L1 Database Operations Engineer (Oracle & SQL Server)

Gruve; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Gruve is seeking an L1 System Administrator to support day-to-day Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server operations. You will monitor databases, triage alerts, perform health checks, validate backups, and escalate issues to L2/L3 following approved runbooks.

The role supports a 24x7, follow-the-sun model across APAC, EMEA, and NLAM. Ideal candidates have 1–3 years of relational database experience, basic SQL skills, knowledge of RMAN/SSMS, and familiarity with ITSM tools like ServiceNow.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience with Oracle and/or SQL Server databases.
• Familiarity with database availability, logs, tablespace utilization and scheduled jobs.
• Basic SQL knowledge and ability to run simple health checks.
• Understanding of backup status, job monitoring and incident escalation.

Responsibilities

• Monitor Oracle and SQL Server availability and health indicators.
• Triage alerts, validate jobs and backups, and escalate to L2/L3 per runbooks.
• Log incidents in ITSM tools and maintain documentation.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams for timely incident resolution.
• Support 24x7 shift-based operations and handovers according to SLAs.

Skills

Relational DBs

Oracle

SQL Server

Database monitoring

ITIL/ITSM

ServiceNow

Runbooks

Shift work

Tools

Oracle Enterprise Manager

SSMS

RMAN

ServiceNow

Job description

About Gruve

Gruve is an innovative software services startup dedicated to transforming enterprises to AI powerhouses. We specialize in cybersecurity, customer experience, cloud infrastructure, and advanced technologies such as Large Language Models (LLMs). Our mission is to assist our customers in their business strategies utilizing their data to make more intelligent decisions. As a well-funded early-stage startup, Gruve offers a dynamic environment with strong customer and partner networks.

Position summary:

We are looking for a proactive L1 System Administrator to support day-to-day Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server database operations. The role is responsible for database monitoring, alert triage, routine health checks, job and backup status validation, incident logging and timely escalation to L2/L3 teams. The administrator will follow approved runbooks to support database availability and operational SLA compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

Oracle Database Operations

• Monitor Oracle database availability, alerts and monitoring dashboards.
• Perform routine checks on database status, tablespace utilization and alert logs using approved procedures.
• Monitor scheduled jobs and RMAN backup status.
• Identify database connectivity issues, space alerts and failed jobs.
• Collect relevant logs and diagnostic information and escalation unresolved issues to L2.

Microsoft SQL Server Operations

• Monitor SQL Server availability, alerts and database health indicators.
• Check SQL Agent job status, database space utilization and error logs.
• Identify failed jobs, backup failures, connectivity issues and capacity alerts.
• Perform basic health checks using approved tools and runbooks.
• Escalate unresolved database issues to L2 with relevant error details and timestamps.

Operations & Service Management

• Log, categorize, prioritize and track incidents in ServiceNow or equivalent ITSM tools.
• Perform initial troubleshooting using approved runbooks and standard operating procedures.
• Escalate critical alerts and unresolved incidents within defined SLAs.
• Support backup status reporting, routine health checks and scheduled maintenance validation.
• Maintain incident records, operational checklists and shift handover documentation.
• Coordinate with L2/L3, Application, Server, Storage/Backup and Infrastructure teams.
• Follow ITIL Incident, Change and Request Management processes.
• Ensure effective APAC–EMEA–NLAM shift handovers and uninterrupted 24x7 support.

Required Skills:

• 1-3 years basic understanding of relational databases and Oracle and/or SQL Server.
• Familiarity with database availability, logs, tablespace or disk utilization and scheduled jobs.
• Basic SQL knowledge and ability to perform simple queries or health checks where authorized.
• Understanding of database backup status, job monitoring and incident escalation.
• Familiarity with monitoring tools and ServiceNow or equivalent ITSM platforms.
• Understanding of incident management, SLA compliance and escalation procedures.
• Good communication, documentation and shift handover skills.
• Ability to follow runbooks and operational checklists accurately.
• Willingness to work in rotational shifts in a 24x7 production support environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Exposure to Oracle Enterprise Manager, SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or equivalent tools.
• Basic knowledge of RMAN and SQL Server backup concepts.
• Understanding of database high availability and disaster recovery fundamentals.
• Basic SQL scripting or command-line knowledge.

Location / Support Model

Global 24x7x365 support across APAC, EMEA and NLAM, working in a rotational shift-based, follow-the-sun operating model.

Why Gruve

At Gruve, we foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work. If you’re passionate about technology and eager to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Gruve is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and thank all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.