SQL Server DBA (Contract – 6 Months)
Edinburgh Hybrid
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced SQL Server Database Administrator to join our client on a 6‑month contract. The role will focus on ensuring the performance, availability, security, and integrity of mission‑critical SQL Server environments, while supporting ongoing operations, improvements, and project work.
This role is well suited to a hands-on DBA who can operate independently, troubleshoot complex issues, and work closely with development, infrastructure, and cloud teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Administer, maintain, and support Microsoft SQL Server environments (2016–2022+)
- Monitor and optimise database performance, capacity, and availability
- Manage backup, restore, and recovery processes; test and validate DR procedures
- Troubleshoot and resolve production database issues and incidents
- Implement and maintain high availability and disaster recovery solutions (e.g. Always On Availability Groups, Failover Clustering)
- Manage security, permissions, and compliance (encryption, auditing, access control)
- Provide DBA support for application releases and change activity
- Collaborate with developers on query tuning and database design best practices
- Document environments, procedures, and operational runbooks
- Act as an escalation point for complex database-related issues,.
- Support of Azure SQL Platforms including Azure SQL DB and SQL Managed Instance.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Significant hands-on experience as a SQL Server DBA in enterprise environments
- Strong expertise in SQL Server administration (installation, configuration, troubleshooting)
- Proven experience with performance tuning (indexes, execution plans, waits, IO, memory)
- Solid knowledge of HA/DR technologies (Always On AGs essential)
- Strong T‑SQL skills for diagnostics, automation, and troubleshooting
- Experience with backup and recovery strategies in large environments
- Understanding of Windows Server and storage concepts
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, delivery-focused environment.
- Familiarity with Azure concepts.
Desirable
- PowerShell / Terraform scripting for DBA automation
- Familiarity with monitoring tools (e.g. , Redgate, SolarWinds, Quest Spotlight)
- Experience working in regulated or security-conscious environments
- Exposure to DevOps / CI‑CD database deployment practices.
- Experience of Fabric and Azure Data Factory.
- Experience of Redwood RMJ.
If this sounds like the right role for you, then please get in touch with Christina Hall at [email protected]
