AddressSQL DBA – Federal Government – Security Clearance Required
Location: Canberra, ACT – Hybrid
Contract: 12-month contract (plus two 6-month extensions)
About the Role: Our client, a major branch of the federal government, is looking for an experienced Database Administrator (DBA) who is an Australian Citizen with baseline security clearance. The successful candidate will join their dynamic team, providing expert management of their SQL Server databases and Azure cloud environments. This role requires a blend of project-based work and business-as-usual (BAU) operations, ensuring the performance, availability, and security of critical data systems.
Responsibilities:
- Database Management: Oversee the installation, configuration, and maintenance of SQL Server databases to ensure optimal performance, availability, and security. This includes managing backups, restores, and data replication.
- Performance Tuning and Optimisation: Analyse and tune database performance using SQL Profiler, Extended Events, and Dynamic Management Views (DMVs). Implement indexing strategies, monitor server performance, and resolve bottlenecks.
- High Availability and Disaster Recovery: Design, implement, and manage high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) solutions such as Always On Availability Groups, Failover Clustering, and Log Shipping.
- Security Management: Ensure databases are secure by managing permissions, roles, and auditing. Implement encryption and other security measures to protect sensitive data.
- Scripting and Automation: Develop and maintain T-SQL scripts and PowerShell scripts to automate routine database tasks, deploy database changes, and manage high availability clusters.
- Monitoring and Maintenance: Utilise tools such as SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), Azure SQL Database, and SQL Server Agent to monitor system health, job statuses, and performance metrics. Proactively identify and resolve issues.
- Data Integrity and Recovery: Perform regular integrity checks, implement and monitor backup and restore procedures to ensure data recovery is reliable and efficient.
- Collaboration and Support: Work closely with application developers, system administrators, and other stakeholders to support database-related needs. Provide guidance and best practices for database design, development, and maintenance.
Essential Tools and Technologies:
- SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): The primary interface for managing SQL Server instances. SSMS is used for database configuration, querying, and administration.
- T-SQL (Transact-SQL): The primary language for interacting with SQL Server databases. T-SQL is used for writing queries, stored procedures, functions, and scripts.
- PowerShell: A scripting language used for task automation and configuration management. PowerShell scripts can automate database maintenance tasks, deployments, and more.
- SQL Server Agent: A component of SQL Server used to schedule and automate routine tasks, such as backups, maintenance plans, and alerting.
- SQL Profiler and Extended Events: Tools used for monitoring and analysing SQL Server activity to troubleshoot performance issues and track down problematic queries.
- Dynamic Management Views (DMVs): Built-in views that provide detailed information about the health, performance, and status of SQL Server instances.
- Azure SQL Database: A fully managed relational database service provided by Microsoft Azure, used for building and managing scalable cloud-based applications.
- Azure Data Studio: A cross-platform database tool for data professionals using on-premises and cloud data platforms on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Always On Availability Groups: A high availability and disaster recovery solution that provides an enterprise-level alternative to database mirroring.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Demonstrable experience as a SQL DBA, with strong expertise in managing SQL Server databases and Azure environments.
- Proficiency in T-SQL and PowerShell scripting for database management and automation.
- Experience with high availability and disaster recovery solutions, including Always On Availability Groups and Failover Clustering.
- Knowledge of performance tuning, query optimisation, and indexing strategies.
- Understanding of database security best practices and experience implementing security measures.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex database issues.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
Eligibility:
- Australian Citizenship is required.
- Must possess baseline security clearance or be willing to undergo the clearance process.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on critical federal government projects, contributing to the modernisation and optimisation of their database infrastructure. If you are a dedicated and experienced DBA with a passion for technology and security, we encourage you to apply.
