MS SQL Database Engineer

Aurora Organic Dairy, a 2024 USA Top Workplace, growing and we have an opening on our dynamic IT teams as a MS SQL Database Engineer. This is a hybrid position that requires working from the Boulder, CO office a minimum of 2 to 3 days per week.

Purpose:

The MS SQL Server DBA is responsible for the management, implementation, configuration, maintenance, security, and performance of Aurora Organic Dairy's SQL Server systems, which are essential for the availability and reliable performance of our corporate applications. This role involves performing regular system monitoring, troubleshooting, and tuning to support the business's data infrastructure needs. The MS SQL Server DBA will also assist in developing and implementing best practices, data governance, and disaster recovery strategies. This is a hands-on role requiring strong technical expertise, as well as excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Database Management & Maintenance: Design, implement, manage, maintain, and upgrade the AOD SQL Server environment for all applications including the AOD data warehouse, ensuring its operational readiness, security, health, and optimal performance.
• Data Loading & Modeling: Execute complex data loads and data modeling activities to support the needs of various development teams, ensuring data integrity and availability.
• Collaboration on Enterprise Applications: Collaborate in the development and ongoing maintenance of an enterprise application suite, including program management tools, ensuring seamless data flow and integration. Support database design and architecture for new projects and enhancements.
• Troubleshooting & Support: Independently and collaboratively troubleshoot database issues, optimize database and query performance, and maintain high availability and robust disaster recovery (HA/DR) capabilities. Create and maintain documentation on system configurations, maintenance tasks, and troubleshooting processes.
• Backup & Recovery: Oversee and maintain robust backup and recovery processes, including disaster recovery planning, database performance tuning, and application monitoring to meet Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPO). Regular testing to ensure the effectiveness of backups, restorations, and disaster recovery plans.
• Security & Compliance: Define and implement database security policies, standards, and procedures. Manage database security, roles, profiles, and implement patching and security remediation processes to ensure a secure and compliant environment across all systems. Respond to security alerts, patch vulnerabilities, and conduct regular audits.
• License Management: Oversee SQL license upgrades, renewals, and compliance for all environments, ensuring all databases and servers meet licensing requirements.
• Collaboration in Design Sessions: Actively participate in design sessions with application engineers and work closely with business analysts to understand and support business requirements and project objectives.
• Stable Database Environment: Provide the business with a stable, optimally designed, tested, and implemented database environment to support both current operations and future growth.
• Monitoring and Automation: Proficiency with monitoring tools (like SQL Server Management Studio, Performance Monitor, and third-party tools) to track database performance, log issues, and prevent downtime. Automate regular database tasks, backups, and alerts to improve efficiency.
• Cloud: Working with Azure SQL and Azure DevOps

Other Required Responsibilities:

• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated ability to analyze performance data, troubleshoot issues, and resolve problems effectively.
• Attention to Detail: Critical for accurate data management, security, and troubleshooting.
• Communication Skills: Clear and concise communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, particularly for requirements gathering, troubleshooting, and documentation.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Strong ability to work effectively with development, infrastructure, and business teams to ensure database performance aligns with business needs.
• Travel: Occasional travel to AOD sites to work directly with on-site engineers.
• After-Hours Support: Availability for maintenance and critical downtime support as needed.
• Cloud: Working knowledge of Azure SQL.
• Other Databases: working knowledge or willing to learn 3rd party Databases that support some internal applications.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field, preferred
• 3-5 years as a MS SQL DBA, including experience in performance tuning, backup/recovery, and basic high availability.
• Microsoft certifications a plus: Azure Database Administrator Associate, Database Administrator or Data Engineer, or similar.
• Available for traveling between farm facilities.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to work safely in farm and manufacturing environments; to lift up to 50 lbs., work with equipment on the floor (under desks) and from a ladder. Regular standing, walking, bending, stooping, sitting in various positions for long periods of time. Use of hands to handle, grasp and reach with hands and arms for long periods of time. Climb, balance, kneel, crouch, and crawl. Available for regular scheduled travel to remote facilities via automobile or airline.