SQL DBA (DV)

We are seeking an experienced Senior SQL Server Database Administrator to join a highly secure, business-critical environment supporting critical public sector operations., This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced DBA to work within a complex enterprise estate, providing second and third-line support across production, pre-production and development environments. You will play a key role in maintaining, securing, optimising and modernising SQL Server platforms ranging from SQL Server 2012 through to SQL Server 2022., You will be responsible for supporting and administering mission-critical SQL Server environments, ensuring high levels of availability, performance, security and resilience., * Administering and supporting SQL Server production, pre-production and development environments.

• Leading database incident resolution, root cause analysis and problem management activities.
• Delivering SQL Server patching, upgrades and migration projects.
• Managing high availability and disaster recovery solutions.
• Designing, implementing and testing backup and recovery procedures.
• Proactively monitoring and tuning database performance.
• Supporting application and development teams with deployments and releases.
• Maintaining database security, auditing and compliance standards.
• Producing technical documentation, operational procedures and runbooks.
• Driving automation, standardisation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Working within ITIL-aligned change, release and configuration management processes.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience supporting SQL Server in business-critical production environments.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a dedicated SQL Server DBA position.
• Experience supporting mixed SQL Server estates from SQL Server 2012 through to SQL Server 2022.
• Strong expertise in:
• SQL Server Administration
• T-SQL
• PowerShell
• Database Performance Tuning
• Capacity Planning
• SQL Server Security
• Extensive experience with:
• Always On Availability Groups
• Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC)
• Failover Cluster Instances (FCI)
• Replication
• Log Shipping
• Database Mirroring
• Backup and Recovery
• Disaster Recovery Testing
• Experience using monitoring tools such as SCOM, Redgate SQL Monitor or SolarWinds DPA.
• Strong understanding of Active Directory, DNS, Kerberos/SPNs and Windows Server environments.
• Experience working within ITIL Incident, Problem and Change Management frameworks.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Skills

• SSIS, SSRS and SSAS
• Azure SQL and Managed Instance
• Azure Arc
• Oracle, PostgreSQL or MySQL
• SQL Server on Linux
• VMware and EMC SAN
• Azure DevOps, SSDT, Git and Ansible
• CyberArk
• CIS Benchmark security hardening
• Defence, Government or secure environment experience
• DP-300 Certification
• ITIL Foundation Certification