Azure SQL Database Administrator / Data Architect

Innovate!, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401K with match

Life insurance

PTO

Job summary

A forward-thinking consulting firm in Washington, DC seeks an Azure SQL Database Administrator / Data Architect. In this role, you will design and optimize enterprise Azure SQL geodatabases supporting critical GIS operations. Key responsibilities include managing database performance, security, and disaster recovery strategies while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates will have at least 7 years of experience in SQL Server administration, particularly with Azure SQL. The position offers competitive pay and benefits, including medical and 401K options.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience administering Microsoft SQL Server–based databases, including Azure SQL Database in production environments.
• Demonstrated experience supporting enterprise geodatabases for ArcGIS Enterprise or similar GIS platforms.
• Strong expertise in Azure SQL performance tuning, backup/restore, high availability, and disaster recovery.

Responsibilities

• Administer and manage Azure SQL Database environments used for ArcGIS Enterprise.
• Monitor and tune database performance through index management and query optimization.
• Support disaster recovery and business continuity through geo-replication/failover.

Skills

Experience with Azure SQL Database

Database performance tuning

Backup and disaster recovery

Security hardening

Incident response

Education

7+ years of experience administering Microsoft SQL Server

Tools

Azure SQL Database

ArcGIS Enterprise

ITIL

Job description

• Official Communication: All job offers and communication regarding them will arrive from email addresses ending in @innovateteam.com.
• Secure Information: We prioritize your data safety. We never request bank information via email or text. Instead, we follow a secure process through our dedicated payroll system.

Openings at Innovate! Inc

Hiring Transparency:

• Official Communication: All job offers and communication regarding them will arrive from email addresses ending in @innovateteam.com.
• Secure Information: We prioritize your data safety. We never request bank information via email or text. Instead, we follow a secure process through our dedicated payroll system.

Remember: If your communication differs from this process, it's not from Innovate.

Azure SQL Database Administrator / Data Architect

Location: Washington, DC,

Apply for this Position

Position: Azure SQL Database Administrator / Data Architect Reports To: FLSA: Exempt Location: Washington, DC, Posted: 2/9/26

Job Description

Embrace the opportunity to join Innovate! Inc. and become a valued member of our team. We are seeking driven individuals who are passionate about leveraging technology to tackle environmental challenges and drive positive change. If you thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and are eager to contribute your skills and expertise to innovative projects, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity further. Read on to learn more about how you can be part of our dynamic team.

Innovate! Inc. is seeking a highly motivated Azure SQL Database Administrator / Data Architect to join our geospatial solutions team. In this role, you will design, administer, and optimize Azure SQL–based enterprise geodatabases that support ArcGIS Enterprise and mission‑critical utility GIS operations. You will lead database performance tuning, security hardening, backup and disaster recovery planning (including cross‑region resiliency), and operational troubleshooting to ensure high availability and reliability. The role also includes collaborating with ArcGIS platform administrators, cloud engineers, and client stakeholders; managing incidents and changes through established ITSM workflows; and producing clear technical documentation and runbooks to support successful transition and ongoing operations.

We are seeking self‑starting individuals with a “Let me at it” attitude who can adapt to a fluid work environment and an occasionally demanding schedule. In return, you will be able to be part of a motivated, highly skilled team and will be able to contribute to the growth and positive direction of our company.

*Contingent upon contract being awarded*

Location: Candidates can work remotely.

Salary Range: $85000-$135000 annually

Position Status: Full Time; with benefits

Benefits include: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K with match, Life Insurance, and PTO

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administer and manage Azure SQL Database environments (production hyperscale and non‑production elastic pool) used as enterprise geodatabases for ArcGIS Enterprise.
• Configure and maintain secure database connectivity, including private endpoints, firewall rules, and role‑based access controls.
• Monitor and tune database performance through index management, statistics updates, query optimization, and capacity planning.
• Implement and manage automated backup and restore strategies, including short‑term and long‑term retention aligned with Loudoun Water’s backup policies.
• Support disaster recovery and business continuity, including geo‑replication/failover groups, restore testing, and validation of RTO/RPO objectives.
• Coordinate database changes with ArcGIS Enterprise patching and upgrade activities to ensure compatibility and minimize service disruption.
• Monitor database health and trends, proactively identifying risks or optimization opportunities and providing recommendations for improvement.
• Support GIS integrations that rely on Azure SQL, including data synchronization, outbound data feeds, and enterprise reporting workloads.
• Participate in incident response for Priority 1 and Priority 2 incidents affecting database availability or performance, including after‑hours escalation as required.
• Maintain accurate database documentation, including architecture diagrams, configuration details, backup/DR procedures, and standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate with ArcGIS Administrators, Cloud Architects, and Security Leads to ensure end‑to‑end platform stability and security.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years of experience administering Microsoft SQL Server–based databases, including Azure SQL Database in production environments.
• Demonstrated experience supporting enterprise geodatabases for ArcGIS Enterprise or similar GIS platforms.
• Strong expertise in Azure SQL performance tuning, backup/restore, high availability, and disaster recovery.
• Experience implementing secure database architectures using private endpoints, encryption at rest and in transit, and least‑privilege access.
• Familiarity with ITIL‑aligned incident, change, and problem management processes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate or equivalent certification.
• Experience with Azure SQL Hyperscale and Elastic Pools.
• Experience supporting database workloads for public‑sector or utility environments.
• Familiarity with ArcGIS versioning workflows and GIS‑related database performance considerations.
• Experience participating in security audits, compliance reviews, or penetration test remediation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT US

Innovate! Inc. is a certified woman‑owned consulting firm founded in 2002 by Lily Thomas. We provide innovative solutions to management, technology, and program challenges, with a focus on performance, integrity, and building lasting partnerships with our clients. Our team of over 100 experts includes IT and geospatial specialists, program and project management consultants, environmental scientists, and communications and outreach strategists. Our clients include federal, state, tribal, and local governments, private industry, non‑profit organizations, higher education institutions, and utilities. Recent awards we received for excellent service include the 2022 SAG Team Award and 2022 Esri Partner Conference High Potential Award.

Innovate is a fast‑paced, rapidly growing group of entrepreneurs creating a culture of excellence. Rapid advancement within our organization is not only possible but also encouraged. To view our website, visit innovateteam.com.

Innovate is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, status as a Disabled Veteran, Recently Separated Veteran, Active Duty Wartime or Campaign Badge Veteran, Armed Forces Services Medal, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or cannot access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, please contact us at [e-mail].

To learn more about Innovate’s benefits, please click here:Benefits