Job Description
Job Title: Mainframe IMS Application DBA
Duration:
6 Months [NO BENEFITS]Work Locations: Phoenix, AZ | Plano, TX | Charlotte, NC | Richmond, VA | Jacksonville, FL | Pennington, NJ | Chicago, IL
Work Arrangement: Hybrid – 3 Days Onsite, 2 Days Work From HomeJob Summary
We are seeking an experienced Mainframe IMS Application DBA (IMS DBA Analyst) to manage, maintain, and support IMS database environments within a high-availability enterprise environment. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with IBM z/OS, IMS database administration, database performance tuning, backup and recovery, and database maintenance. This role involves supporting mission-critical applications, maintaining data integrity, optimizing database performance, and collaborating with application development, system programming, and operations teams.
Key Responsibilities:
1. IMS Database Administration Install, configure, maintain, and support IMS database environments on IBM z/OS.Administer various IMS database types, including Full Function, Fast Path, and HALDB (High Availability Large Databases).Perform database definition, allocation, dataset management, and physical database design and implementation. Manage IMS control structures, including DBDs, PSBs, ACB libraries, and the IMS Catalog. Perform database reorganization (REORG) and space management activities to maintain database performance and efficiency. Support database design and implementation based on application requirements.2. Database Utilities, Backup & Recovery Execute and support IMS database utilities, including load, unload, reorganization, image copy, and recovery operations. Perform database recovery activities, including image copy recovery and point-in-time (PIT) recovery. Utilize IMS recovery utilities such as DFSURGL0 and DFSUICP0, as applicable. Manage database backup and recovery processes to maintain data availability and integrity. Troubleshoot database recovery issues and resolve data inconsistencies.3. Performance Monitoring & Troubleshooting Monitor and optimize IMS database performance in batch and online environments. Identify and resolve access path inefficiencies, space constraints, application-related data issues, and database performance bottlenecks. Investigate and troubleshoot database abends, including Uxxx and S0Cxx errors. Diagnose and resolve data corruption, integrity issues, and database inconsistencies. Perform database performance analysis and tuning to support mission-critical applications. Utilize database monitoring and performance tools to identify and address operational issues.4. Database Design & Application Support Collaborate with application development teams on DL/I access, database design, and application requirements. Provide independent application development support for IMS database-related issues. Design technical solutions that align with business and application requirements. Develop process flowcharts and supporting technical documentation. Participate in the design, development, implementation, maintenance, and support of complex database environments. Coordinate with IMS System Programmers to address performance, tuning, and infrastructure-related issues. Work with operations teams to support batch processing and online IMS applications.5. Advanced IMS Database Management Support IMS databases operating in Sysplexed Data Sharing environments. Manage and maintain Secondary Indexing, Logical Relationships, and Sparsing Routines. Support database replication, compression, and encryption capabilities. Develop and maintain automation solutions using REXX and other applicable scripting tools. Support database maintenance activities using IBM IMS utilities, BMC utilities, and equivalent monitoring tools. Manage multiple technical assignments and contribute to specialized database initiatives.6. Collaboration & Process Improvement Coordinate with application development, systems programming, and operations teams to ensure database stability and availability. Support database modernization, migration, and consolidation initiatives. Identify opportunities to improve database administration processes, performance, and operational efficiency. Maintain technical documentation, process flows, and database management procedures. Follow applicable enterprise security, compliance, and data management standards.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
Minimum 7 years of DBA experience supporting IMS databases in an IBM z/OS environment.
Strong experience with Sysplexed Data Sharing environments.
Hands-on experience as an IMS Application DBA supporting IMS DB.In-depth knowledge of Full Function, Fast Path, and HALDB databases.
Experience with Secondary Indexing, Logical Relationships, and Sparsing Routines using Assembler.
Knowledge of database replication, compression, and encryption.
Strong expertise in database performance monitoring, tuning, and troubleshooting.
Experience with physical database design, database builds, and maintenance.
Hands-on experience with IMS backup, image copy, and recovery procedures.
Strong knowledge of IBM z/OS environments.
Experience with IMS database administration utilities and maintenance activities.
Ability to troubleshoot database abends, including Uxxx and S0Cxx errors.
Experience resolving data corruption, integrity issues, and database inconsistencies.
Familiarity with JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF, and REXX.Experience supporting batch and online IMS environments, including IMS DB/DC.Experience with IBM IMS Database Administration Utilities, BMC utilities, and equivalent monitoring tools.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience integrating IMS databases with DB2, CICS, MQ, and distributed systems.
Familiarity with performance monitoring tools such as OMEGAMON and MainView.
Exposure to IMS modernization initiatives, including APIs and z/OS Connect.
Knowledge of automation and scripting using REXX.Experience with large-scale IMS database migrations, consolidation, or modernization projects.
Exposure to data replication and data integration solutions.
Experience working in regulatory and compliance-driven environments, including SOX and PCI.Familiarity with management and change management tools such as ISPW and Service
Now.
Experience creating technical diagrams and process documentation using Microsoft Visio.
Key Technical SkillsIBM z/OSIMS Database Administration (IMS DB)IMS Application DBAFull Function Databases
Fast Path DatabasesHALDBSysplexed Data SharingDBD, PSB, ACB Libraries, IMS CatalogDL/IJCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSFREXX and AssemblerIMS Database Utilities
Database Performance TuningBackup, Image Copy & Recovery
Point-in-Time (PIT) Recovery
Database Reorganization (REORG)
Secondary Indexing & Logical Relationships
Database Replication, Compression & EncryptionBMC UtilitiesOMEGAMON & MainViewDB2, CICS & MQz/OS ConnectISPW & Service
NowDatabase Migration & Modernization