Job Description

Canberra | On-site | Federal Government ICT Sustainment and Upgrade Program n

PALAS Consulting is seeking a Senior SQL Server Engineer for a significant Federal Government ICT sustainment and upgrade program commencing late 2026. This is a multi-year engagement, contracted yearly with extensions, supporting a large SQL Server estate on a secure Federal Government network.

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The role combines application database work with platform ownership. On the application side you will support and enhance the databases behind business applications in daily use, including T-SQL development, schema change and Service Broker messaging. On the platform side you will run SQL Server as a managed service, covering patching, availability, backup and recovery, capacity and performance. You will work within a delivery team alongside application support specialists, integration engineers and platform engineers.

Key Responsibilities n

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- Administer and develop SQL Server databases supporting custom built and commercial applications in production use.
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- Write and tune T-SQL, stored procedures and Service Broker components, and advise developers on database design.
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- Operate SQL Server as a managed service, including patching, Always On availability groups or failover clustering, backup and recovery, and capacity planning.
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- Diagnose performance and availability issues across the database, storage and application layers, resolving them within formal incident, change and release processes.
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- Support releases, upgrades and migrations, including verification and rollback readiness.
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- Maintain platform documentation, build standards and standard operating procedures.
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Required Experience nn
- Extensive hands-on SQL Server experience spanning both database development and database administration.
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- Demonstrated experience running SQL Server in an enterprise DBA or managed service capacity, with high availability and disaster recovery configurations in production.
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- Strong T-SQL, including performance tuning and query optimisation.
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- Experience working within structured ITSM processes for incident, problem, change and release management.
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- Transparent written documentation and confident engagement with developers, infrastructure teams and business stakeholders.
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- Australian citizenship is mandatory.
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- Must hold a current and active AGSVA security clearance at NV1 or higher. NV2 is preferred, and NV1 holders must be willing to upgrade.
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- Service Broker implementation or support experience.
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- SSIS, SSRS or other components of the Microsoft data platform.
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- PowerShell for SQL Server automation.
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- Experience supporting SQL Server in secure or highly governed environments.
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- Microsoft certification in SQL Server or Azure database administration.
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Location and Working Arrangements n

This role is Canberra based and on-site. Commencement is expected in late 2026, with candidates holding notice periods encouraged to apply early.

About PALAS Consulting n

PALAS Consulting is a Canberra-based consultancy supporting complex government transformation and technology initiatives. We are known for trusted delivery, professional credibility and long-term client relationships. Our consultants work on nationally significant programs and are supported by a professional, high-standard culture.

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📌 Senior SQL Server Engineer (Canberra)
🏢 PALAS Consulting
📍 Canberra