Mid to Senior SQL Server DBA/Developer

<p>We are seeking a highly skilled Mid - to Senior SQL Server DBA/Developer. This is a hands-on, technical role responsible for administering, optimizing, modernizing, and supporting mission-critical SQL Server environments for a federal civilian agency in the Washington D.C. area. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in SQL Server internals, strong T-SQL development skills, takes ownership of work, collaborates effectively across teams, and thrives in a high-performance, data-driven environment.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Salary range: </strong><span>$109K - $129K</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><p><strong>Database Administration & Operations</strong></p><ul><li>Install, configure, patch, and upgrade SQL Server instances (2016, 2019, 2022)</li><li>Manage Development, QA, Staging, and Production environments</li><li>Configure and support Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC)</li><li>Implement and maintain backup/recovery strategies and disaster recovery testing</li><li>Create and maintain SQL Server Agent Jobs, Maintenance Plans, and Windows Task Scheduler jobs</li><li>Configure and test Database Mail (DBMail)</li><li>Monitor and optimize system health using DMVs, Extended Events, SQL Trace, Query Store, and wait statistics</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Performance Tuning & SQL Server Internals</strong></p><ul><li>Perform advanced performance tuning, indexing strategy design, and execution plan analysis</li><li>Deep understanding of SQL Server engine internals including MAXDOP, cardinality estimator behavior, compatibility levels, memory and tempdb configuration</li><li>Identify and resolve blocking, deadlocks, parameter sniffing, and other performance bottlenecks</li><li>Use diagnostic tools such as sp_whoisactive, Idera, and Plan Explorer</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>T-SQL Development & Code Quality</strong></p><ul><li>Design, develop, and optimize advanced T-SQL (stored procedures, functions, triggers, views)</li><li>Peer-review SQL code and enforce development best practices</li><li>Refactor existing stored procedures for performance and maintainability</li><li>Identify and fix database code bugs; implement workarounds when necessary</li><li>Troubleshoot application-related data issues and collaborate with software developers to resolve defects</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Data Integration, Automation & Modernization</strong></p><ul><li>Design and maintain SSIS packages and SSRS reports</li><li>Import and export data across diverse source and destination systems</li><li>Automate tasks using T-SQL, PowerShell, CMD, batch scripting, and dbatools</li><li>Participate in SQL Server upgrades and modernization initiatives</li><li>Support Infrastructure-as-Code and DevOps collaboration practices</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Required Qualifications</strong></p><ul><li>7+ years of hands-on SQL Server DBA and development experience in production environments</li><li>Strong expertise in HA/DR, Always On, and Failover Clustering</li><li>Advanced T-SQL coding, troubleshooting, and performance tuning skills</li><li>Extensive experience with SSIS and SSRS</li><li>Experience creating SQL Agent Jobs, Maintenance Plans, Task Scheduler jobs, and DBMail configuration</li><li>Strong knowledge of SQL Trace, Extended Events, DMVs, and system tables</li><li>Experience with PowerShell, CMD, and batch scripting</li><li>Experience patching and upgrading SQL Server instances</li><li>Strong understanding of database security, encryption, masking, and access control</li><li>Hands-on experience with Azure SQL and/or cloud-based database environments</li><li>Working knowledge of Python for automation and data-related tasks is highly desirable</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Core Competencies</strong></p><ul><li>Excellent verbal and written communication skills</li><li>Strong critical thinking and analytical problem-solving abilities</li><li>Detail-oriented with strong documentation discipline</li><li>Ability to work independently and collaboratively across cross-functional teams</li><li>Accountable, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Not Required, but Strongly Preferred:</strong></p><ul><li>Current Public Trust Clearance</li><li>Previous experience in Federal space</li></ul>

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