Senior MS SQL Server Database Administrator

Job Title: Senior MS SQL Server Database Administrator
Work Type: Remote
Location: Mechanicsville, VA 23116
Rate: $50 – $70 per hour
Start Date: 19/10/2026
End Date: 30/06/2027
Industry Category: Government / Information Technology
Employment Type: 1099 Contract
Requisition ID: 813262

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Senior MS SQL Server Database Administrator (DBA) to support the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Information Technology Division (ITD) Tolling group. This remote contract opportunity focuses on SQL Server database administration, cloud database technologies, performance optimization, high availability, and operational support.

The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in Microsoft SQL Server, Transact-SQL (T-SQL), database maintenance, and troubleshooting, along with familiarity with cloud database platforms.

Application:

Qualified candidates should demonstrate the required SQL Server database administration experience, technical troubleshooting skills, and ability to work independently within a collaborative engineering and operations environment.

Applicants must confirm that they will physically reside within the United States for the duration of the assignment in accordance with Commonwealth of Virginia security policies.

Candidates must also be willing to complete a fingerprint-based background check and maintain technical knowledge of VDOT technologies through continuing education at their own expense.

Job Description

The Senior MS SQL Server DBA will join VDOT's Tolling Engineering and Operations Team to administer, maintain, and support SQL Server and cloud database environments that support critical tolling applications and business operations.

This position is responsible for maintaining database availability, optimizing performance, troubleshooting technical issues, and supporting database installations, upgrades, migrations, and high-availability configurations.

The selected professional will collaborate with engineering and operations specialists to improve database reliability, strengthen operational processes, and ensure database systems meet organizational requirements.

In addition to database administration, the role includes rotating help desk and application support responsibilities within the Tolling team. The successful candidate must be comfortable independently managing complex technical assignments while communicating effectively with technical and business stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

SQL Server Database Administration

• Administer, maintain, monitor, and support Microsoft SQL Server database environments.
• Perform SQL Server installations, upgrades, patching, migrations, and configuration activities.
• Support SQL Server 2022, SQL Server 2025 and later versions, including failover clustering configurations.
• Monitor database health, availability, connectivity, and operational performance to maintain reliable system operations.
• Manage large SQL Server databases and support database scalability, stability, and efficiency.
• Review existing database implementations and recommend, execute, or coordinate improvements.
• Support database high-availability technologies, including SQL Server clustering, mirroring, and failover configurations.

Database Performance Optimization & Troubleshooting

• Analyze and tune SQL Server databases to improve performance and resource utilization.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and optimize long-running SQL queries.
• Write, debug, and maintain Transact-SQL (T-SQL) queries and scripts.
• Diagnose and resolve database and application issues involving connectivity, access, security, and performance.
• Review database maintenance activities and refine operational processes to align with agency priorities.
• Use Windows operating system scripting utilities to support database maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and administration.

Cloud Database & Data Platform Support

• Support cloud database environments and related database administration activities.
• Work with Microsoft Azure cloud technologies and other applicable data platforms.
• Apply data modeling principles to support database design, maintenance, and optimization.
• Collaborate with technical teams on database architecture, implementation, and operational improvements.

Application & Operational Support

• Participate in rotating help desk and application support responsibilities with the Tolling Engineering and Operations Team.
• Troubleshoot database-related application incidents and support timely issue resolution.
• Assist with maintaining operational continuity and system availability for tolling applications.
• Evaluate existing database procedures and recommend improvements to support organizational priorities.

Technical Collaboration & Documentation

• Collaborate with engineering, operations, application development, and technical support professionals.
• Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and solutions clearly to relevant stakeholders.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation using standard requirements and design artifacts.
• Independently plan, prioritize, and complete complex database administration assignments.
• Apply professional judgment and technical expertise to resolve challenging operational issues.
• Maintain current technical knowledge of database technologies and VDOT-supported systems.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience managing and administering Microsoft SQL Server databases.
• 2+ years of experience installing, upgrading, patching, and migrating SQL Server databases.
• 1+ year of experience with SQL Server database performance tuning and optimization.
• 1+ year of experience writing, coding, and debugging Transact-SQL (T-SQL).
• 1+ year of experience with Microsoft Azure, Snowflake, or Databricks; an applicable certification may be accepted in place of this experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related discipline, or equivalent skills, knowledge, and professional work experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in SQL Server database administration and support.
• Knowledge of SQL Server clustering, database mirroring, and high-availability configurations.
• Experience supporting large SQL Server databases and complex database environments.
• Experience administering SQL Server databases on Windows operating systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot database connectivity, security, access, and application-related issues.
• Knowledge of database maintenance procedures, SQL Server installations, and system upgrades.
• Demonstrated experience communicating technical information using standard requirements and design documentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
• Ability to independently manage complex assignments and collaborate effectively with engineering and operations teams.
• Must successfully complete a fingerprint-based background check.
• Must be willing to maintain knowledge of current VDOT technologies through continuing education at personal expense.
• Must physically reside within the United States throughout the assignment; offshore IT contractors are not permitted.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1+ year of experience with SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), and SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS).
• 1+ year of experience administering cloud databases using Microsoft Azure, Snowflake, and/or Databricks.
• Familiarity with Microsoft SQL Server 2019 and later versions.
• Knowledge of cloud database architecture, administration, and operational support.
• Experience supporting cloud-based data platforms in enterprise environments.

Benefits

Compensation:

Pay Range: $50 – $70 per hour

Schedule:

• Work Arrangement: Remote

Work Location:
Mechanicsville, VA 23116