SQL Server DBA

W2 Position -SQL Server DBAOpen for non local who can relocate from day 1Location - Minneapolis, MN - Hybrid 2-3 days a weekDuration - 6 month contract with long term extension Job Summary:We are seeking an experienced Microsoft SQL Server Database Administrator (DBA) to manage, maintain, and optimize our SQL Server environments. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in database upgrades, patching, and performance tuning, along with experience in SSIS and SSAS. This role will also play a key part in modernizing our data platform by supporting the transition of Microsoft SQL Server-based applications to PostgreSQL.Key ResponsibilitiesSQL Server Administration (5+ years)Hands-on experience managing SQL Server 2016+ environments in productionStrong ownership of upgrades, patching, and lifecycle managementPerformance Tuning & OptimizationDeep experience with query tuning, indexing strategies, and execution plan analysisAbility to diagnose and resolve CPU, memory, and I/O bottlenecksBackup, Recovery & High AvailabilityProven experience implementing and managing:Backup/restore strategiesDisaster recovery planning and testingExperience with at least one HA solution:Always On Availability Groups, clustering, or replicationTroubleshooting & Production SupportStrong experience resolving critical production issues with minimal downtimeAbility to perform root cause analysis and implement preventative fixesSQL Server Integration (SSIS)Hands-on experience supporting and modifying SSIS packagesAbility to troubleshoot ETL failures and optimize data pipelinesDatabase Migration ExperienceExperience participating in database migration projects (schema, data, or platform)Required (Role-Specific Priority)SQL Server → PostgreSQL Migration ExposureExperience analyzing schemas, stored procedures, and dependencies for migrationUnderstanding of data type mapping, query conversion, and performance considerationsAbility to support data validation and cutover activitiesPreferred Skills:PostgreSQLHands-on experience with PostgreSQL administration OR active migration projectsAutomation & ScriptingExperience with PowerShell and/or advanced T-SQL scripting for automationExposure to job scheduling and monitoring automationSSAS / Analytics SupportExperience supporting SSAS models or reporting workloads(Clarify if this is maintenance vs development-heavy)Cloud ExposureFamiliarity with Azure SQL, AWS RDS, or cloud-based database servicesNice to Have:Exposure to database modernization initiativesUnderstanding of data modeling concepts and ETL design best practicesFamiliarity with CI/CD pipelines for database deploymentsnd CI/CD pipelines for database deployments