MS SQL Server / Azure DBA - Contract - Remote - 1 year +

Resource 1 is seeking an experienced SQL Server DBA for a 1-year contract with our client who has recently migrated most of their SQL Server databases to Azure VM. This role is 100% remote and requires a collaborative professional who can work with existing DBA to manage day-to-day operations, support mission critical databases (including off-hours support), and provide guidance on database best practices. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in MS SQL Server, strong problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to performance, availability, and security in a 24x7 environment. Database Monitoring & Availability: • Monitor SQL Server databases in an Always On environment using tools like Idera and Nagios. • Diagnose and resolve issues with Availability Group (AG) health and related replication or failover challenges. • Identify and resolve long-running processes that are consuming excessive CPU or resources. Database Replication: • Manage transactional replication between Always On systems. • Ensure replication processes are healthy, performant, and reliable. Performance Tuning: • Analyze and optimize slow-running queries, stored procedures, and database jobs. • Optimize backups, restores, and other scheduled maintenance tasks. Patching & Maintenance: • Apply MS SQL Server and Windows patches in a 24x7 production environment. • Ensure database systems remain up-to-date, secure, and compliant with organizational standards. Data Refresh & Environment Management: • Execute development and test database refreshes from production backups. • Maintain consistency and data integrity across environments. Best Practices: • Provide guidance on SQL Server best practices, processes, architecture improvements and potentially a future migration to MI (Managed Instance). Qualifications: • Strong experience with MS SQL Server, including administration, monitoring, and tuning. • Hands-on experience with Always On Availability Groups and troubleshooting replication issues. • Proficient in performance tuning, query optimization, and resource management. • Experience with transactional replication. • Proven ability to manage patching and maintenance in 24x7 production environments. • Experience performing database refreshes for development or test environments. • Familiarity with backup, restore, and disaster recovery strategies. • Willingness to participate in non-business hour support for critical events. Pluses: • Experience implementing or advising on SQL Server best practices • Migrating from on-prem SQL Server to Azure VM to MI (Managed Instance) • Microsoft certification in Azure Database Administration Apply tot his job