Sql Server Dba

Job Title

SQL Server DBA (with PostgreSQL knowledge)

We are seeking an experienced SQL Server DBA with PostgreSQL knowledge to join a Durban-based team on a 12-month contract (work from office). This role requires immediate joiners only. The successful candidate will design, implement and maintain enterprise-scale database services, focusing on high availability, disaster recovery, performance, automation and security. Subcontractor rate: R450–R500/hr duration: 12 months with possible renewal.

• Design, implement and maintain high availability and disaster recovery solutions including clustering, availability groups and replication frameworks.
• Develop and manage complex data movement and replication architectures across large database estates.
• Monitor database environments and proactively resolve performance, stability and reliability issues.
• Perform advanced performance tuning and query optimisation using execution plans, wait statistics and profiling tools.
• Investigate incidents, perform root cause analysis and implement effective remediation strategies.
• Drive database automation initiatives using scripting and self-service tooling to improve operational efficiency.
• Support infrastructure modernisation projects, including cloud adoption and optimisation initiatives.
• Ensure database security, compliance and governance through controls such as encryption, auditing and access management.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, runbooks and operational standards.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior database administrators.
• Participate in critical incident response and provide after-hours support when required.

• 6+ years of progressive experience in database administration within enterprise environments.
• A relevant degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related discipline.
• Strong expertise in SQL Server and experience with PostgreSQL or similar relational database systems.
• Proven experience with high availability, disaster recovery and replication technologies.
• Advanced skills in database performance tuning and query optimisation.
• Experience with automation and scripting using Power Shell, Bash, or Python.
• Familiarity with technologies such as Click House, Foundation DB and observability stacks (Loki, Grafana, Tempo, Mimir).
• Solid understanding of security, compliance and data governance practices.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to manage critical incidents independently.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work across technical and business stakeholders.

The following skills are required or highly desirable for this role. Immediate availability is essential.

• SQL Server
• PostgreSQL
• High Availability
• Disaster Recovery
• Clustering
• Availability Groups
• Replication
• Data Movement
• Performance Tuning
• Query Optimization
• Execution Plans
• Wait Statistics
• Profiling Tools
• Automation
• Scripting
• Power Shell
• Bash
• Python
• Click House
• Foundation DB
• Loki
• Grafana
• Tempo
• Mimir
• Rybbit
• Valkey
• Cloud Platforms
• Monitoring and Observability
• Security
• Compliance
• Data Governance
• Encryption
• Auditing
• Access Management
• Incident Response
• Root Cause Analysis Runbooks
• Technical Documentation
• Mentorship
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Infrastructure Modernization

Skillset

Required:

SQL Server, PostgreSQL, High Availability, Disaster Recovery, Clustering, Availability Groups, Replication