SQL Server Database Administrator (Information Systems Analyst, Principal - GIS Enterprise) in Portland, Oregon at City of Portland

Position Summary

The Bureau of Technology Services (BTS) is seeking a SQL Server Database Administrator (Principal Information Systems Analyst) to join our Enterprise Database Administration Team. This team is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and supporting a variety of mission critical databases which support applications used throughout the enterprise, using Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, Informix, MySQL and PostgreSQL platforms deployed on AIX, RHEL, and Windows Server operating systems. This team has a strategic focus on data security and operational excellence.

Collaborating with members of the Enterprise Database Administration Team, other technical teams, and project managers, this position works with database users to deliver needed services to bureaus and external customers. This position specializes in the administration and support of SQL Server databases in the production, test and development environments with minimal instruction or assistance.

As a SQL Server Database Administrator, you will:

• Handle database design, implementation, operational, and troubleshooting tasks, including use of high availability SQL Server FCI (Failover Cluster Instance), Availability Groups and database encryption.

• Ensure databases are backed up, performing restores where needed.
• Patch, upgrade, and performance tune databases.
• Lead lifecycle replacement projects.
• Complete security hardening and vulnerability analysis tasks in conjunction with the Information Security Team.
• Handle incident and request tickets, provide excellent customer service, and manage problem tickets as needed.
• Engage with project managers on larger efforts and perform project management tasks for smaller internal projects.
• Assist SQL developers as needed with query tuning and optimization.
• Author, update, and peer review database documentation including standards, procedures, diagrams, and configuration management information.

1. Experience administering and supporting complex database systems, including database operations, maintenance, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting.
2. Knowledge of database architecture, relational database systems, database design principles, and performance tuning in shared or enterprise database environments.
3. Knowledge of quality assurance practices, security principles, and procedures used to protect and maintain computer information systems and data.
4. Experience leading or managing technical projects, including planning work, identifying tasks and milestones, estimating effort, and coordinating with stakeholders to achieve project goals.
5. Ability to lead, organize, and review the work of technical staff, while providing guidance, support, and technical expertise.
6. Ability to research, evaluate, document, and communicate technical standards, system architectures, procedures, and technologies to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• The ability to pass a comprehensive police background investigation to have their employment retained.

• 8+ years of experience directly managing and maintaining mission critical Microsoft SQL Server databases in enterprise environments. This includes database design, implementation, networking, securing, database encryption, patching, upgrading and troubleshooting.

• 6+ years of experience with backup and recovery of Microsoft SQL Server databases using enterprise backup tools.
• 6+ years of Microsoft SQL Server FCI cluster High Availability and Disaster Recovery options, including implementing and supporting High Availability FCI clusters with Availability Groups, patching Microsoft SQL Server FCI clusters and Availability Groups, and troubleshooting Microsoft SQL Server FCI cluster and Availability Group errors.
• 8+ years of experience in performance tuning and query optimization using Performance Monitor, SQL Profiler and other related monitoring and troubleshooting tools.
• 6+ years of installing, configuring and administering Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services and Microsoft Integration Services.
• 5+ years administering Microsoft SQL Server databases in a shared instance environment.

STEP 1: Apply online between June 15 - 29, 2026

Required Application Materials:

• Cover letter
  • Details are key! The city uses a merit-based system, so your cover letter should be thorough and specifically address each qualification listed in the "To Qualify" section of the job announcement. Your cover letter can exceed one page, to ensure you are able to provide the detailed information for every qualification. Follow the instructions, as a subject matter expert will be evaluating your details to confirm that you meet the minimum requirements.
• Resume
• Answer the three (3) Supplemental Questions (click on the Questions tab to preview the questions)

Optional Application Materials:

• If you wish to request Veteran's Preference, please submit your veteran documents (e.g., DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter) by the recruitment's closing date.
• Effective January 1, 2026, the State of Oregon law ORS 408.225 - 408.238 is amended to expand eligibility for Veterans’ Preference to current and former Oregon National Guard service members. If applicants are existing state or former Oregon National Guard servicemembers, they are encouraged to attach appropriate documentation to their future recruitment applications.
• Update: As of March 3rd, 2025, if you made the eligible list and met the eligibility to receive veteran preference, you will no longer need to submit veteran documents for future recruitments.

If you need to update or remove your veteran preference for a specific recruitment or from your master profile, please contact the recruiter listed in the job announcement.

Application Tips:

• Your cover letter can exceed one page, to ensure you are able to provide the detailed information for every qualification. A subject matter expert will be evaluating your details to confirm that you meet the minimum requirements.
• Your résumé should support the details described in your cover letter.

• How We Determine Pay: The City of Portland is covered by the Oregon Equal Pay Act. Your salary is determined based on the experience listed in your resume that is directly related and equivalent to the position for which you are applying. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid regardless of how recent) to ensure your offer is reflective of all your relevant experience.

• Do not attach any additional documents.
• Please note, all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than on the closing date and time of this recruitment.
• You can use AI tools to assist with your job application, but please make sure to personalize your responses to supplemental questions. Avoid copying and pasting. We encourage use AI to generate ideas and then tailor them to reflect your own experiences and skills.
• All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process.

• E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Step 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation: Week of June 29, 2026

• An evaluation of each applicant's training, paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their cover letter, and resume, weighted 100%.
• Your cover letter and résumé will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
• You have 14 days from the notice of the minimum qualification evaluation results to let us know if you would like to review and discuss your evaluation result. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information.
• Additional evaluation may be required prior to establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.

Step 3: Establishment of Eligible List: Week of July 6, 2026

• Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list.

Step 4: Selection (Interview): Mid-July

• Hiring bureau will review and select candidates for an interview

Step 5: Offer of Employment:

• Some positions will require those offered employment to complete and sign a criminal background statement before being considered for employment.

Step 6: Start Date:

• A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.

*Timeline is approximate and subject to change.

• City of Portland Core Values
• Recruitment Process - Work Status
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Veteran Preference
• ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations