SQL Database Administrator

Description At DANE, we keep great people by treating them well: generous PTO from your first day, comprehensive benefits, and support to keep learning. You’ll join a sharp, mission-driven team where your input matters and your work makes a direct impact. We are seeking an experienced Senior SQL Database Administrator (DBA) to support enterprise database operations, where reliability, security, performance, and availability are critical to mission success. You will be responsible for managing and maintaining Microsoft SQL Server databases, including installation, configuration, administration, backup and recovery, monitoring, troubleshooting, and performance tuning. This role requires close collaboration with project teams and stakeholders to support application requirements, implement database solutions, and ensure optimal database performance across enterprise production environments. You will bring extensive experience in SQL Server administration, a strong understanding of database best practices, and the ability to support complex, high-availability environments while ensuring data integrity and security. This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Washington, DC. We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Apply today! Responsibilities

• Manage, administer, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server databases in enterprise production environments.
• Install, configure, upgrade, and patch SQL Server instances to ensure optimal performance and security.
• Monitor database health, performance, availability, and capacity, proactively identifying and resolving issues.
• Perform database performance tuning, query optimization, and indexing strategies to improve system efficiency.
• Develop, implement, and maintain backup, recovery, and disaster recovery plans and procedures.
• Ensure database security through access controls, permissions management, encryption, and compliance with organizational policies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve database-related incidents, outages, and performance bottlenecks.
• Collaborate with application developers, system administrators, and project teams to support application and database requirements.
• Plan and execute database migrations, upgrades, and environment refresh activities.
• Design and maintain high-availability and failover solutions to minimize downtime and support business continuity.
• Create and maintain database administration documentation, standard operating procedures, and technical guides.
• Support data integrity, data quality, and database lifecycle management activities.
• Conduct capacity planning and recommend hardware, storage, and database architecture improvements.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior database administrators and support staff.
• Participate in system audits, security assessments, and compliance reviews as needed.
• Support on-call and after-hours maintenance activities when required to maintain critical database services. Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of database administration experience supporting enterprise environments.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience administering Microsoft SQL Server in production environments.
• Strong experience with SQL Server installation, configuration, administration, and maintenance.
• Experience with database backup, recovery, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.
• Proficiency in SQL Server performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and tuning, including query optimization and indexing strategies.
• Experience managing high-availability solutions such as Always On Availability Groups, Failover Clustering, and Log Shipping.
• Knowledge of database security best practices, including user access management, encryption, auditing, and compliance requirements.
• Experience performing database migrations, upgrades, and patch management activities.
• Strong understanding of database architecture, capacity planning, storage management, and data integrity principles.
• Experience supporting mission-critical applications and databases with high availability requirements.
• Proficiency in SQL, T-SQL scripting, and database automation techniques.
• Experience working with development, infrastructure, and application support teams in a collaborative environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work independently in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Certifications / Experience
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or equivalent Microsoft SQL Server certification.
• Experience supporting federal government or other highly regulated environments.
• Experience with Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, or cloud-based database platforms.
• Knowledge of PowerShell scripting and database automation tools.
• Experience with SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), and SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS).
• Experience implementing database monitoring tools such as SolarWinds DPA, Redgate SQL Monitor, Quest Foglight, or SentryOne.
• Familiarity with DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, and database deployment methodologies.
• Experience mentoring junior DBAs and providing technical leadership on database initiatives. Location
• Washington, DC
• Hybrid – 100% on-site for first 2 months, then 2 days on-site / 3 days telework (USCP may increase on-site days) Clearance
• Must be a US Citizen
• Ability to pass a USCP criminal history check and fingerprinting for badge access. Hours
• 40 hours per week
• 8 hours per day Employment Classification
• Employment Classification Eligibility – W2 Relocation
• Not eligible for relocation benefits Benefits
• Benefits: Benefits package includes options for health, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401k contribution options. Full benefits brochure available for review. DANE LLC is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.