – Employees contribute into the Cook County Pension Fund and earn a prescribed percentage for each year of service; employees may be eligible for an annual annuity after ten (10) years of service and upon reaching a certain age based on when the employee started employment.
Deferred Compensation Program – Employees may elect to enroll in a deferred compensation plan, a tax deferred plan which may be used as a supplemental retirement option.
The 2025 Cook County Employee Benefits Overview can be viewed at:
https://www.cookcountyil.gov/sites/g/files/ywwepo161/files/documents/2025-09/OE26.Employee Benefits Overview (EBO)_County.pdf
Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace
It is the policy of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office to provide a drug- and alcohol-free workplace for all members.
It is imperative that all Sheriff’s Office members are capable of devoting constant and uninterrupted attention to the performance of all assigned duties without risk to safety and security for themselves, other members, or the public. To ensure the goals of this policy are met, all Sheriff’s Office members shall be subject to drug and alcohol testing, whether mandatory, random, or based on reasonable suspicion.
*Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. *
This position requires successful completion of post-offer tests, which may include a background check, drug screen and/or medical examination. Falsification of any information in the application process will result in disqualification and ineligible for appointment to, or employment in, a position in the County service for a period of five years. For current Cook County Sheriff’s employees, such falsification may result in discipline, up to and including termination, and ineligible for appointment to or employment in a position in the County service for a period of five years. See Cook County Code of Ordinances, Article II, Sections 44-54 Unlawful Practices Relating to Employees and Employment - Penalty, 44-56 Political Discrimination; Cook County Employment Plan, Section V.N. Pre-Interview License and Certification Verification; Supplemental Policy No. 2014-2.13 Ineligible for Rehire List; and Cook County Personnel Rules 3.3(b) (7) (8) (18).
Sheriff’s Employment Action Manual (SEAM)
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office hiring process is governed by the Sheriff’s Employment Action Manual (SEAM) which prohibits employment actions from being influenced by any Political Reasons or Factors for Non-Exempt Positions. Cook County Sheriff’s officials and employees who become aware of or receive a complaint that involves an allegation of Political Reasons or Factors being considered in the hiring process of Non-Exempt positions are obligated to refer the complaint to the Cook County Sheriff’s Director of Compliance. If the Cook County Sheriff’s Director of Compliance sustains allegations of Political Reasons or Factors being considered, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office will disqualify the Applicant or Candidate from consideration for employment and disciplinary action will be imposed on any involved Cook County employees, if applicable.”
The advertisement of this position by any individual does not constitute an offer or promise of employment, promotion, or any other employment action and shall not influence the Cook County Sheriff’s Office hiring decision.