Database Administrator

Koch Foods; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

Life insurance policy

Weekly pay

On-the-job training

Promotional career opportunities

PPE provided

Team events and cook-outs

Job summary

Koch Foods is seeking a Database Administrator for the 1st shift onsite team in a typical office environment. You will manage SQL Server and PostgreSQL across development, test, and production, with a focus on performance, security, and reliability.

You will partner with developers and infrastructure teams, implement DR and HA solutions, automate tasks with PowerShell, Bash, and Python, and contribute to data governance and compliance efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years in SQL Server and/or PostgreSQL administration in production.
• Certifications are a plus.
• Familiarity with AI tools for query tuning, documentation, or troubleshooting is preferred.
• Strong expertise in installation, configuration, and performance optimization of SQL Server and PostgreSQL.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to resolve complex DB issues quickly.
• Meticulous data integrity, security settings, and documentation discipline.
• Ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of data security, encryption, and compliance frameworks.
• Proficiency in PowerShell, Bash, or Python for automation.
• Experience with SSIS and SSRS.
• Strong collaboration across teams and adaptability across DB platforms.
• Ownership mindset and reliability, including on-call responsiveness.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with DB features.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, upgrade, and support SQL Server and PostgreSQL in development, test, and production.
• Monitor performance, tune queries/indexes/configs to improve throughput.
• Design and validate backup, recovery, and DR strategies.
• Manage database security, permissions, encryption, and auditing.
• Plan migrations, upgrades, and patching with minimal disruption.
• Collaborate with developers on schema design, data modeling, and integration best practices.
• Implement high-availability and replication (Always On, PostgreSQL streaming).
• Create and maintain documentation for DB architecture and DR plans.
• Enforce data governance standards and retention policies.
• Respond to and resolve incidents, including off-hours support.
• Automate routine admin tasks with PowerShell, Bash, and Python.
• Capacity planning for storage/memory/compute; scalability recommendations.
• Stay informed on new DB technologies and vendor patches.
• Support audits with documentation and evidence of controls.

Skills

SQL Server Admin

PostgreSQL Admin

Scripting (PowerShell)

Scripting (Python)

Scripting (Bash)

Data security

Encryption

On-call support

Communication

Performance tuning

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Information Systems or related field

Tools

SSIS

SSRS

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

Always On Availability Groups

PostgreSQL replication tools

Job description

Requirements

Must have:

• We require a bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• We expect at least 3 years of hands-on experience administering Microsoft SQL Server and/or PostgreSQL in a production environment.
• Relevant certifications are considered an advantage.
• We prefer familiarity with AI tools such such Claude, ChatGPT, or Copilot for activities like query tuning, documentation, or troubleshooting.
• We need strong technical expertise in administering Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL, including installation, configuration, and performance optimization.
• We look for excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to resolve complex database issues quickly and effectively under pressure.
• We value a meticulous approach to data integrity, security settings, and documentation accuracy.
• We require the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• We expect a solid understanding of data security principles, encryption, and relevant compliance frameworks.
• We need proficiency in scripting languages such as PowerShell, Bash, or Python to automate maintenance and monitoring tasks.
• We value working knowledge of Microsoft ETL and reporting tools, including SSIS and SSRS.
• We look for strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across developers, infrastructure teams, and business partners.
• We seek adaptability when working across different database platforms and changing technology environments.
• We need a strong sense of ownership and reliability, including responsiveness during on-call situations.
• We value a commitment to continuous learning and staying current with database features, tools, and industry trends.
• This is an onsite role, Monday through Friday, with no remote work.

Responsibilities:

• We install, configure, upgrade, and support Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL instances across development, test, and production environments.
• We monitor database performance, identify bottlenecks early, and tune queries, indexes, and configurations to improve throughput and response times.
• We design, implement, and regularly validate backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies to protect data and maintain business continuity.
• We manage database security, including access provisioning, role-based permissions, encryption, and auditing to meet organizational and regulatory standards.
• We plan and carry out database migrations, upgrades, and patching with minimal disruption to operations.
• We partner with application developers on schema design, query optimization, data modeling, and integration best practices.
• We implement and maintain high-availability and replication solutions such as Always On Availability Groups and PostgreSQL streaming replication.
• We create and maintain documentation covering database architecture, configurations, standard operating procedures, and disaster recovery plans.
• We establish and enforce data governance standards, including naming conventions, data quality controls, and retention policies.
• We respond to and resolve database incidents, including providing off-hours support when needed.
• We automate routine administrative work using tools such as PowerShell, Bash, and Python to improve efficiency.
• We capacity-plan for storage, memory, and compute resources and recommend scaling improvements where appropriate.
• We stay informed on new database technologies, vendor patches, and industry best practices, and we recommend enhancements when beneficial.
• We support audits and compliance reviews by supplying documentation and evidence of database controls.

Company:

We are seeking a Database Administrator for our 1st shift onsite team, working Monday through Friday in a typical office environment with computers and related office equipment. In this role, we support a family-oriented company culture that includes paid time off, a 401(k) savings plan, health, dental, and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, a free $25,000 life insurance policy with optional additional coverage, a company-sponsored purchasing program, weekly pay, on-the-job training, promotional career opportunities, provided PPE, and team perks such as cook-outs, safety rewards, and giveaways. We offer a workplace focused on growth, reliability, and strong support for our employees.