DB2 DBA (Database Administrator)

Position: DB2 Database Administrator (DBA)

Location: Remote

Duration: Long term contract

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled DB2 Database Administrator with extensive experience in DB2 on z/OS and/or LUW (Linux, UNIX, Windows) environments. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, maintaining, optimizing, and ensuring high availability of DB2 databases supporting critical applications, including mainframe modernization and migration initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Database Administration & Maintenance
• Install, configure, and upgrade DB2 database instances, fix packs, and tools.
• Perform routine health checks, database backups, and recovery operations.
• Manage tablespaces, indexes, buffer pools, and data partitioning.
• Monitor database performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement tuning strategies.
• Plan and execute DB2 migration or modernization activities (e.g., to PostgreSQL or cloud).
• Performance & Optimization
• Analyze query execution plans and optimize SQL and database structures.
• Implement performance tuning at DB, application, and system levels.
• Work closely with developers to improve SQL efficiency and response times.
• Security & Compliance
• Manage user roles, privileges, and access controls (e.g., via RACF, LDAP).
• Ensure data protection and audit compliance (SOX, GDPR, etc.).
• Implement database encryption and security hardening.
• Backup & Recovery
• Implement and monitor disaster recovery and high-availability solutions.
• Test recovery scenarios to ensure business continuity.
• Schedule and validate database backups using native DB2 tools or third-party utilities.
• Automation & Scripting
• Develop and maintain automation scripts using REXX, JCL, Python, or Shell scripting.
• Implement monitoring and alert mechanisms using tools like Omegamon, CA tools, or native DB2 monitors.
• Collaboration & Support
• Work closely with application, infrastructure, and operations teams to support end-to-end database solutions.
• Provide on-call and after-hours production support as required.
• Document database architecture, configuration, and standard operating procedures.

Required Skills

• Strong hands-on experience with DB2 z/OS and/or DB2 LUW environments.
• In-depth knowledge of SQL, DDL, DML, and DB2 utilities (LOAD, REORG, RUNSTATS, COPY, RECOVER, etc.).
• Proficiency in database performance tuning, index design, and query optimization.
• Experience with backup/recovery strategies and disaster recovery planning.
• Strong understanding of database security and access management.
• Familiarity with mainframe JCL, REXX, Batch scheduling tools (CA7, Control-M), and z/OS monitoring tools.
• Exposure to cloud migrations (e.g., DB2 to PostgreSQL, AWS RDS, or Azure SQL) is a plus.
• Working knowledge of data modeling and schema design principles.
• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills.