Senior SQL Server Database Administrator

Job Title

The NICHD Office of OIT requires continued planning and technical support for IT application and website development and maintenance, Section 508 Compliance, database and data mart support, application infrastructure support, and other technical services including but not limited to the support of new and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine learning (ML)/Robotic Process Automation (RPA), NICHD and/or NIH Wide.

Job Description

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) was established as one of the 27 institutes and centers within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1962. NICHD's mission is to lead research and training to understand human development, improve reproductive health, enhance the lives of children and adolescents, and optimize abilities for all.

Responsibilities

Administer, maintain, and support Microsoft SQL Server databases across development, test, and production environments in both on-premises and Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructures. Ensure high availability, security, performance, and recoverability of SQL Server databases supporting mission-critical federal applications. Perform daily database monitoring, health checks, performance analysis, and proactive issue resolution across SQL Server environments. Execute database installation, configuration, upgrades, patching, and security updates to maintain supported and secure SQL Server platforms. Manage database backup and recovery operations, including full, differential, and transaction log backups, and support disaster recovery procedures. Perform database performance tuning, query optimization, indexing strategies, and troubleshooting of complex database performance issues. Maintain and manage database security, including user accounts, roles, permissions, authentication, and access controls in compliance with federal security requirements. Support production release activities, including database deployments, schema changes, data refreshes, and environment synchronization between development, test, and production. Develop, maintain, and optimize SQL Server stored procedures, T-SQL scripts, functions, triggers, and database objects to support application and reporting needs. Support integration between SQL Server databases and external systems, including Oracle, COTS applications, and federal enterprise data platforms. Design and maintain database views and data structures to support reporting and business intelligence tools such as Power BI and Qlik Sense. Support data mart operations by adding and modifying tables, fields, and structures to meet evolving reporting and application requirements. Develop and maintain SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) or equivalent reporting environments, ensuring reliable and timely access to data for end users. Monitor and troubleshoot data integration processes and scheduled data loads to ensure accuracy, completeness, and data integrity. Support database connectivity and interoperability across heterogeneous environments, including Oracle, MySQL, and enterprise data warehouses. Provide technical support for database-related issues, including data recovery, troubleshooting, and resolution of production incidents. Evaluate and implement new SQL Server database technologies and enhancements based on business and technical requirements. Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for database administration, including installation, configuration, patching, backup/recovery, and troubleshooting processes. Retrieve and analyze data from enterprise systems to support reporting, analytics, and operational decision-making. Collaborate with application developers, system administrators, and infrastructure teams to ensure optimal database performance and system reliability. Ensure compliance with federal security standards, including data protection, encryption, and vulnerability remediation requirements.

Qualifications

More than 5 years of experience in conducting SQL Server database administration. Extensive experience in administering SQL Server database in standalone and clustered architecture on Windows on premises and in cloud environments. Extensive experience in SQL Server backup/recovery, configure failover cluster, setup jobs and monitoring. Strong T SQL, performance tuning, and troubleshooting skills. Experience with SQL Server reporting services, integration services, and analysis services.

Preferred: Experiences with SQL Server 2016/2019/2022, SQL Server on Windows, and MySQL on Ubuntu.

Education

Requires BS/BA degree in related field (or equivalent)

Compensation

Anticipated Salary Range: $110,000–$145,000 annually Actual compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience, qualifications, certifications, and other business considerations. This position is contingent upon contract award.

Location and Work Hours

Work Location: Fully Remote with occasional on site meetings in Bethesda, MD Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, Regular Business Hours

Benefits and EEO

At Ardent Eagle Solutions, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees and their families: Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage Matching 401(k) Plan Continuing Education Assistance Paid Time Off Free parking is available for the night shift Operations Watch Officers This job description is intended to describe the general scope of work and level of work that is needed to perform while on task with Ardent Eagle Solutions. Other duties may be assigned. Selected candidates may undergo a government security investigation and must fulfill eligibility criteria for accessing classified information. US citizenship may be a prerequisite for certain roles. Ardent Eagle Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to disability or protected veteran status.