Senior SQL Server Database Administrator

Senior SQL Server Database Administrator Senior SQL Server Database Administrator - Government Transformation We are seeking an experienced Senior SQL Server Database Administrator to lead database operations and infrastructure for a major government transformation program. Must hold an active Baseline security clearance prior to commencement This is a contract opportunity managing mission‑critical SQL Server database infrastructure for a Federal Government agency's election systems transformation program. You will oversee database fleet operations, SQL Server clustering, high availability/disaster recovery , and Azure SQL Managed Instance deployments. Core Database Responsibilities Lead SQL Server database fleet management including clustering, Always On Availability Groups, replication, and backup/recovery for production and non‑production environments Oversee SQL Server patching and compliance management in accordance with ISM controls and government security standards Manage Azure SQL Managed Instance deployments and hybrid cloud database infrastructure Design, implement and maintain high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) solutions including Clustering, Availability Groups, and geo‑replication Performance tune and optimize SQL Server databases – troubleshoot slow queries, index optimization, execution plan analysis, and resource management Develop and maintain complex T‑SQL stored procedures, functions, and scripts for database automation and operational support Drive database automation initiatives – automate patching, deployments, monitoring, and routine maintenance tasks Establish database standards for naming conventions, documentation, data lineage , and governance in alignment with cyber security practices Provide after‑hours escalation support through a roster‑based system for production database issues Essential Technical Skills 5+ years as a Senior SQL Server DBA with production database administration experience Hands‑on experience with SQL Server 2017‑2022 (minimum 2+ years) SQL Server clustering and Always On Availability Groups – design, implementation, and troubleshooting Azure SQL Managed Instance – deployment, migration, and operational management High Availability/Disaster Recovery – Clustering, Availability Groups, Replication, Log Shipping, backup/recovery strategies Advanced T‑SQL development – complex stored procedures, functions, dynamic SQL, performance optimization Performance tuning expertise – query optimization, index tuning, execution plans, wait statistics, resource governor ISM compliance and patching management – government security standards, change management, vulnerability remediation On‑premise, virtual, and cloud SQL infrastructure experience Highly Desirable PowerBI or other BI/reporting tools integration Other RDBMS exposure (PostgreSQL, MySQL, Cosmos DB) Data modeling and database design Mentoring and technical leadership experience Selection Criteria - What We're Looking For Production SQL Server DBA experience managing enterprise database infrastructure SQL Server clustering (Failover Cluster Instances, Always On Availability Groups) Azure SQL Managed Instance hands‑on experience Performance tuning production SQL Server environments HA/DR implementation and management Database patching and ISM compliance in government environments How to Apply Click on 'Apply' to submit your application. This role is based in Canberra and requires an active Baseline security clearance prior to commencement . You must be an Australian Citizen . We encourage a gender diverse working environment and welcome applications that reflect this. #J-18808-Ljbffr