Senior SQL Server Database Administrator
Overview
We’re seeking to fill a full time position with a highly experienced and forward-thinking Senior SQL Server Database Administrator to lead critical database operations and drive architectural decisions. This role demands deep technical acumen in high availability, disaster recovery, database upgrades, data center and cloud migration strategies, as well as an ability to align database performance with business outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- The DBA will work with stakeholders – both in the business and the technology organization, to confirm performance and supportability of the database.
- Adhere to Standards and Best Practices for the SQL Server database.
- The DBA should be well-versed and experienced in installation, configuration, and diagnosis of SSIS (projects, packages), SSRS (Reports) and SSAS (cubes) components of SQL Server environments.
- Lead database upgrade and migration efforts (e.g., SQL Server 2016 to newer versions), ensuring compliance with lifecycle support policies.
- Architect, implement, and manage SQL Server environments with a focus on performance, scalability, and operational resilience.
- Design and maintain High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR) solutions using Always-On technology, Failover Clustering, and geo-redundant systems.
- Lead database upgrades and data center migration efforts, including on-prem to Azure transitions, ensuring minimal business disruption and seamless continuity.
- Apply index partitioning, and data partitioning techniques to optimize data distribution and query performance across large datasets.
- Enforce encryption protocols for data at rest and in-transit to ensure regulatory compliance and data protection.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align infrastructure decisions with business needs and application requirements.
- Monitor performance trends and proactively tune servers, databases, and SQL queries for maximum throughput.
- Maintain clear and comprehensive documentation on architectural decisions, configurations, procedures, and recovery plans.
Required Qualifications
- Over 12 years of enterprise-level SQL Server administration with demonstrated expertise in HA/DR frameworks and complex migration scenarios.
- Advanced knowledge of Always-On, Availability Groups, failover cluster configurations, database mirroring and cloud-based DR strategies.
- Proficiency in T-SQL, PowerShell scripting, and SQL Server monitoring and Data Management tools (e.g., SSMS, Profiler, Idera, Redgate).
- Experience with planning and executing large scale upgrades and database migrations.
- Hands-on experience with index and table partitioning, and database performance engineering.
- Experience supporting analytics platforms such as SSIS, SSRS, and SSAS.
- Change Data Capture and replication methods
Preferred Skills
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or equivalent certification.
- Familiarity with cloud database services (e.g. Azure SQL).
- Experience supporting Microsoft Power BI.
- MS degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering or equivalent.
- Experience with solutions using Scale-out and/or Scale-up features.
About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Job Identification: 13985
Job Category: Information Technology
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Southern Company Services
