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Senior Database Operations Specialist

Eliassen Group, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022

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Senior Database Operations Specialist Type:

Contract-to-Hire Category:

Data Industry:

Government Reference ID:

JN -012026-105128 Date Posted:

01/20/2026 Location:

Onsite in Washington, DC The organization is a renowned technology integrator, providing advanced technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise IT solutions throughout mission and enterprise lifecycles. Our dedicated teams design, develop, and maintain systems that power critical diplomatic missions, defense operations, and explorations that extend from the depths of the ocean to outer space, all while upholding a steadfast commitment to ethics and integrity. Due to federal security clearance requirements, applicants must be United States Citizens or Permanent Residents. This is a contract-to-hire opportunity. Candidates should be prepared to work on a W2 basis and transition to full-time employment after the contract period. We offer a robust benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401k with company matching, and life insurance for our W2 consultants. Compensation:

$55.00 to $65.00/hr. W2 Key Responsibilities: Design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot SQL Server Always On Availability Groups for vital production environments.

Oversee AG architectures, including listeners, replicas, quorum settings, synchronization modes, and failover strategies.

Conduct planned and unplanned failovers, disaster recovery tests, and confirm high-availability operations.

Resolve AG issues such as replication delays, failover complications, connection routing problems, and performance issues.

Support Always On features across on-premises, VMware, and Azure setups while facilitating low-downtime deployments.

Lead and implement essential monthly patching efforts for SQL Server and Oracle systems, incorporating CUs, service packs, hotfixes, and quarterly PSU/CPU.

Synchronize database patching with OS and infrastructure timelines, ensuring pre- and post-patch validation and rollback readiness.

Maintain comprehensive patching documentation, compliance records, validation checklists, and audit materials, including STIG-driven and emergency patching reports.

Install, configure, and manage SQL Server instances and tools such as SSMS, SSRS, SSIS, and SSAS.

Oversee clustering, replication, log shipping, and mirroring solutions.

Monitor system performance, integrity, availability, and security while performing maintenance like index rebuilds and DBCC checks.

Plan and execute upgrades, migrations, and platform transitions, including shifts from on-premises to cloud environments.

Analyze execution plans, optimize SQL queries, and troubleshoot issues related to blocking, deadlocks, and performance bottlenecks.

Utilize monitoring tools like SQL Profiler, Extended Events, and Performance Monitor.

Manage user roles and permissions following best practices to ensure minimal privilege access and maintain audit logs.

Document architectures, Always On setups, patching processes, and operational runbooks, providing status reports on availability and performance metrics.

Participate in on-call rotations and provide after-hours support for patching and emergency situations, including mandatory monthly updates.

Experience Requirements: Expert knowledge of SQL Server Always On Availability Groups, including design, deployment, and intricate troubleshooting in production settings.

Demonstrated management of enterprise database patching cycles with both scheduled and emergency updates.

Experience implementing SQL Server CUs and Oracle quarterly patches in high-availability contexts with near-zero downtime.

Proficient in SQL Server clustering, Always On AG management, and cloud migration, specifically to Azure.

Hands-on experience with SQL Server versions 2012-2019 and Oracle across different platforms including on-premises, VMware, and Azure.

Familiarity with Azure SQL Managed Instance, SQL Server STIG compliance, and Transparent Data Encryption methods.

Experience with Oracle RAC, Oracle Enterprise Manager, RMAN, Data Guard, and Oracle RAC deployment on Windows.

Proficiency in Linux shell scripting, alongside familiarity with AWS RDS and EC2 database solutions.

Strong skills in performance troubleshooting and SQL optimization.

Foundational knowledge of AWS concepts required for effective database operations.

Experience with disaster recovery testing, detailing strategies, and on-call production readiness.

Preferred background supporting 24/7 enterprise production environments.

Advanced proficiency with Always On AG setups in hybrid and cloud settings is advantageous.

Experience automating maintenance, health checks, and validating patch efforts is preferred.

Experience managing SQL Server and Oracle on both Linux and Windows systems is looked for.

Experience with large-scale migrations, upgrades, backups, and restoration processes is beneficial.

Knowledge of compliance-driven operations, including STIGs and audit preparedness is a plus.

Strong collaboration skills and a willingness to engage in on-call responsibilities are preferred.

Education Requirements: Relevant Oracle and SQL Server certifications.

Candidates must be eligible for a public trust clearance.

Recruitment Transparency Notice: Eliassen Group values transparency in our recruitment practices. Please be advised that Eliassen Group employs AI tools as part of our initial application screening process. You may receive notifications from the Eliassen Virtual Recruiting Team inviting you to complete a brief voice screening as part of your application process. These tools assist our hiring teams in identifying candidates whose qualifications most closely align with the position requirements. All AI-assisted evaluations and responses are reviewed by human recruiters before any hiring decisions are made. The use of AI is intended to promote fairness, efficiency, and consistency. Eliassen Group is committed to preventing bias or discrimination in our hiring practices. By proceeding, you acknowledge and consent to the use of these tools as part of the application process. Skills, experience, and other compensable factors will influence pay rates. The rate provided reflects a W2 hourly rate; alternative employment options may be offered that could result in pay outside of the mentioned range. W2 employees of Eliassen Group who work 30 hours per week are eligible for benefits, including medical options, dental, vision, pre-tax accounts, voluntary benefits, 401(k) matching, and sick time as required by law in the worked locality. Please verify the authenticity of any outreach related to open positions connected to Eliassen Group by confirming the contact's official email address. Do not share personal or financial information with any individual not clearly associated with Eliassen Group. Report any suspected fraudulent activity. About Eliassen Group: Eliassen Group is a leading strategic consulting company specializing in human-driven solutions for over 30 years. We have assisted countless organizations in achieving success through our technology, financial, risk & compliance, and advisory solutions. With a presence across the U.S. and Europe, we balance local support with an international reach. Eliassen Group is dedicated to making a positive impact on our employees, clients, consultants, and the communities we serve. Eliassen Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability. Don't miss our referral program! If we hire a candidate you refer, you may qualify for a $1,000 referral check!