SQL Server / Cloud Database Administrator (DBA) - Expert

sohodragon; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

sohodragon is seeking an expert SQL Server / Cloud Database Administrator (DBA) to support a Virginia Tolling environment. Hybrid work in Mechanicsville, VA with hands-on duties to administer, monitor, tune, patch, and migrate SQL Server and cloud databases, ensuring uptime and performance.

The role requires 6+ years of SQL Server DBA experience, strong HA and VLDB expertise, and proficiency with T-SQL, Extended Events, Query Store, and SSIS/SSAS/SSRS.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of Microsoft SQL Server DBA experience (expert level).
• 3-4 years upgrading E-ZPass Virginia Tolling environments (SQL 2012-2019).
• 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).

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.

Skills

SQL Server DBA

Performance tuning

High availability

T-SQL

Query Store

Extended Events

Cloud databases

Deadlock diagnosis

Education

Master's degree in CS/Information Systems or equivalent experience

Tools

Azure

Snowflake

Databricks

SSIS

SSAS

SSRS

SSMS / SQL Server tools

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 2012-2019)
• 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)