Job Title: Senior SQL Server Database Administrator (SQL Server and Azure)
Location: 2, Broadway, NY, NY
Duration: 1 year
Interview Mode: Phone then Video
Description
Job Summary:
The primary purpose of this position is to design, implement, maintain, tune, and optimize all MTA databases to meet current and future software application requirements.
- Design, implement, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server and Azure Managed Instance databases.
- Perform SQL Server installations, upgrades, and migrations.
- Collaborate with the infrastructure team on regular patching.
- Troubleshoot and remediate database-related issues.
- Ensure database security and compliance with relevant regulations.
- Optimize SQL database performance and conduct query tuning.
- Develop and implement robust database backup and recovery strategies.
- Partner with application development teams to support database requirements.
- Stay current with the latest Microsoft SQL Server and Azure technologies and industry best practices.
- Develop and maintain procedures, best practices, and standards documentation.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Critical Skills
- 5+ years of hands-on experience as a SQL Server Database Administrator.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or equivalent experience.
- Expert knowledge of Windows Server, SQL Server, Azure cloud platform — especially SQL Managed Instance, Azure Storage, and foundational Azure security concepts.
- Experience implementing high availability solutions (e.g., Always On Availability Groups).
- Strong SQL knowledge; Python is a plus.
- Strong problem-solving and logical troubleshooting skills.
- Microsoft certifications (e.g., MCSE, Azure DBA) are preferred.
Qualifications
- Advanced knowledge of installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting database technology, computer hardware, operating systems, and storage area networks as they relate to database performance and reliability.
- Advanced knowledge of MTA standard shell scripting for database automation.
- Proficiency in general-purpose programming languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell) to support database automation.
- Ability to troubleshoot and support technical issues both remotely and on-site using MTA-standard tools and methodologies.
- Ability to interpret technical documentation, schematics, and manuals to maintain systems with minimal supervision.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
- Ability to plan activities and provide technical guidance to junior team members.
- Ability to design and engineer scalable solutions and establish department-wide standards.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; OR a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in programming, systems administration, and/or database administration.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience installing, maintaining, administering, and supporting computer hardware, operating systems (UNIX, Linux, Windows), and database products (Oracle, MS SQL Server).
Responsibilities
- Design and oversee the installation, configuration, and maintenance of database technologies to ensure all MTA application and system availability targets are met.
- Perform core DBA tasks, including data modeling, process flow definition, data migrations, security configuration, and performance tuning.
- Design, configure, and install database software modules and applications.
- Develop system backup schedules, perform verification testing, and maintain all required documentation.
- Coordinate with system administrators, network engineers, help desk staff, and other IT teams to address infrastructure and database issues.
- Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant record-keeping for IT assets per MTA policies.
- Evaluate new database technologies and provide strategic input on their adoption and impact.
- Mentor and guide junior database technicians and staff.
- Design, engineer, and document solutions and standards for enterprise-wide implementation.
- Contribute to planning and coordination of database installations, support, and maintenance activities.
Skills
- Microsoft SQL Server Database Administration
- Azure SQL Managed Instance (MI)
- SQL Server Installation, Upgrades, and Migrations
- SQL Performance Tuning and Optimization
- High Availability / Always On Availability Groups
- Database Backup and Disaster Recovery
- Azure Cloud, Storage, and Security Fundamentals
- Database Security and Compliance
- Database Automation / Shell Scripting / Python
- Windows, Linux, and UNIX Systems Administration