Mainframe Database Administrator

Job Title: Mainframe Database Administrator

Location: Chandler AZ (Hybrid)

Duration: 6-12months

Mainframe Database Administrator:

• Install, configure, and maintain mainframe database subsystems (e.g., DB2 for z/OS, IMS DB/DC).
• Manage database objects, including tablespaces, databases, tables, indexes, views, and buffer pools.
• Perform routine administrative tasks such as reorganizations, RUNSTATS, image copies, and space management.
• Apply database maintenance, patches, and version upgrades while minimizing service disruption.

Performance Monitoring & Tuning

• Monitor and tune SQL queries, application packages, buffer pools, and overall subsystem performance.
• Analyze SMF records and performance metrics using tools such as OMEGAMON, MainView, or IBM Data Server Manager.
• Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks in batch and online workloads.

Backup, Recovery & High Availability

• Develop, implement, and test backup/recovery strategies using tools such as IBM RECOVER, COPY, and log management utilities.
• Ensure compliance with recovery time (RTO) and recovery point objectives (RPO).
• Support and maintain high availability configurations such as data sharing groups and sysplex architectures.

Data Integrity & Security

• Implement database security, including RACF/ACF2 rules, roles, privileges, and auditing.
• Ensure data protection, encryption standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Validate database changes through controlled release and change management processes.

Application & Development Support

• Support application teams with schema design, query tuning, and access path optimization.
• Review DDL changes, SQL code, and performance impacts during development and deployments.
• Provide expertise during application migrations, new releases, and modernization initiatives.

Problem Management & Troubleshooting

• Diagnose and resolve database incidents, failures, locking/contention issues, and subsystem degradations.
• Participate in root-cause analysis (RCA) for recurring database or performance issues.
• Serve as subject matter expert during incidents affecting critical systems.

Automation, Tools & Documentation

• Use and configure database tools such as IBM DB2 Utilities, IMS tools, QMF, Data Studio, or File-AID.
• Automate routine tasks and reporting using REXX, CLIST, JCL, or modern scripting where applicable.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for database standards, procedures, and recovery instructions.

Required Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with DB2 for z/OS, IMS DB/DC, or equivalent mainframe database systems.
• Strong SQL skills and in-depth knowledge of database internals, access paths, and optimization.
• Understanding of z/OS environment, JES2/JES3, datasets (VSAM), and utilities.
• Experience with SMF/RMF data analysis and performance reporting.
• Familiarity with high availability and data sharing concepts (e.g., Parallel Sysplex).
• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with IBM tools such as OMEGAMON, MainView, CA Detector, or Apptune.
• Knowledge of DevOps practices for mainframe environments.
• Exposure to modern data integration or modernization platforms.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 for z/OS).