About the role
SQL Server / Cloud Database Administrator (DBA) – Expert - Mechanicsville, VA (Hybrid)
**Key Requirements:** - Local to Virginia candidates only - Prior State or Federal client experience
- Contract: 12 months
- Hourly rate: $50/hr on C2C
$43/hr on W2
Role Summary
Supporting a large-scale tolling environment by administering, monitoring, tuning, patching, and migrating SQL Server and cloud databases. The role includes performance optimization, high availability, troubleshooting, and participation in help desk and operational support rotations.
Key Responsibilities • Administer SQL Server & cloud databases; maintain uptime, performance, and availability
• Diagnose/resolve deadlocks, blocking, and performance issues using Extended Events, Query Store & wait statistics
• Perform SQL Server installs, upgrades, patching, and migrations (including SQL 2012 → 2019)
• Tune Very Large Databases (2 TB+); optimize indexes and reduce resource contention
• Configure and maintain clustering, mirroring, and HA environments
• Write, debug, and optimize T-SQL; support SSIS, SSAS, and SSRS
• Work with Azure Cloud and cloud-based data platforms
• Collaborate with Engineering & Operations teams on production issues
Required Qualifications • 6+ years of Microsoft SQL Server DBA experience (expert level)
• 3–4 years hands-on upgrading E-ZPass Virginia Tolling environments (SQL 2012 → SQL 2019)
• Strong experience with clustering, mirroring, HA, and VLDBs (2 TB+)
• Proficiency in T-SQL, Extended Events, Query Store, DMA, and Query Tuning Assistant
• 1+ year with Azure, Snowflake, or Databricks (relevant cert may substitute)
• Experience with SSIS, SSAS, SSRS, and Windows platform support
• Knowledge of data modeling principles
• Master’s degree in CS, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience)