SQL Server Database Administrator

Job Title: SQL Server Database Administrator - 01-5265**NO CTC- Please do not apply if you can't work directly for usMust be Local or willing to relocate from day one. Alternate weeks in Richmond VA office; other week remote. (5 days in office, 5 days remote, repeating). No 100% remoteKnowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experiences:The successful candidate will have 10+ years of hands-on experience as a SQL Server DBA and PostgreSQL DBA, with a strong focus on database performance monitoring, query optimization, and backup and recovery operations in enterprise environments. The candidate will demonstrate deep knowledge of SQL Server and PostgreSQL internals and best practices to ensure availability, performance, and data protection.The candidate will have direct experience with the following:Enterprise-level SQL Server and PostgreSQL DBA experience on Windows and Linux operating systems, supporting production environmentsStrong expertise in database performance monitoring and tuning across SQL Server and PostgreSQL, including:o Identifying and resolving blocking, deadlocks (SQL Server), and lock contention (PostgreSQL)o Analyzing execution plans (SQL Server) and EXPLAIN/EXPLAIN ANALYZE output (PostgreSQL)o Monitoring CPU, memory, disk I/O, wait statistics (SQL Server), and PostgreSQL metrics such as WAL activity, checkpoints, and vacuum processesAdvanced experience managing backup and restore strategies, including:o SQL Server: full, differential, and transaction log backupso PostgreSQL: logical and physical backups using pg_dump, pg_basebackup, and WAL archivingo Restore testing and point-in-time recovery (PITR) for both platformso Disaster recovery readiness and validationSolid understanding of database internal architecture, including:o SQL Server: memory management, indexing, locking, and transaction logging o PostgreSQL: MVCC (Multi-Version Concurrency Control), autovacuum, indexing strategies, and WAL (Write-Ahead Logging)o SQL Server: Availability Groups, replication, log shipping o PostgreSQL: streaming replication, logical replication, failover clustering solutions (e.g., Patroni, repmgr)SQL Server administration experience with SQL Server 2012 and above and PostgreSQL 11+ (or newer versions)Hands-on experience with installation, upgrades, patching, and maintenance for both SQL Server and PostgreSQLExperience managing High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HA/DR) solutions such as:Ability to write and optimize T-SQL and PostgreSQL (PL/pgSQL) queries for troubleshooting and performance analysisScripting experience (PowerShell, Bash, or Python) to automate routine DBA tasks such as monitoring, maintenance, and reportingExperience supporting databases hosted on Azure, cloud platforms (e.g., Azure Database for PostgreSQL, AWS RDS), and on-prem environmentsHigh Level Project Overview / ResponsibilitiesProvide day-to-day operational support for multiple SQL Server and PostgreSQL databases across Azure, Linux, and Windows environmentsMonitor database health and performance, proactively identifying and resolving performance issues at the database and query level across both platformsPerform query analysis and tuning to support application performance and stability for SQL Server and PostgreSQL workloadsDesign, implement, and maintain robust backup and recovery solutions, ensuring data integrity and recoverability across both systemsExecute database restores for production support, testing, and disaster recovery scenariosSupport and maintain HA/DR configurations, ensuring high availability and minimal downtime for both SQL Server and PostgreSQLUtilize monitoring tools (e.g., Spotlight, native PostgreSQL tools, pgAdmin, or third-party monitoring platforms) to track performance trends and respond to alertsPerform database patching, upgrades, and maintenance activitiesCollaborate with application teams and business units to troubleshoot complex database-related issuesParticipate in a 24x7 on-call rotation supporting a large enterprise database environmentEnsure compliance with security, audit, and regulatory requirementsWork independently on DBA tasks while also contributing effectively as part of a teamMaintain high standards of accuracy, documentation, and attention to detailCommunicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders, both verbally and in writingRequired Years of Experience:Minimum of 10+ years of directly related experienceRequired Education:Minimum of High School Diploma or equivalencyIdeal experience?Preference for prior experience in a regulated industryLocation = Richmond VA (parking not provided)Rate = $47-$54/hr a W2 contractLength = 1+ Years W2 Contract - Possible long term/extension for the right candidate