Senior SQL Server DBA - DV Cleared Location: Reading (Onsite) Rate: Up to £98 per hour Contract: 6 months Initial IR35: Inside IR35 Clearance: Active DV Clearance Required
We are seeking an experienced Senior SQL Server DBA to join a highly skilled technical team supporting business-critical database environments within a secure public sector organisation.
This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on DBA with strong experience across Legacy and modern SQL Server platforms, providing 2nd and 3rd line support, maintaining database availability, security and performance, and driving continual service improvement.
Key Responsibilities
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Provide 2nd and 3rd line support across production, pre-production and development SQL Server environments.
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Administer and maintain SQL Server versions , including patching, upgrades and migrations.
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Manage SQL Server high availability, clustering, Failover Cluster Instances (FCI) and Always On Availability Groups.
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Lead database incident resolution, troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
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Manage backup, restore and disaster recovery arrangements, including resilience and failover testing.
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Perform database performance tuning, capacity management and optimisation.
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Maintain database security, access controls, auditing and compliance.
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Develop automation and Scripting solutions using PowerShell and T‑SQL.
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Work closely with application, infrastructure, security and service management teams.
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Maintain technical documentation, runbooks and operational standards.
Essential Skills & Experience
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Proven experience as a Senior SQL Server DBA in business‑critical production environments.
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Strong SQL Server administration experience across versions .
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Hands‑on experience with Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC), FCI and Always On Availability Groups.
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Strong T‑SQL and PowerShell Scripting skills.
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Experience of database backup, recovery, disaster recovery and high availability.
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Performance tuning using execution plans, indexing, DMVs, Extended Events and Query Store.
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Experience with SQL Server security, Active Directory integration and access management.
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Good knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory and SQL connectivity.
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Experience working within ITIL‑based incident, problem and change management processes.
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Excellent troubleshooting, communication and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable Experience
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SSIS, SSRS and SSAS.
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CyberArk or other privileged access management tools.
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PowerShell dbatools, Redgate SQL Monitor, SCOM or SolarWinds.
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SQL Server upgrade and migration planning, including end‑of‑support and ESU.
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Azure SQL, Azure Managed Instance or Azure Arc.
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Experience within defence, government or secure environments.
Candidates must hold active UK DV Security Clearance to be considered for this opportunity.
Senior SQL Server DBA - DV Cleared in Reading employer: CBS Butler
As a Managed Services Lead Architect at our Manchester location, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to driving digital transformation within a high-profile MOD account. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth, offering opportunities for continuous learning and development. With a competitive rate and the flexibility of a hybrid working model, we ensure our employees enjoy a rewarding work-life balance while contributing to impactful projects.
