Senior SQL Server DBA - DV Cleared

• Provide 2nd and 3rd line support across production, pre-production and development SQL Server environments
• Administer and maintain SQL Server platforms, including patching, upgrades and migrations
• Manage SQL Server high availability, clustering, Failover Cluster Instances (FCI) and Always On Availability Groups
• Lead database incident resolution, troubleshooting and root cause analysis
• Manage backup, restore and disaster recovery arrangements, including resilience and failover testing
• Perform database performance tuning, capacity management and optimisation
• Maintain database security, access controls, auditing and compliance
• Develop automation and scripting solutions using PowerShell and T-SQL
• Work closely with application, infrastructure, security and service management teams
• Maintain technical documentation, runbooks and operational standards

Technologies:

• Active Directory
• Azure
• Support
• ITIL
• PowerShell
• Redgate
• SQL
• Security
• SSAS
• SSIS
• Windows
• Cloud, We are seeking a Senior SQL Server DBA to join a highly skilled technical team supporting business-critical database environments within a secure public sector organisation. This is a hands-on role focused on legacy and modern SQL Server platforms, database availability, security, performance and continual service improvement. The role is onsite in Reading, offered on an initial six-month contract, with a rate of up to £98 per hour. The contract is inside IR35.

• Proven experience as a Senior SQL Server DBA in business-critical production environments
• Strong SQL Server administration experience across multiple versions
• Hands-on experience with Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC), Failover Cluster Instances (FCI) and Always On Availability Groups
• Strong T-SQL and PowerShell scripting skills
• Experience with database backup, recovery, disaster recovery and high availability
• Performance tuning experience using execution plans, indexing, DMVs, Extended Events and Query Store
• Experience with SQL Server security, Active Directory integration and access management
• Good knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory and SQL connectivity
• Experience working with ITIL-based incident, problem and change management processes
• Strong troubleshooting, communication and stakeholder management skills
• Active UK DV Security Clearance
• Desirable: experience with SSIS, SSRS and SSAS
• Desirable: experience with CyberArk or other privileged access management tools
• Desirable: experience with PowerShell dbatools, Redgate SQL Monitor, SCOM or SolarWinds
• Desirable: SQL Server upgrade and migration planning, including end-of-support and ESU
• Desirable: experience with Azure SQL, Azure Managed Instance or Azure Arc
• Desirable: experience in defence, government or secure environments