SQL Server / Cloud Database Administrator (DBA) - Expert

SoHo Dragon; Mechanicsville (VA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SoHo Dragon in Mechanicsville, VA seeks an Expert SQL Server / Cloud DBA to support VDOT Tolling databases, ensure uptime, tune performance, and migrate to cloud platforms.

The role requires 6+ years of SQL Server DBA experience, HA/VLDB expertise, and strong T-SQL skills, with Azure/Snowflake/Databricks experience. Hybrid 12-month contract based in Virginia with responsibilities spanning on-prem and cloud environments.

Qualifications

• 6 years of Microsoft SQL Server DBA experience (expert level).
• 3–4 years hands‑on upgrading E‑ZPass Virginia Tolling environments (SQL 2012 → 2019).
• Strong experience with clustering, mirroring, HA, VLDBs (2 TB).
• Proficiency in T‑SQL, Extended Events, Query Store, DMA, and Query Tuning Assistant.
• Experience with SSIS, SSAS, SSRS, and Windows platform support.
• Knowledge of data modeling principles.
• Master's degree in CS, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Responsibilities

• Administer SQL Server & cloud databases; maintain uptime, performance, and availability.
• Diagnose/resolve deadlocks, blocking, and performance issues using Extended Events, Query Store & wait statistics.
• Perform SQL Server installs, upgrades, patching, and migrations (including SQL 2012 → 2019).
• Tune VLDBs (2 TB); optimize indexes and reduce resource contention.
• Configure and maintain clustering, mirroring, and HA environments.
• Write, debug, and optimize T-SQL; support SSIS, SSAS, and SSRS.
• Work with Azure Cloud and cloud‑based data platforms.
• Collaborate with Engineering & Operations teams on production issues.

Skills

SQL Server DBA

T-SQL

Performance tuning

Database monitoring

Education

Master's degree in CS/IS or related field

Tools

Azure

Snowflake

Databricks

Job description

SQL Server / Cloud Database Administrator (DBA) -- Expert - Mechanicsville, VA (Hybrid)

Key Requirements

• Local to Virginia candidates only
• Prior State or Federal client experience
• Contract: 12 months

Role Summary

Supporting VDOT's Tolling environment by administering, monitoring, tuning, patching, and migrating SQL Server and cloud databases. The role includes performance tuning, high availability, troubleshooting, and help desk/operational rotation support.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer SQL Server & cloud databases; maintain uptime, performance, and availability
• Diagnose/resolve deadlocks, blocking, and performance issues using Extended Events, Query Store & wait statistics
• Perform SQL Server installs, upgrades, patching, and migrations (including SQL 2012 → 2019)
• Tune Very Large Databases (2 TB ); optimize indexes and reduce resource contention
• Configure and maintain clustering, mirroring, and HA environments
• Write, debug, and optimize T‑SQL; support SSIS, SSAS, and SSRS
• Work with Azure Cloud and cloud‑based data platforms
• Collaborate with Engineering & Operations teams on production issues

Required Qualifications

• 6 years of Microsoft SQL Server DBA experience (expert level)
• 3--4 years hands‑on upgrading E‑ZPass Virginia Tolling environments (SQL 2012 → SQL 2019)
• Strong experience with clustering, mirroring, HA, and VLDBs (2 TB )
• Proficiency in T‑SQL, Extended Events, Query Store, DMA, and Query Tuning Assistant
• 1 year with Azure, Snowflake, or Databricks (relevant cert may substitute)
• Experience with SSIS, SSAS, SSRS, and Windows platform support
• Knowledge of data modeling principles
• Master's degree in CS, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience)