Windows DBA

THE OPPORTUNITY

Dillard’s is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Windows Database Administrator to join our talented IT department. In this role, you’ll be responsible for implementing, configuring, maintaining, and optimizing the performance of our critical Microsoft-based SQL Server systems. You’ll work closely with application developers, system administrators, and the security team to ensure high levels of availability and performance.  If you are passionate about optimizing database performance, ensuring system reliability, and working in a dynamic environment, we’d love to hear from you. 

THE TEAM

This position will be on our Windows DBA team, which is responsible for supporting and managing numerous SQL databases, supporting store, buyer, and third-party applications. This team also focuses on data governance, best practices, and research of new database technologies. As a Windows Database Administrator on this team, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with multiple teams and gain knowledge about other aspects of the company.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Ensure required database resources are available to business users and application development teams.
• Instance and Database Tuning.
• Logical and Physical modeling and design.
• SQL Tuning.
• Provide technical direction to application development teams.
• Backup and Recovery.
• Work with system programming staff to plan and implement maintenance, upgrades, and migrations.
• Research and planning related to new technologies, application rewrites, and implementation of new applications.

THE MUST-HAVES

• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Ability to work onsite at Corporate Headquarters in Little Rock, AR.
• MS SQL Server administrative or application development experience.
• Strong SQL language programming and tuning skills.
• Self-motivated individual.
• Ability to work well with a group and independently.
• Advanced knowledge of one or more programming languages, preferably Visual Basic or C#.
• Some Windows Server 2012 or later/Windows 10 administrative knowledge.
• Work well under pressure and be able to thrive in a dynamic and diverse environment.
• Ability to deal with frequent interruptions.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proven research skills.
• Ability to solve problems independently.

THE NICE-TO-HAVES

• 5+ years of IT experience.
• DB2 for LUW administrator experience.
• MS SQL Server Always On Cluster experience.
• MS SQL Server Encryption (i.e. TDE) experience.
• 4+ years of MS SQL Server administrator experience.
• MS SQL Server 2012 or later administration experience.

WITHIN 1 MONTH, YOU’LL

• Focus on understanding the environment, building relationships, and familiarizing yourself with core tools and processes.
• Learn the company's infrastructure, database systems, and relevant procedures. 
• Become proficient in essential database administration tools and tasks.

WITHIN 2 MONTHS, YOU’LL

• Familiarize yourself with the current database infrastructure, server configurations, and naming conventions. 
• Connect with existing DBA staff, business users, and other IT personnel who interact with the databases.
• Grasp essential DBA tasks like backups, restores, performance tuning, and security practices.
• Contribute to projects: Participate in database upgrades, migrations, or other development projects. 
• Start performance monitoring: Develop strategies for identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks.

WITHIN 3 MONTHS, YOU’LL

• Begin contributing to key projects and start identifying areas for optimization within the database environment.
• Participate in ongoing projects, assisting with tasks like database tuning, security audits, or performance analysis.
• Start documenting the database environment, including architecture, configurations, and best practices.
• Identify potential areas for optimization, such as performance improvements, security enhancements, or efficiency gains.
• Develop a plan for implementing improvements, focusing on areas with the most impact.