Contract Database Administrator

Overview: IT solutions company located in the Western New York area (Buffalo), specializing in delivering high-end information technology services to clients across WNY and multiple states, is seeking a Contract Database Administrator (DBA) to support and maintain client SQL Server environments. In this role, you will be hands-on with database servers and core DBA operations, taking ownership of database health, performance, reliability, and operational standards. You will work alongside additional support staff who assist with execution and follow-through. We are a cloud-first organization, managing much of our infrastructure through cloud platforms, and we partner closely with clients to deliver dependable, secure, and well-documented database operations. We are seeking candidates with strong SQL Server administration experience, a disciplined operational mindset, and the ability to communicate clearly in an SLA-driven production environment. Responsibilities: Act as the primary DBA responsible for day-to-day SQL Server and database server administration (not application development). Establish and maintain the DBA operating cadence (daily, weekly, monthly routines) and coordinate supporting staff on: Log and error review Job health checks Space monitoring Backup verification Ticket updates Monitor and improve database performance and stability by: Identifying slow queries and procedures Recommending and implementing tuning strategies Managing indexing and statistics Resolving locking and blocking issues Own backup and restore strategy and readiness, including routine restore testing and documented recovery procedures. Ensure database integrity and operational hygiene, including: DBCC checks Transaction log monitoring Growth management Maintenance execution Qualifications: 5+ years of hands-on DBA experience in production Microsoft SQL Server environments. Strong SQL Server administration fundamentals, including backups and restores, HA/DR concepts, maintenance plans, SQL Agent jobs, performance tuning, indexing, and capacity planning. Experience operating in an incident- and SLA-driven environment with structured triage and communication. Familiarity with database monitoring and performance tools (any comparable platform). Strong documentation skills, with the ability to create clear runbooks and operational standards. Ability to lead and delegate effectively to supporting staff while maintaining accountability for outcomes. Comfortable working in secure client environments, including VPN, MFA, least-privilege access, and confidentiality requirements. Preferred Certifications: Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300) or equivalent SQL Server certification ITIL Foundation (incident and change management) Security+ or similar security fundamentals certification Growth Opportunities: Expand scope into architecture guidance and modernization planning (upgrades, migrations, HA/DR improvements). Build automation and reliability improvements (alert enrichment, self-healing checks, restore readiness programs). Opportunity to extend contract scope or support additional environments based on performance and business needs. Compensation & Work Arrangement: 1099 independent contractor position Hourly rate: $70–$100, based on experience Flexible, part-time schedule Remote delivery No benefits are provided for this contract role Job Type: Contract Pay: $70.00 - $100.00 per hour Expected hours: 10 – 40 per week Application Question(s): Have you acted as a consultant before? Are you comfortable working in a remote desktop environment? When is the last time you completed ePHI training? Experience: Database administration: 4 years (Required) Language: English (Required) Location: Buffalo, NY 14221 (Preferred) Work Location: In person