Senior Database Administrator

Job description

Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, Workers Compensation Division, has an immediate need for a Senior Database Administrator to design, manage, and optimize SQL Server databases with a strong emphasis on Microsoft Azure cloud solutions. This individual ensures the performance, scalability, security, and governance of database systems critical to business operations, leading Azure-based database initiatives, enforcing data security and governance policies, safeguarding sensitive data, and ensuring compliance with organizational and regulatory standards while mentoring team members and aligning solutions with business objectives. ### KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Designs, deploys, and manages Microsoft SQL Server databases on-premises and in Azure (e.g., Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance) with secure and governed architectures. - Optimizes SQL Server performance through query tuning, index management, and resource optimization while adhering to data governance and security standards in Azure environments. - Implements and enforces data security measures, including encryption (e.g., Transparent Data Encryption, Always Encrypted), Azure Active Directory authentication, and role-based access control (RBAC). - Establishes and maintains data governance frameworks, including data classification, lineage tracking, and metadata management, to ensure data quality and compliance. - Develops and executes backup, recovery, and high-availability strategies using Azure Blob Storage, Azure Backup, and Always On Availability Groups to protect data integrity and availability. - Monitors and responds to security threats using Azure Defender for SQL, audit logs, and compliance tools, while ensuring governance policies are upheld. - Troubleshoots and resolves complex database, security, and governance issues in SQL Server and Azure SQL platforms, minimizing disruption and ensuring policy adherence. - Collaborates with development teams to design secure, efficient, and governed database schemas for Azure-hosted applications, incorporating data security and governance best practices. - Automates database administration, security, and governance tasks using T-SQL, PowerShell, and Azure Automation to streamline operations and enforce standards. - Conducts regular security assessments, vulnerability scans, and data governance audits of Azure database resources to meet regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, SOC). - Leads migrations from on-premises SQL Server instances to Azure cloud database services, ensuring secure data transfer, validation, and governance compliance. - Provides expertise on Azure data services (e.g., Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics) and their secure data transfer, validation, and governance compliance. - Works with stakeholders to define and enforce data policies, standards, and procedures, ensuring data accessibility, accuracy, and accountability. - Mentors junior DBAs and IT staff on Microsoft database technologies, Azure best practices, data security protocols, and data governance principles. ### QUALIFICATIONS - **Education**: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field required (equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of degree). - **Preferred Certifications**: Microsoft Certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate; Microsoft Certified: Data Management and Analytics; and/or Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals. - Strong proficiency in T-SQL, SQL Server administration, performance optimization, and secure, governed database design. - In-depth knowledge of data security practices (e.g., encryption, access controls) and data governance principles (e.g., data quality, lineage, compliance). - Expertise in Azure security tools (e.g., Azure Defender, Key Vault, network security groups) and governance tools (e.g., Azure Purview, data cataloging). - Familiarity with PowerShell scripting for SQL Server, Azure automation, security, and governance management. - Excellent analytical skills with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating security risks and ensuring data governance. - Strong communication skills to collaborate with technical teams and explain security and governance practices to non-technical stakeholders. - Knowledge of additional Azure data tools (e.g., Azure Data Lake, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Purview) and their secure, governed implementation preferred. - Familiarity with hybrid cloud database architectures and secure, governed data synchronization between on-premises SQL Server and Azure preferred. ### EXPERIENCE - Minimum of 7 years of experience in database administration, with at least 3 years in a senior role focused on Microsoft SQL Server, data security, and governance. - Extensive experience with Microsoft Azure, including Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and Azure security and governance features. - Hands-on experience with SQL Server high-availability solutions (e.g., Always On, Failover Clustering) and Azure disaster recovery, aligned with governance policies. - Experience with Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, or Infrastructure as Code (e.g., ARM templates, Terraform) in secure and governed deployments preferred. ### WHAT WE OFFER - Work From Home Program (up to 2 days per week upon eligibility) - Modern Office Setting - Free On-Site Fitness Facility - Free On-Site Garage Parking - Paid Time Off - Paid Holidays - Retirements Savings Match - Group Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, and Vision) - Hospital Indemnity Insurance - Life and AD&D Insurance - Long Term Disability Insurance - Accident and Critical Illness Insurance - Flexible Savings Accounts - Paid Community Volunteer Day - Employee Assistance Program - Tuition Reimbursement Program - Employee Referral Program - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program