SQL Server / Cloud Database Administrator (DBA) - Expert

SoHo Dragon; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

SoHo Dragon is seeking an expert SQL Server/Cloud Database Administrator to support a large tolling environment in Mechanicsville, VA. The role emphasizes admin, monitoring, tuning, patching, and migrations across SQL Server and cloud databases.

You will optimize performance, ensure high availability, troubleshoot issues, and participate in production support rotations. Requires 6+ years of SQL Server DBA experience and hands-on upgrades in tolling systems; hybrid work arrangement offered.

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)

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

T-SQL

Extended Events

Query Store

VLDBs

Azure

SSIS

SSAS

SSRS

Databricks

Snowflake

Windows Server

Education

Master’s degree in CS or related field

Tools

SQL Server

Azure SQL

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
• Hourly rate: $50/hr on C2C
• $43/hr on W2

Role Summary

Supporting a large-scale tolling environment by administering, monitoring, tuning, patching, and migrating SQL Server and cloud databases. The role includes performance optimization, high availability, troubleshooting, and participation in help desk and operational support rotations.

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)