At a Glance
- Tasks: Administer and optimise SQL Server environments while ensuring data quality and security.
- Company: Public Sector organisation in Edinburgh with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and potential contract extensions.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on public sector IT services.
- Qualifications: Strong SQL Server experience and skills in performance tuning and Azure Cosmos DB.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.
ASA Recruitment’s client, a Public Sector organisation in Edinburgh, are currently looking to recruit a SQL DBA on a hybrid basis (a couple of days onsite per month), for an initial 12 month contract (with potential extensions) on a rate of c.£500/day outside of IR35 (based on experience).
Responsibilities
- Administer, configure, and support SQL Server environments across development, test, and production.
- Manage, optimise, and monitor Azure Cosmos DB workloads, ensuring cost-effective, scalable performance.
- Perform proactive capacity planning, patching, and upgrades to meet operational needs.
- Identify and resolve database performance issues impacting legacy systems.
- Improve query and indexing strategies, schema design, and execution plans to reduce latency.
- Introduce monitoring and alerting improvements aligned to operational SLAs and KPIs.
- Ensure compliance with data legislation and security standards, including GDPR and government policy.
- Manage access controls, auditing, and data protection measures.
- Maintain documentation that supports transparency, continuity, and operational resilience.
- Support the evolution of data platforms with modern architectures where appropriate.
- Collaborate closely with engineering and delivery teams to support service transformation initiatives.
Qualifications
- Strong SQL Server administration experience in live service environments.
- Demonstrable expertise in performance tuning and troubleshooting database bottlenecks.
- Practical experience with Azure Cosmos DB, including throughput, indexing, and partitioning strategies.
- Understanding of HA/DR design principles and tooling.
- Commitment to secure, well-governed data management practices.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, service-focused environment.
- Experience in public sector IT services and associated compliance standards.
- Familiarity with cloud-hosted operational databases and Azure infrastructure.
- Knowledge of automation (PowerShell, ARM/Bicep, Terraform, DevOps pipelines).
- Experience supporting legacy application transformation or migration projects.
SQL Database Administrator employer: ASA Recruitment
As a Public Sector organisation based in the heart of Edinburgh, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values employee growth and development. Our hybrid working model offers flexibility while ensuring you are part of a dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality services. With competitive rates and a focus on compliance and innovation, we provide a meaningful opportunity for SQL Database Administrators to make a real impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SQL Database Administrator
✨Get Social in the Data World
Join online communities like Stack Overflow or Reddit's r/Database to connect with others in database management. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed by industry insiders who might know of temporary roles!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Create a small project using the database software you’re familiar with—maybe something fun like a personal book or music database. Having a project to demonstrate will make you stand out to companies like ASA Recruitment when they see your hands-on approach!
✨Utilise Temporary Staffing Agencies
Many temp positions in database management are filled through staffing agencies. Get in touch with agencies that focus on tech roles, and let them know you're on the lookout for short-term opportunities. They can be a great bridge to finding your next gig.
✨Direct Applications are Key!
Don’t shy away from applying directly to ASA Recruitment through our website. Temporary roles often get posted without fanfare, so check back frequently, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you see a position that fits your skills!
We think you need these skills to ace SQL Database Administrator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Technical Skills:In the world of database management, it’s essential to showcase your technical skills upfront. Make sure your CV includes relevant programming languages, database systems you’ve worked with, and any data modelling tools you’re familiar with. We want to see how your skills align with the needs of ASA Recruitment.
Document Your Projects:If you have completed any database projects, don’t forget to mention them! Include specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and your experience with data migration or optimisation. Having a portfolio or a section on your CV detailing these projects can really set you apart in a temporary role.
Express Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary position, it’s key to highlight your adaptability in your cover letter. Let us know that you’re ready to jump into different tasks and tackle challenges as they arise at ASA Recruitment. This shows that you’re not just looking for another job, but you’re excited about contributing to our team.
Keep it Concise:For a temporary role like this, keep your application concise and focused. Use bullet points to list your relevant experience and skills, making it easier for us to absorb the info quickly. Your aim should be to grab attention without overwhelming us with unnecessary details. And remember, submit your application through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at ASA Recruitment
✨Get Hands-On with Tools
In database management, it’s crucial to be familiar with the tools of the trade like SQL, NoSQL, or even data visualisation software. Make sure you’ve got some practical examples ready to discuss how you’ve used these tools, and maybe even try to whip up a sample database to share in a discussion. This shows you're not just theory, but can get stuck in.
✨Brush Up on Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions that dive deep into your problem-solving skills. Be prepared to tackle scenarios where you might need to optimise a database query or explain data normalisation. This is a key area for database management roles, and demonstrating your understanding here can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Show Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new systems or tasks. Emphasise your eagerness to hit the ground running and how easily you can familiarise yourself with the company’s database systems. Companies love a candidate who can dive right in without unnecessary handholding!
✨Pitching Yourself and Your Availability
In a temporary role, your availability is crucial. Be upfront about your schedule and how you can commit to the temporary demands of the job. Plus, don’t forget to express your keen interest in learning and contributing to ASA Recruitment—they’ll appreciate your enthusiasm for both the role and their team!
