Senior SQL Server Consultant (Portland)

Senior SQL Server Consultant: Part-Time, Long-Term Growth TrackLocation: Remote work, HOWEVER, you must be located in the Pacific Northwest (OR/WA) to facilitate occasional on-site collaboration in Portland, OR or at regional client sites.Type: Part-Time Contract / Independent ConsultantSchedule: Flexible, but some availability during business hours is requiredVolume: Initially 4 hours per week, increasing over time as independence is developed and additional work is acquired by the companyOn-Call: Potential for occasional future on-call coverage (low volume, highly compensated)Compensation: $100.00/hour initial rate with guaranteed annual growth to reward longevityLongevity Increase: Rate increases by $10/hour every year (for the first 7 years)COLA: Plus an annual inflation adjustment (CPI-U), capped at 3%On-Call Pay: Although on-call duty is not included in initial responsibilities, if/when it becomes necessary it will pay a stipend of $200/day (paid for availability) plus 1.5x hourly rate (minimum 1 hour) for any emergency work performed while on callRole OverviewWe are looking for an expert-level SQL Server Consultant to partner in supporting various custom systems for utility clients. This is not a standard fix-it ticket role; we need a high-level partner to:Handle complex T-SQL development, performance tuning, and database administration.Analyze existing systems and processes, troubleshoot and modify them.Develop a deep understanding of the systems (domain knowledge) allowing you to solve problems and interface with clients independently. This is not a small task, as the systems involve complex business processes and concepts which will require focused effort to understand.This role is designed to grow with the business. As you take ownership of systems and develop domain expertise supporting critical utility infrastructure, you enable the company to acquire new work, which directly fuels the longevity increases in your contract. We are looking for a long-term partner, not just a temporary contractor.Core ResponsibilitiesDatabase Administration: Manage SQL Server instances supporting critical billing and metering applications. Implement, adjust, and document various aspects of the systems such as security, permissions, database performance.T-SQL Development and Analysis: Understand, analyze, debug, and modify complex stored procedures and queries used within the custom-built applications.Application Support: Provide support for custom .NET (C#) console applications and services that feed data into the SQL environment. This will involve basic Windows Server troubleshooting requiring basic knowledge of Scheduled Tasks, Services, Event Log review, networking concepts, IIS, and .NET Core application deployment. While the primary focus is SQL Server, familiarity with the .NET ecosystem (C#, IIS, Windows Services) is critical for troubleshooting. Significant .NET development experience is not required, but the ability to read code and diagnose service failures is expected.Client Support: Answer technical queries from clients regarding data discrepancies, reports, and system logic. Develop an understanding of the business functions performed by the systems to allow independent interaction with clients, development of ad-hoc queries, etc.Documentation: Use existing documentation to assist in solving problems, update documentation where you find deficiencies. Clear communication and writing skills are essential.Future On-Call: Potential to assume paid on-call rotation (paid via stipend + premium hourly rate) for vacation coverage in the future.Key Systems You Will SupportBilling System: Complex SQL-based calculation engine for wholesale power billing.Meter Data Management: System which retrieves and stores hourly interval data from counterparties.SCADA: Custom systems which acquire high-volume interval data from various devices deployed in the field over various communications paths. The system also interfaces with counterparties via API requests (pulls) and schedules outbound API calls (pushes).QualificationsHigh Level SQL Server Skills: Deep understanding of T-SQL, stored procedures, table-valued functions, CTEs, and indexing strategies.DBA Experience: Proven ability to manage SQL Server availability, performance, and security in a production environment.Independence: This is a solo/small-team environment. You must be self-directed and comfortable working with minimal supervision. You will be expected to develop an understanding of the systems and their business functions over time.Communication: Ability to explain complex technical data issues to non-technical stakeholders (General Managers, Analysts). Ability to interpret client requests, seek assistance from primary system developers when necessary, and synthesize information to produce results for clients.Requirements8+ years of experience with Microsoft SQL Server (Dev & Admin).Deep expertise in T-SQL performance tuning and execution plan analysis.How to ApplyNO AGENCIES/RECRUITERS/OUTSOURCING FIRMS. Direct, local (OR/WA) independent candidates only.Please apply via LinkedInInclude information about your location, and current workload/availabilityInclude a brief T-SQL sample showing your preferred capitalization and indentation style. There's no wrong answer, just weeding out bots and people who don't follow instructions.