SQL Database Administrator

Experienced SQL DBA to play a crucial role in building, setting up, and migrating our critical SQL Server databases to a new server environment, with a significant focus on leveraging the Azure cloud platform for Disaster Recovery (DR). The primary objective of this role will be to ensure the new database infrastructure is optimally configured for DR and high availability within the Azure ecosystem. The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of database administration, including installation, configuration, performance tuning, security, backup and recovery strategies, and implementing robust DR solutions utilizing Azure services. This position requires a strong understanding of SQL Server architecture, Azure DR capabilities, and migration methodologies to the Azure environment.

Responsibilities :

• Database Build and Setup (On-Premise and Azure) : Plan and execute the installation and configuration of new SQL Server instances and databases on both on-premise and potentially Azure-based infrastructure.
• Define and implement optimal database configurations, including storage, memory, and other relevant parameters, ensuring performance and scalability across both environments.
• Collaborate with infrastructure and application teams to understand database requirements and design appropriate hybrid or cloud-native solutions.
• Database Migration to New Server Environment (with Azure DR Focus) : Plan and execute the migration of existing SQL Server databases from source servers to the new environment, strategically considering Azure for DR implementation.
• Utilize appropriate migration tools and techniques, including Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) or native SQL Server tools, ensuring data integrity and consistency.
• Troubleshoot and resolve any issues encountered during the migration process.
• Disaster Recovery (DR) Implementation and Configuration in Azure : Design, implement, and configure robust Disaster Recovery solutions for the SQL Server environment leveraging Azure services , including but not limited to :
• Azure SQL Database Geo-Replication and Auto-failover Groups.
• Azure Site Recovery (ASR) for SQL Server VMs.
• Hybrid DR strategies utilizing on-premise and Azure resources.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive DR documentation specific to the Azure environment, including failover and failback procedures.
• Plan and execute regular DR drills and testing within the Azure environment to validate the effectiveness of the implemented solutions and identify areas for improvement.
• Performance Tuning and Optimization (On-Premise and Azure) : Monitor database performance across both on-premise and Azure SQL Server instances and identify bottlenecks.
• Implement performance tuning techniques, including query optimization, index management, and server / service configuration adjustments specific to each environment.
• Proactively identify and resolve performance issues to ensure optimal database responsiveness.
• Backup and Recovery (On-Premise and Azure) : Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive backup and recovery strategies for both on-premise SQL Server and Azure SQL Database, meeting Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs).
• Leverage Azure Backup for SQL Server and understand native backup capabilities within Azure SQL Database.
• Regularly test backup and recovery procedures to ensure data can be restored efficiently and effectively in both environments.
• Security (On-Premise and Azure) : Implement and maintain database security measures across both environments, including user access control, permissions management, and data encryption (including Azure SQL Database TDE).
• Ensure compliance with relevant security policies and standards, including Azure Security Center recommendations.
• Regularly audit database security configurations in both on-premise and Azure.
• Monitoring and Maintenance (On-Premise and Azure) : Implement and configure database monitoring tools (including Azure Monitor) to proactively identify and address potential issues in both environments.
• Perform regular database maintenance tasks, including index defragmentation, statistics updates, and health checks specific to on-premise SQL Server and Azure SQL Database.
• Troubleshoot and resolve database-related incidents and problems in a timely manner across both environments.
• Documentation (Hybrid / Cloud Focused) : Create and maintain clear and concise documentation for database configurations, DR procedures in Azure, migration steps to the new environment, and troubleshooting guides for both on-premise and Azure.
• Collaboration (Cloud Integration) : Work closely with application development teams, system administrators, and network engineers on both on-premise and Azure infrastructure to ensure seamless integration of database services.
• Participate in project planning and provide technical expertise related to SQL Server, Azure, and DR.

Qualifications :