Junior System Administrator - SQL & Server Migration (Contracted/Temporary)

This is a 4-month contracted/temporary position.

About the Organization

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) supports economic growth by fostering business development, infrastructure investment, industry advancement, and consumer confidence. EOED operates through nine state agencies and five quasi-public agencies (QPAs) that deliver essential public programs and services.  

EOED supports economic growth across Massachusetts through its network of agencies and partnerships, promoting business innovation, infrastructure investment, and consumer protection. The office embraces a culture of equity, inclusion, and collaboration—values that inform all aspects of its work.

The Executive Office of Economic Development is committed to creating and sustaining a work culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and mutually respectful to all its employees regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran or disability status. We strive to reflect diversity in all facets and levels of our agency. The Executive Office of Economic Development values inclusiveness and diversity within their employee and management teams. Within our community we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

The Executive Office of Economic Development is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to maximize their skills and talents to serve our citizens.

About the Role

The Executive Office of Economic Development is seeking a hands-on System Administrator Contractor to support the upgrade and migration of approximately six legacy SQL Server and Windows Server environments hosted on AWS EC2.

This role is ideal for a system administrator who is technically capable, eager to learn, and comfortable taking ownership of work with guidance from senior staff. The contractor will work closely with the EOED CISO, development leads, and EOTSS partners to plan and execute migrations from SQL Server 2012 to SQL Server 2019/2022 and corresponding Windows Server upgrades.

Key Objectives

• Successfully complete six SQL Server and OS upgrades (development and production) within the contract period.
• Ensure migrations are secure, tested, documented, and support business continuity.
• Coordinate effectively across EOED IT, development teams, and EOTSS stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Technical Execution

• Perform SQL Server upgrades and migrations (standalone instances) from legacy versions to SQL Server 2019 or 2022.
• Support Windows Server upgrades to supported versions (2019/2022).
• Execute SQL backup, restore, validation, and cutover activities.
• Assist in evaluating high availability and disaster recovery requirements (with guidance).
• Perform post-migration testing and validation with development teams.
• Conduct and document backup restoration testing.
• Produce RTO/RPO documentation for migrated systems.

Planning & Coordination

• Work with the CISO and development leads to build and manage migration plans.
• Track tasks, dependencies, risks, and timelines to ensure migrations complete on schedule.
• Coordinate with EOTSS as needed for infrastructure, access, or change activities.
• Participate in change planning and scheduled cutovers.

Documentation & Communication

• Create and maintain clear documentation, including:
  • Migration steps and runbooks.
  • Testing and validation results.
  • Known issues and follow-up items.
• Provide regular status updates and escalate risks or blockers early.
• Maintain professional, collaborative relationships across technical and non-technical teams.

Required Qualifications

• Hands-on experience administering Windows Server environments.
• Practical experience with SQL Server backup and restore.
• Prior experience performing server or SQL upgrades (even at small scale).
• Familiarity with cloud-hosted servers (AWS EC2 experience preferred).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while knowing when to ask questions.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to SQL Server 2019 or 2022.
• Basic scripting experience (PowerShell preferred).
• Familiarity with development/test/production environment coordination.
• Experience working in regulated or public-sector environments.

What We’re Looking For

• Learns quickly and adapts to new requirements.
• Follows guidance but takes ownership of execution.
• Documents their work and communicates clearly.
• Is comfortable wearing multiple hats in a small, busy team.

All applicants should attach a cover letter and resume to their online submission for this position.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.