Database Administrator

First Financial Bancshares, Inc.; Abilene, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

First Financial Bancshares, Inc. in Abilene, Texas is seeking a Database Administrator II to independently administer, maintain, and optimize Microsoft SQL Server databases in enterprise environments.

You will ensure database security, performance, availability, and recoverability while contributing to automation and operational improvements. The role involves backup and recovery planning, high availability and disaster recovery implementations, and collaboration with storage teams.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in IT or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years administering Microsoft SQL Server databases.
• Experience with backups, restores, recovery models, and performance tuning.
• Experience with Windows Server environments.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Administer SQL Server databases including install, config, patching, and lifecycle management.
• Monitor and tune database performance using native tools and monitoring platforms.
• Develop and maintain backup, restore, and recovery strategies.
• Manage security, roles, and auditing to support least-privilege access.
• Collaborate on cloud SQL configurations and on-call support.
• Document runbooks and participate in change management.

Skills

SQL Server

PowerShell

T-SQL

Windows Server

Backup & Recovery

Performance Tuning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree

Tools

VMware

Job description

Address We’re always looking for bright individuals to join our growing organization. As a part of the First Financial Family, we will invest in your development and provide a dynamic work environment where you’re challenged, valued and empowered every day. We strive to be the best destination for the industry’s top talent, creating a diverse, collaborative workplace that celebrates innovation and change. We are one team, working together to get things done.

Job Description

Office Location: Abilene, Texas, United States. *This is an in-office position in Abilene, Texas.

SCOPE

The Database Administrator II (DBA II) is responsible for independently administering, maintaining, and optimizing Microsoft SQL Server databases in enterprise environments. This role ensures database security, performance, availability, and recoverability while contributing to operational improvements and automation initiatives. The DBA II serves as a key operational resource and escalation point for database-related issues.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Administer Microsoft SQL Server databases including installation, configuration, patching, and lifecycle management.
• Monitor and tune database performance using native SQL Server tools and monitoring platforms.
• Design, implement, and maintain backup, restore, and recovery strategies aligned with recovery objectives.
• Manage database security, roles, permissions, and auditing to support compliance and least-privilege access.
• Manage Cloud SQL configuration, collaborating with teams to manage cloud-based databases focusing on performance and scalability.
• Troubleshoot and resolve database performance, integrity, and availability issues.
• Implement and support high availability and disaster recovery solutions such as clustering, log shipping, or replication.
• Collaborate with storage teams to optimize disk layouts, I/O performance, and capacity planning.
• Develop and maintain automation using PowerShell, T-SQL, or vendor tooling to improve efficiency.
• Execute database changes and support application deployments following change management practices.
• Maintain detailed documentation, runbooks, and operational procedures.
• Participate in on-call rotations and after-hours support as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years of experience administering Microsoft SQL Server databases.
• Proven experience with backups, restores, recovery models, and performance tuning.
• Working knowledge of SQL Server high availability and disaster recovery technologies.
• Experience administering databases in Windows Server environments.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting enterprise or regulated environments.
• Hands-on experience with VMware or other virtualization platforms.
• Intermediate scripting experience using PowerShell or T-SQL.
• Experience with operational automation and standardized deployment processes.
• Microsoft SQL Server or related infrastructure certifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

What Makes Us Unique?

You. Since 1890, First Financial has been serving the financial needs of customers in every neighborhood, just like yours. Not just through good times, but during difficult years too. We survived the Great Depression, the collapse of the Texas economy in the 1980s, and the Great Recession. Throughout it all, we remain a place of stability and trust for our customers. While other banks have come and gone, First Financial continues to grow through acquisitions, new branches, and the expansion of our services. It goes without saying, First Financial is not your everyday bank. Our 'One Bank, Multiple Regions' concept combines the best of 'Big Bank' customer benefits with the local decision making and involvement of a community bank. The Company includes multiple banking regions with 79 convenient locations throughout Texas, and we offer convenient banking options with a local, personal touch. And because we’re one bank, you can visit any of our locations and receive the same friendly service. Much of our success comes from the lifelong relationships we’ve built with people just like you. Providing excellent customer service and education is the focus of everything we do. Our customer education includes training to understand how to improve credit, apply for a home loan, and utilize our products and services. Every day we’re here to help you make sound financial decisions. And don’t be surprised if you step through the door and see a familiar face. Many of our employees are leaders in the community. After all, being involved with the community is an important part of who we are. Discover for yourself how at First Financial, it’s You First.