SQL Server Database Administrator with Data Modeling Expertise

SQL Server Database Administrator with Data Modeling Expertise

Location: San Francisco / San Ramon, CA (Onsite)
Hire Type: Contract
Experience Required: 12+ years

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced SQL Server Database Administrator (DBA) with strong data modeling and architecture expertise to design, implement, and maintain enterprise-scale database solutions. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical proficiency in SQL Server administration with the ability to architect robust data models, create comprehensive data flows, and establish data governance standards across the organization.

Top 3 Critical Skills

• SQL Server Administration – 12+ years hands-on experience across multiple versions (2012, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2022)
• Enterprise Data Modeling – 3+ years designing conceptual, logical, and physical data models at scale
• Data Architecture & Diagramming – Proficiency creating data flows, architecture diagrams, and technical documentation

Key Responsibilities:

Database Administration

• Administer, configure, and maintain SQL Server databases across on-premises and cloud environments
• Implement and manage SQL Server Always On Availability Groups for high availability and disaster recovery
• Design and execute backup and recovery strategies, ensuring data integrity and business continuity
• Perform database performance tuning, including indexing optimization, query optimization, and resource management
• Conduct regular security audits, access control reviews, and vulnerability assessments
• Monitor system health, automate detection of anomalous database activity, and resolve performance bottlenecks
• Ensure compliance with enterprise policies, security standards, and regulatory requirements

Data Modeling & Architecture

• Design and build conceptual, logical, and physical data models to support business requirements and analytics use cases
• Develop and maintain enterprise data architecture, including data integration, data movement, and data storage strategies
• Define and enforce data architecture standards, best practices, and modeling conventions
• Implement modeling techniques including normalization, star schema, snowflake schema, data vault, and 3NF
• Reverse-engineer existing database schemas and perform data profiling to identify optimization opportunities
• Evaluate data models for discrepancies, redundancies, and performance improvement areas

Documentation & Collaboration

• Create and maintain comprehensive data flows and architecture diagrams using industry-standard tools (Visio, Lucidchart, ERWIN, etc.)
• Document database configurations, data models, ETL processes, and data lineage for enterprise knowledge management
• Collaborate with engineering, analytics, and business teams to gather requirements and deliver robust data solutions
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to development teams on database design best practices
• Communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Automation & Scripting

• Develop automation scripts using SQL, Python, and PowerShell for database management, monitoring, and maintenance tasks
• Automate routine DBA tasks including backups, integrity checks, index maintenance, and reporting
• Build and maintain monitoring solutions to proactively identify and resolve database issues

Required Qualifications:

Experience

• 12+ years of hands-on experience administering SQL Server databases across multiple versions (2012, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2022)
• 3+ years of enterprise-scale data modeling experience, including conceptual, logical, and physical model design and implementation
• Proven experience creating data flows, architecture diagrams, and technical documentation

Technical Skills

• SQL Server Administration:
• SQL Server versions: 2012, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2022
• High Availability/Disaster Recovery: Always On Availability Groups, Failover Clustering, Log Shipping, Replication
• Performance tuning: Query optimization, indexing strategies, execution plan analysis
• Backup/Recovery: Full, differential, transaction log backups; point-in-time recovery
• Security: Access control, encryption (TDE, Always Encrypted), auditing, vulnerability assessments
• Data Modeling & Architecture:
• Data modeling tools: ERWIN, ER/Studio, or similar enterprise modeling platforms
• Modeling techniques: Normalization (1NF-3NF), star schema, snowflake schema, data vault 2.0
• Schema design: Conceptual, logical, and physical data models
• Data profiling, reverse engineering, and schema optimization
• Scripting & Automation:
• Advanced SQL (T-SQL) for stored procedures, functions, triggers, and complex queries
• Python for data management, automation, and integration tasks
• PowerShell for database administration automation and scripting
• Documentation & Diagramming:
• Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, , or similar diagramming tools
• Data lineage documentation and metadata management
• Technical writing for architecture documentation and SOPs

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Collaborative team player with cross-functional coordination experience
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Cloud & Modern Platforms

• Experience with Snowflake platform administration, optimization, and data modeling
• Hands-on experience with Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and Azure Synapse Analytics
• Familiarity with cloud database migration strategies and hybrid architectures
• Knowledge of Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, or similar cloud data platforms

Industry & Domain Knowledge

• Background in asset management, financial services, or similar regulated industries
• Experience with data governance frameworks (DAMA-DMBOK, DCAM, BCBS 239)
• Understanding of regulatory compliance requirements (SOX, GDPR, CCPA)
• Familiarity with MDM (Master Data Management) and data quality frameworks

Additional Technical Skills

• Experience with ETL/ELT tools (SSIS, Azure Data Factory, Informatica, Talend)
• Knowledge of data warehousing concepts and dimensional modeling (Kimball, Inmon methodologies)
• Familiarity with version control systems (Git, Azure DevOps)
• Experience with monitoring tools (SQL Server Management Studio, SolarWinds, Datadog, Splunk)
• Understanding of DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines for database deployments

Work Environment

• Location: Onsite in San Francisco or San Ramon, CA
• Work Schedule: Full-time, standard business hours with occasional on-call responsibilities
• Collaboration: Work closely with data engineering, analytics, application development, and business intelligence teams
• Tools Provided: Access to enterprise-grade database tools, cloud platforms, and professional development resources

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a seasoned database professional who can:

• Balance hands-on DBA work with strategic data architecture planning
• Translate business requirements into scalable, well-designed data models
• Automate repetitive tasks and implement proactive monitoring solutions
• Communicate effectively with technical and business stakeholders
• Stay current with emerging database technologies and industry best practices
• Work independently while contributing to collaborative team success

Submission Requirements Note:

Please submit your resume in PDF format for faster review.

Pay: $ $70.00 per hour

Work Location: In person