Azure Database Admin - 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 work onsite at 600 North Robert Street, St. Paul, Minnesota at least 50% [or more or less if space limitations remain] of the time, with limited telework available. Telework eligibility depends on residence:

• Candidates living in Minnesota or within 50 miles of the worksite in a bordering state (Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin) may telework up to 50%.
• Minnesota residents living more than 50 miles from the worksite may be eligible to telework more than 50%.
• Candidates living 50 miles or more from the worksite in a bordering state may work onsite 100% or may be telework eligible if relocating within 50 miles., It is the policy of Minnesota IT Services that a successful candidate must pass all legally required check prior to employment which may consist of the following:
• SEMA4 Records Checks (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, * A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

To qualify, candidates must clearly show all of the following qualifications in their resume. Resume tips available here: This position requires a minimum of four (4) years of experience in database administration and management across both on premises and cloud environments. Experience must include:

• Administration and management of Microsoft SQL Server in Azure, including Managed Instances, Azure SQL, Always On, and high-availability configurations for Windows clusters.
• Developing, maintaining, and automating processes using KQL (Kusto Query Language).
• Iimplementing 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).
• Strong shell scripting skills (PowerShell, Bourne, Azure CLI, Ansible) 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., * Experience working with on premises F5 Big IP 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)., * Four years of cross platform database experience with SQL Server, and Oracle.
• Familiarity with ITSM platforms such as ServiceNow.
• Experience building and maintaining Power BI reports.
• Ability to design and optimize database schemas, queries, and indexing strategies for performance.
• Professional certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate.

Pulled from the full job description

• Loan forgiveness
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid parental leave
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account, As an employee, you’ll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support

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 (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., Minnesota IT Services is the information technology agency for the State of Minnesota. MNIT partners with agencies, boards, councils, and commissions to deliver secure, reliable technology solutions as we set IT strategy, direction, policies, and standards statewide. Work for MNIT and be part of a nation-leading IT organization that helps to create an innovative government that works for everyone. Our culture promotes collaboration, demands agility, and encourages us to embrace change. Be a part of something bigger than yourself, something to be inspired by; come to work for MNIT.