Mainframe IMS Application Database Administrator

Title: Mainframe IMS Application Database Administrator
Location: Remote, TX
Duration: 5 months with possible extension

Cllient requires 1 Mainframe IMS Application Database Administrator, hereafter referred to as Candidate(s), who meets the general qualifications of a Software Engineer Level 2, and the specifications are as below:

• Provides technical leadership and guidance to the mainframe IMS application teams and collaborates with the Mainframe Systems teams to ensure the applications are highly available. Provide DBA maintenance and development support of application databases in all environments (development, acceptance, and production). Work will involve highly advanced (senior-level) systems administration in support of agency mainframe applications and supporting infrastructure; and coordination of day-to-day system administration functions. As the DBA, you will conduct performance monitoring and tuning activities, backup and recovery as well as troubleshooting applications on IMS databases.
• Routine system administration functions to include performance monitoring, security monitoring, and maintenance
• Work includes supporting processes, overseeing and coordinating mainframe operations in the Consolidated Data Center Services (DCS), and working with the Network Administration, Customer Support and Applications Development & Support teams to provide support necessary for day-to-day mainframe operations.

The Worker will apply their expert knowledge and experience as a Mainframe IMS Application Database Administrator to support both the needs of the Legacy Systems as well as those for the Mainframe Transformation Team.

IMPORTANT: This position is for a hands-on Application IMS DBA, not for a DB2 DBA.

WORKER SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Administer mainframe application IMS databases.
• As the DBA, you will conduct performance monitoring and tuning activities, backup and recovery as well as troubleshooting applications on IMS databases.
• Proficient with using DBRC/RECONS and List reports
• Proficient with performing DBRC forward recoveries
• Experience with selecting points in time to do valid recoveries and performing actual database recoveries.
• Knowledgeable of IBM IMS utilities and familiar with vendor utilities.
• Create, modify and maintain IMS database descriptions.
• Add, remove and re-org database records as needed.
• Monitor and maintain IMS database performance.
• Application support issues that involve IMS databases.
• Assist application programmers on DBRC issues in the test environment
• Research and resolve DBRC related abends in the production environment
• Refresh Dev/Test databases with prod backup images as requested.

Maintain Mainframe Operating Systems Administration

• Coordinate testing of mainframe software upgrades and Disaster Recovery plans with DCS vendor.
• Assist primary agency DCS contact with problem management and change management activities.
• Maintains knowledge of DCS vendor standards and reports agency system non-compliance to management.
• Coordinates the testing and deployment of mainframe software upgrades with DCS contractor.
• Reviews and tests mainframe disaster recovery plans with DCS contractor.

Maintain and provide technical support for Mainframe Production Control and Support Jobs and monthly Mainframe Job Scheduler.

• Support agency application development work by creating and maintaining procedures for use during application deployments; and creating and expanding application environments during development.
• Provide technical assistance to programmers and operations personnel for all problems and testing that involves mainframe operations.
• Provide after-hour support for nightly batch Mainframe schedule COBOL and JCL programs.

MINIMUM SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Requirements: Candidates who do not meet or exceed the minimum stated requirements (skills/experience) will be displayed to customers but may not be chosen for this opportunity. Please complete the chart below and submit it with your response.

• 7 years Required Experience with z/OS Systems platform
• 5 years Required Experience with mainframe application IMS database administration
• 5 years Required Experience with DBRC and forward recoveries
• 7 years Required Experience in basic z/OS utilities: TSO, SYSVIEW and/or SDSF, JSF, Basic IBM utilities IDCAMS, IEBGENER, IEFBR14
• 5 years Required Experience with Batch and CICS Cobol, IMS programming and problem resolution
• 5 years Required Experience developing and troubleshooting complex JCL
• 5 years Required Experience with JCL, CICS, VSAM, and TSO
• 2 years Required Experience writing, analyzing, and debugging REXX programs in a z/OS environment
• 2 years Required Experience with IMS HAL databases
• 2 years Required Experience with IMS Catalog