Job Title: Database Administrator 3(DBA3)
Location: Columbus, OH
Work Model: Onsite / Remote
Compensation: $93-98k
AM-Brian Gross
Initially remote but eventually maybe in-office, Columbus Ohio.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Database
Maintenance & Configuration: Install, configure, patch, and upgrade SQL
Server instances across production, staging, and development environments.
Manage server storage, system databases, and data file structures.
Performance Monitoring & Tuning: Proactively monitor system health,
resource allocation, and server metrics. Optimize database performance by
writing or refining indexes, tuning complex queries, and resolving blocking or
deadlock issues.
Backup & Disaster Recovery: Design, test, and execute reliable database
backup and recovery policies. Implement High Availability (HA) and Disaster
Recovery (DR) solutions, such as Always On Availability Groups, Log Shipping,
Failover Cluster Instances, or database replication.
Perform performance tuning and system configuration across multiple DBMS
platforms. Throughout the application lifecycle, collaborate with IT
development staff to design DBMS architecture and establish standards for data
exchange, including robust data security models. Apply an understanding of
business intelligence concepts when developing standards and best practices.
Create comprehensive documentation covering installation procedures,
monitoring, security policies, configuration changes, migration processes, and
best practices for development teams. Work closely with the State Chief
Information Security Officer to implement and enforce security standards
Security & Compliance: Implement strict role-based access control (RBAC),
manage user logins and database permissions, and configure encryption at rest
and in transit to maintain data integrity and regulatory compliance.
Developer Support & Code Review: Assist development teams with schema
refinement, table design, efficient data type selection, and code reviews for
stored procedures, triggers, functions, and complex T-SQL queries.
Automation & Scripting: Write T-SQL, PowerShell, or command-line scripts to
automate routine DBA maintenance tasks, including index maintenance, integrity
checks, statistics updates, backups, monitoring, and reporting.
The SQL Server DBA provides server administration for Microsoft SQL Server
database products.
The DBA3 will be responsible for implementing, configuring, maintaining, and
ensuring the performance and availability of SQL Server systems to keep
corporate applications available and running smoothly.
Soft Skills: Sharp analytical and troubleshooting skills, strong attention to
detail, and the ability to explain complex database issues to non-technical
stakeholders.
Develops and orchestrates both Azure and on-premises Database Management System
(DBMS) architectures, ensuring robust and scalable solutions. Administers Azure
SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server hosted on Azure
Virtual Machines. Oversees the implementation and configuration of these DBMS
platforms, aligning them with organizational objectives. Designs and plans
comprehensive High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HA/DR) strategies,
including careful hardware selection and recommendations tailored to system
needs. Takes the lead in configuring and deploying HA/DR solutions and managing
replication processes to ensure data integrity and accessibility.
Configures and supports Azure database backup, monitoring, security, migration,
and disaster recovery solutions. Uses Azure Monitor to monitor database
performance and availability, and Azure Key Vault to securely store passwords
and other sensitive information.
Regularly monitors and fine-tunes DBMS performance to optimize efficiency and
reliability. Collaborates closely with IT Architecture staff, the Chief
Information Officer, and IT Managers to devise solutions that fulfill agency
requirements. Contributes to the analysis and development of the solution
design’s business case, authoring relevant sections to support decision-making.
Handles complex technical challenges by providing Tier III resolution for
critical issues, reinforcing system stability and continuity.
Develops database strategies to meet business needs and applies project
planning principles, theories, practices, and techniques. Conducts formal
mentorship activities for peers and lower-level staff, providing guidance
through verbal instruction or technical documentation. When assigned, serves as
a member of a Disaster Recovery/Business Resumption Team, Incident Response
Team, or similar public health response team, which may require 24/7 operations
at remote locations.
WHAT’S NEEDED
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or an
equivalent technical field, or equivalent work experience.
Experience: 5+ years of dedicated hands-on experience managing enterprise-level
Microsoft SQL Server database environments, including on-premises and
Azure-based platforms.
Technical Proficiencies:
Deep expertise in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and underlying database
internals.
Advanced command of Transact-SQL (T-SQL) language syntax.
Experience implementing SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) packages and
Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) workflows.
Experience supporting Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL
Server on Azure Virtual Machines.
Knowledge of Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, Microsoft Entra ID, Azure Key Vault,
Azure Backup, and Azure role-based access control.
Experience migrating and integrating databases between on-premises SQL Server
and Azure environments.
Understanding of Azure database security, networking, scalability, cost
optimization, and HA/DR capabilities.
Hands-on familiarity with third-party monitoring and backup tools, such as
Redgate.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Other standard benefits as applicable
ABOUT UNICON
UNICON is a workforce solutions provider with over 35 years of experience supporting organizations across a variety of industries. We partner with our clients to deliver skilled professionals while maintaining a strong focus on quality, compliance, and long-term relationships. UNICON is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.