Cloud Database Platform Engineer - ITS4

Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) is seeking a skilled Cloud Platform Engineer with deep experience in cloud-based database technologies to join our Database Services team. In this role, you will provide technical leadership in the design, administration, and optimization of database environments that support agencies across the State of Minnesota, with a primary focus on Microsoft SQL Server in Azure.

This position combines cloud engineering expertise-including Infrastructure-as-Code, automation, scripting, middleware, and networking-with enterprise-level database management. You will lead major database initiatives, assess and integrate emerging technologies, and help shape statewide standards and policies.

Key responsibilities include building and maintaining high-availability database solutions, developing and supporting ETL workflows, and automating processes using Azure CLI and Ansible. You will also collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure secure, reliable, and high-performing database and middleware operations across the enterprise.

This position requires an employee to be onsite at 600 North Robert Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota at least 50% of the time, with some opportunity to perform work from a telework location. Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) for Minnesota IT Services is available on a limited basis. Employees will be required to meet current telework eligibility requirements., It is the policy of Minnesota IT Services that a successful candidate must pass all legally required checks prior to employment which may consist of the following:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past state employees only)
• Criminal History Check
• Reference Check
• Social Security and Address Verification
• Education Verification
• CJIS Background Check
• Other legally required checks

Minnesota IT Services does not participate in E-Verify. Minnesota IT Services will not sponsor applicant for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

To qualify, candidates must clearly show all of the following qualifications in their resume. Resume tips available here (https://mn.gov/mnit/about-mnit/careers/hiringprocess.jsp) :

This position requires at least four (4) years of IT experience specializing in database administration and management across both on-premises and cloud environments., * Administration and management of Microsoft SQL Server (on-premises and Azure), including Managed Instances, Azure SQL, Always On, and high-availability configuration for Windows clusters.

• Developing, maintaining, and automating processes using Ansible.
• Implementing and managing database security, backup and recovery processes, performance tuning, and disaster recovery strategies.
• Provisioning and managing Azure resources such as Resource-Groups (including SQL Managed Instances, Windows and Linux virtual machines, Storage Accounts, and Network configurations) through the Azure portal or Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
• Shell scripting skills (Cloud Shell, PowerShell, Korn/Bourne Shell, Azure CLI) and leveraging DevOps/GitHub for source control.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a manner that facilitates mutual understanding.
• Customer-focused approach grounded in active listening, empathy, and solution-oriented problem-solving to deliver positive user experiences.

Education in Information Technology (IT) or an IT related field may substitute for experience as follows: a master's degree for eighteen (18) months of experience; a bachelor's degree for one (1) year; and an associate's degree for six (6) months.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four (4) years of cross-platform database experience with SQL Server, Oracle, and DB2.
• Familiarity with ITSM platforms such as ServiceNow or Helix.
• Experience building and maintaining Power BI reports.
• Ability to design and optimize database schemas, queries, and indexing strategies for performances.
• Professional certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate.

Strongly Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with on-premises F5 Big-IP and and Azure services such as Azure SQL, Application Gateway (AGW), Web Application Firewall (WAF), and Azure Firewall.
• Experience with automation and orchestration tools for database management (e.g., Ansible).

* Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes The work you'll do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities. Join the 2,800+ professionals of Minnesota IT Services (https://mn.gov/mnit/about-mnit/careers/) (MNIT) who connect Minnesotans to services that will improve their lives. This position will be part of the Enterprise Services team, which delivers a full suite of services to state agencies, boards, councils, and commissions, and many central services to local government partners.