SQL Database Administrator, DBA - Permanent

LRO Staffing; Southwestern Ontario; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

LRO Staffing is seeking a SQL Database Administrator for a permanent, hybrid role in Waterloo. You will ensure performance, security, and availability of SQL Server environments across Azure and on-premises to support core systems.

You will monitor, tune, back up, and implement HA/DR, collaborating with development, infrastructure, and cybersecurity teams. 3–5+ years of enterprise SQL Server experience required; Ontario-based candidates preferred.

Qualifications

• Hands-on administration of Microsoft SQL Server in a production enterprise environment.
• Strong knowledge of SQL Server internals, T-SQL, indexing strategies, and query performance tuning.
• Experience with high-availability/disaster-recovery technologies.
• Solid understanding of database security best practices including encryption, access control, and compliance relevant to insurance/financial services data.
• Experience with backup/recovery tools and job scheduling/automation platforms (e.g., SQL Server Agent, JAMS).
• Familiarity with Windows Server administration as it relates to SQL Server (2016 or later).
• Experience supporting SQL Server in cloud or hybrid environments (Azure SQL, Azure VMs, AWS RDS).
• PowerShell or scripting for automation of routine DBA tasks is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server instances across production, test, and development environments platformed in Microsoft Azure.
• Monitor database performance, tune queries, indexes, and stored procedures, and resolve performance bottlenecks.
• Design, implement, and test backup, restore, and disaster recovery strategies to meet defined RPO/RTO targets.
• Implement and maintain high-availability and replication where applicable.
• Develop and maintain automated jobs, maintenance plans, and monitoring/alerting for database health.
• Perform capacity planning and forecasting for database growth.
• Troubleshoot and resolve production incidents, including on-call support and root-cause analysis.
• Maintain documentation for database architecture, standards, procedures, and change management records.
• Support audits by providing evidence of database controls, security configurations, and change history.
• Evaluate and recommend tools, technologies, and best practices to improve reliability and efficiency.

Skills

SQL Server

T-SQL

PowerShell

SQL Server Agent

JAMS

Azure

Windows Server

Security & Compliance

Education

Post-secondary diploma or degree in Computer Science (or related field)

Tools

SQL Server Agent

JAMS

Azure SQL

Job description

SQL Database Administrator, DBA - Permanent - 19299

SQL Database Administrator, DBA - Permanent - 19299

About the Opportunity

Our client is seeking an experienced Microsoft SQL Database Administrator to join our IT team. Reporting to the Vice President, Information Technology, this role is responsible for the performance, availability, security, and integrity of SQL Server database environments, which underpin our core insurance administration and claims platforms. You will work closely with development, infrastructure, and cybersecurity teams to support ongoing initiatives including a claims system re-write, claims auto-adjudication enhancements, and a new renewals system, while ensuring our production databases remain secure, resilient, and performant. This is a replacement role.

• Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server instances across production, test, and development environments platformed in Microsoft Azure
• Monitor database performance, proactively tune queries, indexes, and stored procedures, and resolve performance bottlenecks affecting claims and administration systems
• Design, implement, and test backup, restore, and disaster recovery strategies to meet defined RPO/RTO targets for business-critical systems
• Implement and maintain high-availability and replication where applicable
• Develop and maintain automated jobs, maintenance plans, and monitoring/alerting for database health using tools such as SQL Server Agent and our batch scheduling tool (JAMS)
• Perform capacity planning and forecasting for database growth
• Troubleshoot and resolve production incidents, including participation in on-call support and root-cause analysis for database-related issues
• Maintain documentation for database architecture, standards, procedures, and change management records
• Support internal and external audits by providing evidence of database controls, security configurations, and change history
• Evaluate and recommend new tools, technologies, and best practices to continuously improve the reliability and efficiency of data platform

About You

• 3-5+ years of hands-on experience administering Microsoft SQL Server in a production enterprise environment
• Strong knowledge of SQL Server internals, T-SQL, indexing strategies, and query performance tuning
• Experience with high-availability/disaster-recovery technologies
• Solid understanding of database security best practices, including encryption, access control, and compliance considerations relevant to insurance or financial services data
• Experience with backup/recovery tools and job scheduling/automation platforms (e.g., SQL Server Agent, JAMS, or similar)
• Familiarity with Windows Server administration as it relates to SQL Server (2016 or later)
• Experience supporting SQL Server in cloud or hybrid environments (Azure SQL, Azure VMs, or AWS RDS) is an asset
• Working knowledge of PowerShell or other scripting languages for automation of routine DBA tasks is an asset
• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Microsoft certification (e.g., Azure Database Administrator Associate, or equivalent SQL Server certification) is an asset
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work independently

About the Job

• Hybrid position in Waterloo
• $110,000 to $130,000/yr DOE
• 3 days a week in the office in Waterloo
• Work for a great leader

All candidates must be permitted to work in Canada to be considered for this opportunity.