We are seeking an experienced Database Management Specialist to support daily IT operations of the Department of War, Office of the Inspector General. You will be responsible for the administration, availability, security, performance, and modernization of enterprise database services across on-premises and Microsoft Azure environments.  You will provide hands-on database administration while supporting the organization’s transition from traditional datacenter-hosted database platforms to secure and scalable Azure-based services. This position will work closely with the Database Engineer Lead, application teams, infrastructure engineers, cloud engineers, cybersecurity personnel, and solution architects to maintain reliable database services and support modernization initiatives. In this role you will provide database configuration, monitoring, backup and recovery, performance optimization, security administration, data management, and routine troubleshooting across a hybrid environment. As Database Management Specialist, you will also support database migrations, automation, compliance activities, and integration with enterprise applications and cloud services. This is a hands-on technical position requiring strong database administration fundamentals and practical experience supporting production environments. To join our team of outstanding professionals, apply today! Responsibilities Enterprise Database Administration Administer, monitor, and maintain enterprise databases across on‑premises and Microsoft Azure environments, with primary emphasis on Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and Azure SQL VM. Manage additional RDBMS platforms as required, including MySQL; Oracle experience is beneficial but not required due to limited usage in the current environment. Database Configuration, Maintenance, and Upgrades Configure and maintain database instances, storage, access controls, connectivity, and high availability in accordance with DoD operational and security requirements. Perform version upgrades (for example, upgrading SQL Server from lower major versions to higher versions) ensuring proper testing, compatibility evaluations, rollback planning, and minimal downtime. Execute database lifecycle tasks including backups, restorations, patching, replication, and disaster‑recovery operations. Security & Compliance (Strong Real‑Time STIG Experience) Implement and maintain database‑level and operating system‑level security controls. Apply DoD STIGs for: SQL Server STIGs Azure SQL STIG-aligned controls Windows Server O/S STIGs Perform real-time STIG compliance tasks including auditing, remediation, hardening settings, and documenting POA&Ms. Enforce least‑privilege access, authentication/authorization principles, encryption, auditing, and vulnerability remediation in alignment with DoD 8500.01 and RMF requirements. Performance Monitoring & Optimization Monitor database health, performance, capacity, and availability using native tooling and enterprise monitoring solutions. Perform query tuning, index optimization, and general performance troubleshooting to improve reliability and efficiency. Identify opportunities to optimize resource utilization in both on‑prem and Azure environments. Key MySQL Responsibilities Administer, configure, and maintain MySQL database servers across on‑premises and cloud environments.• Perform major and minor MySQL upgrades, including in‑place upgrades and migration‑based upgrades, ensuring compatibility validation, rollback planning, and minimal downtime.• Monitor MySQL performance, availability, and resource utilization using native tools and enterprise monitoring platforms.• Perform query tuning, index optimization, and configuration adjustments to improve database performance and stability.• Manage MySQL storage engines, file structures, tablespaces, and data directory configuration.• Implement robust backup and recovery strategies using MySQL-native backup methods (mysqldump, mysqlpump).• Apply security best practices including user management, authentication, encryption (TLS/SSL), access controls, and audit logging.• Conduct routine health checks, maintenance tasks, and patching on MySQL environments.• Troubleshoot slow queries, lock contention, replication lag, connection issues, and storage bottlenecks.• Support schema changes, data migrations, and normalization activities for MySQL‑based applications.• Automate MySQL administrative tasks using shell scripts and SQL scripting.• Document MySQL configurations, upgrade plans, recovery procedures, and operational runbooks. SQL Offline Assessments Conduct SQL Server offline assessments, including: Collecting assessment data using SQL assessment packages or Microsoft best‑practice analyzers. Reviewing configuration baselines, deprecated features, security findings, and performance indicators. Preparing remediation and action plans based on assessment findings. Provide detailed documentation and evidence supporting compliance, readiness, or modernization efforts. Data Management Support Support database migrations, data validation, reconciliation, normalization, and other data‑management tasks required for enterprise applications. Assist in the modernization of on‑prem workloads to Azure SQL, Azure SQL VM. Automation & Scripting Develop, maintain, and enhance scripts for automation of administration, monitoring, reporting, deployment, compliance validation (including STIG checks), and routine maintenance. Cross‑Team Collaboration Work with application developers, infrastructure teams, cybersecurity, cloud engineers, and architects to troubleshoot issues and support large‑scale modernization, integration, or deployment initiatives. Documentation Maintain detailed documentation, including: Database configuration guides. STIG checklists and remediation artifacts. Operational procedures. Disaster‑recovery and backup plans. Upgrade and migration runbooks. Qualifications Active Secret security clearance. Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, information systems, engineering, or a related discipline. Equivalent relevant professional experience may be considered. 3-5 or more years of hands-on experience administering enterprise relational database platforms in production environments. Active IAT Level II certification or equivalent. Demonstrated experience administering Microsoft SQL Server, including database configuration, security, backup and recovery, performance monitoring, patching, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Working experience with Microsoft Azure database technologies such as Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, or Azure SQL VM. Experience supporting high-availability, disaster-recovery, backup, restoration, and business-continuity requirements for enterprise databases. Experience using SQL and database-administration tools to troubleshoot issues, analyze performance, and support application teams. Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills with the ability to work effectively across database, application, infrastructure, cloud, and cybersecurity teams. Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting databases in a U.S. Federal Government or Department of War environment. Experience migrating Microsoft SQL Server workloads from on-premises infrastructure to Microsoft Azure. Experience with Oracle Database administration in addition to Microsoft SQL Server. Familiarity with Azure migration and assessment tools. Experience supporting clustered, replicated, or highly available SQL Server environments. Experience supporting databases used by Microsoft-based enterprise applications, ServiceNow integrations, CRM platforms, or other business systems.  Preferred Certifications: Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300). Oracle Database Administration or Oracle Certified Professional certification relevant to the supported Oracle environment (I need to check on this with Ansar) Benefits InformationRegular - The company offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) and a range of other voluntary benefits. Paid Time Off (PTO) is offered to regular full-time and part-time employees. Pay Range$95,000 - $99,000 Job ID2026-25973 Work TypeOn-Site