Azure SQL Database Administrator

Role & responsibilities

• Administer SQL Server databases hosted on Azure VMs and on-premises infrastructure, ensuring optimal configuration and performance.
• Provision, configure, and manage Azure SQL Databases and Managed Instances, including sizing, scaling, and automation.
• Design, implement, and monitor high availability and disaster recovery (HA/DR) strategies, including Always On Availability Groups, log shipping, and geo-replication.
• Perform regular backup and restore operations, validate recovery procedures, and ensure compliance with RPO/RTO requirements.
• Plan and execute patching and upgrade activities across SQL Server environments with minimal disruption.
• Manage user access and security through roles, permissions, Active Directory, and integration with Azure AD.
• Monitor system performance, perform query optimization, and resolve issues using DMVs, execution plans, and monitoring tools.
• Support ongoing database maintenance activities including index optimization, statistics updates, consistency checks, and storage management.
• Automate routine administration tasks using PowerShell, T-SQL, and Azure automation tools.
• Respond to incidents, troubleshoot database-related issues, and support root cause analysis for production outages.
• Collaborate with application developers, DevOps, and infrastructure teams to ensure reliable and secure database operations.
• Document system configurations, procedures, and operational runbooks to support internal knowledge sharing and audit readiness.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience managing SQL Server environments in enterprise settings.
• Strong expertise in SQL Server (2016 and above), including installation, configuration, and lifecycle management.
• Proven experience with Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and virtual machines on Azure.
• Solid understanding of backup strategies, point-in-time recovery, and disaster recovery planning.
• Experience with Windows Server and SQL Server patch management and upgrades.
• Proficiency in T-SQL scripting and PowerShell for automation.
• Experience with user and access management, role-based security, and compliance best practices.
• Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills for performance tuning and root cause resolution.
• Familiarity with monitoring and alerting tools such as Azure Monitor, SQL Agent, or third-party solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300) or equivalent certification.
• Exposure to Infrastructure as Code (ARM, Terraform) and CI/CD pipelines for database deployments.
• Experience working in ITIL-based support environments or managed services models.
• Knowledge of integration with tools like Azure Data Factory, Logic Apps, or Power BI is a plus.