Windows Server & SQL Administrator

Windows Server & SQL Server AdministratorLocation: Onsite – Houston, TX 77002 (5 days/week)Compensation: $60–$70/hour W-2We are seeking a hands-on Windows Server & SQL Server Administrator to support and maintain enterprise infrastructure and database environments. This role is ideal for an experienced systems administrator who is equally comfortable working in Windows Server infrastructure and Microsoft SQL Server environments, including installations, troubleshooting, performance tuning, and lifecycle management.You will be responsible for ensuring server and database stability, availability, security, and performance across physical and virtual environments. This includes building new systems, supporting production environments, and resolving complex infrastructure and database issues.Key ResponsibilitiesWindows Server AdministrationInstall, configure, maintain, and decommission Windows Server 2016/2019/2022 systemsAdminister Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, file services, and PKI infrastructurePerform server patching, upgrades, vulnerability remediation, and system hardeningMonitor server health, performance, and capacity across enterprise environmentsTroubleshoot OS-level, application, and infrastructure issues in production environmentsSupport backup, recovery, and disaster recovery operationsVirtualization & InfrastructureBuild, configure, and manage virtual machines in VMware vSphere and/or Hyper-VManage compute, storage, and network resources for Windows-based workloadsSupport server provisioning, migrations, and lifecycle managementMicrosoft SQL Server Administration (Core Focus)Install, configure, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server instances (on-prem and virtual)Perform SQL Server backups, restores, and database recovery operationsSupport database cloning, refreshes, and migration activities between environmentsExecute SQL Server patching, upgrades, and performance tuningTroubleshoot database performance issues, blocking, connectivity, and job failuresManage SQL security including users, roles, permissions, and access controlPartner with application teams on database connectivity and deployment supportAutomation, Scripting & DocumentationDevelop and maintain PowerShell scripts to automate administrative tasksCreate and update technical documentation, build standards, and operational proceduresSupport continuous improvement of server and database administration practicesRequired Qualifications3+ years of Windows Server administration experience (2016/2019/2022)Strong hands-on experience with Microsoft SQL Server administrationExperience with Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and file servicesExperience with VMware vSphere and/or Microsoft Hyper-VBasic PowerShell scripting experienceStrong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skillsExcellent communication and documentation abilitiesPreferred ExperienceMicrosoft Windows Server or SQL Server certificationsExperience in enterprise or regulated environmentsExposure to Azure IaaS / hybrid cloud infrastructureExperience supporting enterprise applications running on Windows Server