Who We Are

MLJ Environmental is a small consulting firm based in Sacramento, California, with over 25 years of experience safeguarding communities and natural resources. We simplify regulatory compliance with innovative approaches to science and data. Our staff are innovative problem solvers who thrive on new challenges.

We are seeking a Database Designer to support the design, maintenance, and optimization of our SQL Server–based data systems. This position plays a key role in shaping the structure, performance, and reliability of MLJ’s data infrastructure, including the Watermark data platform. The ideal candidate has strong SQL Server design and troubleshooting skills, a passion for data integrity, and a proactive approach to improving systems and workflows.

In this role, you’ll work closely with the Database Administrator to design, maintain, and optimize SQL Server databases, and collaborate with both the Software and Data Teams to enhance data workflows, system performance, and overall platform reliability. Please note that we are a dog-friendly office, and we welcome remote or flexible schedules for highly motivated and self-directed candidates.

Schedule and Salary

The annual salary is $85,000-$105,000, based on experience. Full-time employment benefits include health, vision, dental, and life insurance. Additional benefits include paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, 401k, and profit-sharing plans.

Responsibilities

SQL & Data Infrastructure

Write, optimize, and troubleshoot SQL queries, stored procedures, and views across multiple production databases.
Refactor inefficient views and indexes to improve execution time and reduce resource usage.
Assist the DBA in managing SQL Server health: monitor server utilization, performance, and availability.
Identify and fix deadlocks, blocking sessions, and query bottlenecks.

Database Support

Serve as the internal point person for Watermark-related support tickets and related platforms. Investigate, resolve, and document issues related to data structure, logic, or access.
Maintain and update metadata, dictionaries, and business logic documentation for Watermark and related platforms.
Participate in internal troubleshooting across data quality, reporting, or sync issues. Communicate clearly with software, data, and project teams.

Maintenance & Monitoring

Run or script routine index reorganizations and performance tuning tasks.
Review and respond to SQL Server alerts and error logs.
Check backup status, job failures, and server resource usage on a regular basis.
Maintain dashboards or tools to track uptime, data integrity, and system performance.

Permissions & Access

Process, track, and update user permission requests across multiple databases.
Maintain permission documentation and manage version-controlled updates.
Audit and report on login activity and security settings as needed.

Documentation & Cataloging

Create and maintain database dictionaries for Watermark and internal data platforms.
Work on the organization of metadata.
Help refine backup documentation and participate in yearly backup audits.

Qualifications

We’re looking for a candidate who brings both technical expertise and collaboration skills to the team.

Required Skills:

Strong proficiency in T-SQL within Microsoft SQL Server environments
Experience with database design, normalization, and optimization
Knowledge of performance tuning, indexing strategies, and execution plans
Ability to monitor and maintain SQL Server health, including resource usage, backups, and job status
Ability to manage permissions, roles, and access controls
Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
Excellent written communication and teamwork abilities

Preferred Skills:

Experience with metadata management and documentation tools
Familiarity with cloud-based database environments or hybrid systems
Background in data modeling or database architecture best practices
Experience with SQL Server monitoring, alerting, and automation tools

To ApplyPlease send your 1) resume, and 2) contact information for three references to Trisha Turner (tturner@mljenvironmental.com). In your email, please reference where you learned about this position. Applications missing any of the required information may not be considered

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

How many years of hands-on experience do you have working with Microsoft SQL Server (including writing and optimizing T-SQL queries, stored procedures, and indexes)?
Have you supported or monitored SQL Server environments (e.g., backups, alerts, job failures, permissions, or performance metrics)?

Experience:

hands on SQL: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Sacramento, CA 95833

MLJ Environmental

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