Wanting to jump back in to the IT/IS world, help!

I'm 33 and have had an environmental science related job for the last 6 years. At first it started out as simple data collection/field tech work but now I've been doing A LOT of database development/data management/server admin, creating data visualization programs in IDL/Python, logic programming for process control, some security and general IT work even though 90% of what I do is not under my position's description. Consequently, I consider myself to be completely underpaid for my experience and capabilities and I want back in the IT world not only for a new challenge but a different lifestyle. I worked in IT from 15-24 and have generally kept up with trends and practices.

I'd rather not do any help desk but will bite the bullet if it opens a door and comprises less than 25% of my job. I don't really enjoy programming as much as I do the database development/management/server admin side of things. My certs from the past are basic, A+/CCNA/MCP, and extremely old at this point. I would rather redo those or work for new ones than list those on my resume. I'm lost where to begin, should I grab a cert or two before applying for jobs or just start knocking on doors and handing out resumes?

What's the best way to get back into IT/IS, especially on the database side of things?

Thanks HN!