Job Details

Job Title: Senior SQL Server Database Administrator (DBA)
Job ID: DHW - 777672
Client: State of Idaho - Department of Health & Welfare
Location: 450 W State Street, Boise, ID 83702
Interview Mode: Webcam or Onsite
Job Overview

We are seeking a senior-level SQL Server DBA to lead a critical upgrade project from SQL Server 2017 to 2022 and support ongoing on-premises VM environments. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in high availability, clustering, disaster recovery, and performance tuning within virtualized infrastructures (VMware/Hyper-V).
Key Responsibilities

• Lead the SQL Server 2017 to 2022 upgrade in complex on-prem VM-based environments.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Always On Availability Groups and Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC).
• Collaborate with infrastructure teams on VM configurations, storage, and networking.
• Support both production and disaster recovery (DR) environments.
• Perform performance tuning, capacity planning, and backup/restore operations.
• Document configurations, procedures, and upgrade processes.
• Provide on-call support and direction for other DBA contractors.
• Deliver knowledge transfer to internal IT teams.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of SQL Server DBA experience in enterprise environments.
• Proven experience upgrading SQL Server 2017 → 2022 in virtualized infrastructures.
• Strong expertise in clustering, high availability, and DR using VMs.
• Proficiency with Hyper-V or VMware.
• Skilled in T-SQL and PowerShell scripting.
• Strong background managing SQL Server on Windows Server (including 2022).
• Experience with SSRS, SSIS, and Analysis Services.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Microsoft DBA Certification (required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate (or equivalent).
• Experience with VM backup/snapshot strategies.
• Hands-on with monitoring tools (Redgate®, SolarWinds®, SentryOne®).
• Knowledge of hybrid DR strategies with co-located/off-site data centers.
• Familiarity with Microsoft SQL Server licensing models.
• Experience with Active Directory requirements, including:
  
  • Cluster Name Object (CNO) pre-staging.
  • Delegation of rights for service accounts.
• Understanding of DNS configurations for SQL listeners and HA scenarios.

Skills Matrix
Skill Required/Desired Experience (Years) SQL Server DBA (Enterprise) Required 7+ SQL Server 2017 → 2022 upgrade (virtualized infra) Required 3+ High Availability & Clustering Required 5+ Hyper-V / VMware Required 2+ T-SQL & PowerShell Required 7+ Windows Server 2022 Required 2+ SSRS, SSIS, Analysis Services Required 7+ Problem-solving & communication Required 7+ Microsoft DBA Certification Required 5+ VM backup/snapshot strategies Highly Desired 2-4 Hybrid DR strategies Highly Desired 4+ Active Directory (CNO, delegation) Highly Desired 5+ SQL licensing strategies Highly Desired 2+ Monitoring tools (Redgate, SolarWinds, SentryOne) Desired 3+ DNS for SQL listeners in HA Nice to Have 3+ Delegation of service accounts in OUs Nice to Have 2+