Database Jobs in Thornton, CO

Job Description

Job Description

Our mission is to create the Experience of a Lifetime for our employees, so they can, in turn, create the Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. We own and operate the most renowned destination resorts in the world as well as regional and local ski areas outside major cities, and connect them all through one unrivaled network. We are looking for ambitious leaders, innovators and creators to join our talented team. If you’re ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you!

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Principal Analyst, Database Administrator to lead the management, optimization, and strategic direction of our on-prem and cloud-based database systems. This individual will be responsible for ensuring the availability, performance, security, and compliance of our SQL Server and Azure SQL environments, while also playing a key advisory role in architecture decisions, automation initiatives, and disaster recovery planning. The ideal candidate is technically deep, highly vigilant, compliance-conscious, and capable of guiding both day-to-day operations and long-term database strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer, optimize, and secure Azure SQL environments including resource sizing, cost estimation, geo-redundancy, and infrastructure management.
• Ensure high performance and availability of SQL Server instances through expert-level performance tuning, proactive monitoring, and query optimization.
• Maintain and monitor shared SQL clusters, performing regular checks on system health, logs, and performance, with strong knowledge of Windows Failover Clustering and Always On Availability Groups.
• Troubleshoot complex SQL issues using both diagnostic tools and a deep investigative approach—balancing data-driven analysis with experience-based intuition.
• Maintain SOX, PCI, and CIS compliance across all database environments, including review and documentation of permission changes on SOX-scoped servers.
• Lead the tracking and planning of SQL Server licensing, maintaining core counts, updating inventories, and preparing for transitions such as Azure SQL ARC Licensing.
• Actively participate in architecture and project planning meetings, providing trusted consultation and ensuring database decisions align with long-term goals.
• Drive automation initiatives using tools like Octopus Deploy and Terraform to streamline deployments, patching, and server maintenance.
• Build and support a variety of applications on Microsoft Windows Server Operating systems on Physical and Virtual servers.
• Support and maintain various internal web-based applications and services built on platforms including Microsoft Windows Server, IIS, .Net, etc.
• Lead disaster recovery strategy development and testing, ensuring critical systems are protected against data loss and outages, including ransomware scenarios.
• Set and enforce database standards, best practices, and documentation, supporting internal development teams and mentoring junior DBAs.
• Remain vigilant and communicative, questioning assumptions and researching deeply to make informed, strategic decisions that improve reliability and security.

Job Qualifications :

5+ years of Microsoft SQL Server administration, including experience with :

3+ years of Windows Server administration, including experience with :

Preferred skills :

Attributes for Success

The expected Total Compensation for this role is $103,596 - $140,119 + annual bonus. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

Job Benefits

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus :

Vail Resorts offers a ‘Hybrid’ work environment for Broomfield-based roles where employees must live within 50 miles of the Broomfield office and work on-site Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and have flexibility to work off-site on Mondays and Fridays.

Please note that the ability to work in person or off-site, and the particulars related to such work, are subject to change at any time; and, accordingly, the Company reserves the right to change its policies and / or require in-person / in-office work or off-site work at any time in its sole discretion.

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and / or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID  508658

Reference Date :  05 / 24 / 2025

Job Code Function :  Applications