Senior Microsoft SQL Server Database Administrator

Responsibilities & Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
:

• Eight (8) or more years of hands‑on experience providing Microsoft SQL Server database administration and development support in enterprise environments. Experience must include SQL Server installation, configuration, maintenance, performance tuning, high availability, disaster recovery, replication, and ETL/reporting support in large‑scale, multi‑tiered production environments.

MINIMUM EDUCATION
:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related technical field is required. Fifteen (15) years of applicable experience may be substituted for degree requirements.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
:

• Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) – Data Management and Analytics
• MCSE – Data Platform
• MCSE – Business Intelligence

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AREAS PREFERRED
:

• Eight (8) or more years of experience in database administration, system analysis, design, development, and support of Microsoft SQL Server environments.
• Seven (7) or more years of experience installing, configuring, and maintaining SQL Server in enterprise environments.
• Five (5) or more years of experience as a SQL Server Developer with extensive expertise in SSIS and SSRS.
• Extensive experience supporting high‑availability and disaster recovery solutions.
• Strong expertise with T‑SQL, relational database design, and data integrity enforcement.
• Experience supporting SQL Server security administration.
• Experience supporting SQL Server environments in virtualized infrastructures.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating across technical teams.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
:

• Provides senior‑level administration and operational support for Microsoft SQL Server environments in production, development, and replication settings.
• Performs installation, configuration, patching, upgrades, and maintenance of Microsoft SQL Server (2008, 2012, 2014, 2016).
• Leads SQL Server upgrade and migration efforts, including migrations from SQL Server 2008 to 2012/2016.
• Designs, implements, and supports high‑availability and disaster recovery solutions, including Failover Clustering, Database Mirroring, and Log Shipping.
• Configures and manages Active/Passive and Active/Active clustering environments.
• Implements and manages SQL Server replication models, including Snapshot, Merge, and Transactional Replication.
• Supports SQL Server environments operating in virtualized infrastructures, including VMware‑based deployments.
• Performs advanced database performance tuning and optimization, including query optimization, indexing strategies, and execution plan analysis.
• Conducts database consistency checks and integrity validation using DBCC utilities.
• Develops and maintains database objects using T‑SQL, including tables, views, triggers, functions, indexes, and relational database models.
• Manages SQL Server security, including authentication, authorization, roles, permissions, and access controls.
• Supports ETL, reporting, and analytics solutions using SSIS, SSRS, and SSAS.
• Troubleshoots complex SQL Server issues and performs root cause analysis and resolution.
• Provides technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid‑level SQL Server database administrators.
• Documents database configurations, standards, procedures, and operational activities in alignment with DCoE policies.

The U.S. Census Bureau (USCB) is the nation’s leading source of high‑quality data on the population and economy, supporting evidence‑based decision‑making across the Federal Government, industry, and the public. To sustain and modernize its data infrastructure, the Census Bureau is establishing an enterprise Database Center of Excellence (DCoE) to centralize and standardize database administration services across the organization.

Census Bureau systems operate within a complex, heterogeneous IT ecosystem that includes multiple operating systems, database technologies, and deployment models. This position works collaboratively with program offices, infrastructure teams, and cybersecurity stakeholders to ensure consistent, secure, and reliable database services across the enterprise.

We are seeking a Senior Microsoft SQL Server…