Title: SQL Server Database Administrator II
Location: Houston TX Remote (Occasionally in the office as needed. Work schedule can switch to onsite at any time.)
Duration: 06+ Months
Position Summary:
This role blends traditional SQL Server DBA expertise with modern AI-enhanced operations, focusing on:
- High availability & performance
- Automation & efficiency
- Predictive monitoring & analytics
- Cloud and hybrid data environments
Overview
We are seeking a mid-level Database Administrator II to help manage and support a large-scale Microsoft SQL Server environment. This role requires strong expertise in high availability, performance tuning, automation, and modern AI-driven database operations. The ideal candidate will combine traditional DBA skills with AI-assisted monitoring, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation to improve reliability and efficiency.
Core Requirements
- 5 9 years of SQL Server DBA experience managing large enterprise environments
- Hands-on experience with SQL Server versions: 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012
- Strong analytical mindset with advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Work as a team member, coordinate work and report back
- Ability to operate independently and act as a subject matter expert (SME)
Key Responsibilities
SQL Server Administration
- Administer and manage large numbers of SQL Server databases in production environments
- Ensure database availability, performance, and security compliance
- Perform proactive database health monitoring and capacity planning
High Availability & Disaster Recovery
- Design and support HA/DR solutions including:
- Windows & SQL Server Clustering
- Always On Availability Groups
- Log Shipping
- Replication
- Leverage AI-driven anomaly detection tools to identify potential failures before they occur
Performance Optimization
- Perform advanced tuning using:
- Execution plan analysis
- Wait statistics and DMVs
- Index optimization and query refactoring
- Use AI-assisted performance tools (e.g., Splunk, Fabrix.ai, Claude, Copilot) to identify performance bottlenecks and workload trends
Backup & Recovery
- Implement and manage advanced backup and restore strategies
- Perform disaster recovery testing and ensure SLA compliance
Automation & Scripting
- Develop and maintain scripts using:
- T-SQL
- PowerShell
- Build intelligent automation frameworks for:
- Routine DBA tasks
- Monitoring and alerting
- Self-healing database operations
BI & Data Services
- Independently troubleshoot and support:
- SSIS
- SSRS
- SSAS
- DBAmp
Monitoring & Tools
- Configure and manage tools such as:
- Native SQL Server tools
- Idera Performance Manager
- SolarWinds Database Performance Analyzer
- Redhat Ansible Automation Platform
- Integrate AI-enabled monitoring platforms for:
- Predictive alerting
- Root cause analysis
- Automated incident response
Cloud & Modern Data Platforms
- Strong understanding of:
- Public cloud environments (AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform)
- Networking and DMZ architectures
- Experience working with:
- Cloud-native databases
- Hybrid environments
- Exposure to AI/ML services (Azure AI, ML pipelines, or similar) to support intelligent data operations
Security & Compliance
- Implement database auditing and monitoring aligned with SOX controls
- Support governance using:
- Data classification
- Role-based access control
- Apply AI-based anomaly detection for security threats and unusual access patterns
Additional Preferred Skills
- Experience with:
- Oracle
- PostgreSQL
- MariaDB
- MongoDB
- Cosmos DB
- Exposure to:
- Data engineering workflows
- AI/ML data pipelines
- Data lake or warehouse architecture
Education
- Bachelor s degree in:
- Computer Science
- MIS
- Engineering
- Or related field from an accredited institution
What Sets You Apart
- Experience with AI-driven database management or intelligent automation tools
- Ability to combine traditional DBA practices with modern data and AI ecosystems
- Strong ownership mindset with continuous improvement focus