MS SQL Server / Azure DBA - Contract - Remote - 1 year +

Resource 1, Inc.; Town of Texas (WI); Remote; USD 103,320 - 123,984; Full time

Job summary

A leading IT consultancy firm is looking for an experienced MS SQL Server / Azure DBA for a 1-year contract. This fully remote position involves managing day-to-day operations, supporting mission-critical databases, and providing guidance on database best practices. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in MS SQL Server, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to maintain performance and security in a 24/7 environment.

Qualifications

• Strong experience with MS SQL Server including administration and monitoring.
• Hands-on experience with Always On Availability Groups.
• Proficient in performance tuning and query optimization.

Responsibilities

• Monitor SQL Server databases in an Always On environment.
• Manage transactional replication between Always On systems.
• Analyze and optimize slow-running queries and database jobs.

Skills

MS SQL Server

Always On Availability Groups

Performance tuning

Transactional replication

Patching and maintenance in 24x7 production environments

Job description

MS SQL Server / Azure DBA - Contract - Remote - 1 year +

Base pay range

$75.00/hr - $90.00/hr

Resource 1 is seeking an experienced SQL Server DBA for a 1-year contract with our client who has recently migrated most of their SQL Server databases to Azure VM. This role is 100% remote and requires a collaborative professional who can work with the existing DBA to manage day‑to‑day operations, support mission‑critical databases (including off‑hours support), and provide guidance on database best practices. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in MS SQL Server, strong problem‑solving skills, and a proactive approach to performance, availability, and security in a 24x7 environment.

Database Monitoring & Availability

• Monitor SQL Server databases in an Always On environment using tools like Idera and Nagios.
• Diagnose and resolve issues with Availability Group (AG) health and related replication or failover challenges.
• Identify and resolve long‑running processes that are consuming excessive CPU or resources.

Database Replication

• Manage transactional replication between Always On systems.
• Ensure replication processes are healthy, performant, and reliable.

Performance Tuning

• Analyze and optimize slow‑running queries, stored procedures, and database jobs.
• Optimize backups, restores, and other scheduled maintenance tasks.

Patching & Maintenance

• Apply MS SQL Server and Windows patches in a 24x7 production environment.
• Ensure database systems remain up‑to‑date, secure, and compliant with organizational standards.
• Execute development and test database refreshes from production backups.
• Maintain consistency and data integrity across environments.

Best Practices

• Provide guidance on SQL Server best practices, processes, architecture improvements and potentially a future migration to MI (Managed Instance).

Qualifications

• Strong experience with MS SQL Server, including administration, monitoring, and tuning.
• Hands‑on experience with Always On Availability Groups and troubleshooting replication issues.
• Proficient in performance tuning, query optimization, and resource management.
• Experience with transactional replication.
• Proven ability to manage patching and maintenance in 24x7 production environments.
• Experience performing database refreshes for development or test environments.
• Familiarity with backup, restore, and disaster recovery strategies.
• Willingness to participate in non‑business hour support for critical events.

Pluses

• Experience implementing or advising on SQL Server best practices
• Migrating from on‑prem SQL Server to Azure VM to MI (Managed Instance)

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Information Technology
• Analyst
• Strategy/Planning

Industries

• IT Services and IT Consulting
• Food and Beverage Services
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing