DB2 Database Administrator - z/OS

Position: DB2 Database Administrator z/OS

Location: Remote

Duration: Long term contract

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced DB2 DBA with strong expertise in DB2 for z/OS to manage, optimize, and secure enterprise-scale mainframe databases supporting critical business systems. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in DB2 subsystem administration, performance tuning, automation, and high availability operations within large-scale z/OS environments.

Key Responsibilities

DB2 Subsystem Administration

• Install, configure, and upgrade DB2 subsystems on z/OS, including fix packs, PTFs, and maintenance levels.
• Manage tablespaces, buffer pools, storage groups, indexes, and system catalog objects for peak performance and resource utilization.
• Perform DB2 health checks, monitor logs, and maintain subsystem stability through proactive maintenance and monitoring.
• Coordinate closely with z/OS system programmers for configuration tuning, system performance, and integration.

Performance & Tuning

• Analyze SQL access paths, buffer pool usage, and lock contention to enhance application performance.
• Utilize EXPLAIN, DSN_STATEMENT_TABLE, and DB2 traces to identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements.
• Tune DB2 objects, packages, and utilities to improve I/O efficiency and reduce CPU consumption.
• Work with development teams to ensure optimal SQL coding practices and efficient schema design.

Backup, Recovery & High Availability

• Design and implement backup and recovery strategies using DB2 utilities like COPY, RECOVER, REORG, RUNSTATS, and QUIESCE.
• Manage disaster recovery and high availability solutions across multiple LPARs or data centers.
• Test and validate recovery scenarios to ensure data integrity and business continuity.

Security & Compliance

• Administer DB2 security using RACF or LDAP, managing roles, privileges, and access controls.
• Implement data encryption, auditing, and security hardening in compliance with corporate and regulatory standards.
• Ensure SOX, GDPR, and internal audit compliance across DB2 environments.

Automation & Monitoring

• Develop automation scripts using REXX, JCL, or CLIST to streamline database operations and utilities.
• Implement monitoring and alerts using tools like Omegamon, CA Detector, BMC Mainview, or IBM Data Studio.
• Automate routine maintenance tasks (RUNSTATS, REORG, BACKUP) to ensure consistent performance and availability.

Collaboration & Support

• Collaborate with application developers, system programmers, and operations teams for end-to-end DB2 solution delivery.
• Provide 24x7 production support for critical DB2 environments, including root cause analysis and performance troubleshooting.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for DB2 configurations, standards, and operational procedures.

Required Skills & Experience

• 12+ years of hands-on DB2 DBA experience on z/OS in enterprise-scale environments.
• Strong expertise in DB2 utilities, catalog/directory management, DDF configuration, and buffer pool tuning.
• Deep understanding of SQL optimization, access paths, locking mechanisms, and concurrency control.
• Proficiency in mainframe job control (JCL), REXX scripting, and batch scheduling tools (CA7, Control-M).
• Experience in subsystem cloning, migration, and version upgrades of DB2 for z/OS.
• Familiarity with z/OS performance monitors, SDSF, RMF, and SMF analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• IBM Certified Database Administrator DB2 for z/OS
• Experience with Db2 Analytics Accelerator (IDAA) or z/OS Connect integration
• Working knowledge of COBOL-DB2 application tuning and Stored Procedures (SQL/PL)
• Exposure to hybrid or modernization initiatives (e.g., offloading DB2 workloads to LUW or cloud)