Role: DB2/IMS Lead Database Administrator
Location: Houston, TX (Hybrid)/ Flexible on location depending upon the profile quality.
Contract
Note: Must have strong experience in IMS Admin for atleast 1-2 years.
Who are we looking for?
We are seeking for 4+ years of administrator experienced and detail-oriented IMS and DB2 Database Administrator (DBA) to join our production support team. In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining the stability, availability, and performance of DB2 and IMS databases on IBM mainframe (z/OS) environments. The role requires strong problem-solving skills, a solid understanding of mainframe database internals, and a proactive approach to system health monitoring, incident response, and database maintenance. You will provide 24/7 production support, troubleshoot issues, monitor system health, optimize performance.
Technical Skills:
- Proven experience as a DB2/IMS Databases Administrator or similar role in production support environments.
- 6+ years of hands-on experience supporting DB2 for z/OS and IMS (Information Management System) in a production environment.
- Strong knowledge of mainframe tools such as SPUFI, QMF, BMC, CA-DB2/IMS tools, and IBM utilities.
- Deep understanding of DB2 database internals, logs, buffer pools, catalog/directory, and utilities.
- Proficient in IMS Full-Function and Fast Path databases, DL/I calls, PSB/DBD maintenance.
- Solid experience with JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF, and mainframe batch job troubleshooting
- Experience with modern mainframe automation tools and schedulers (e.g., Control-M, CA-7).
- Knowledge of COBOL, CICS, and batch job data flows.
- Understanding of DB2 Data Sharing and IMS Sysplex environments.
- Experience with backup and recovery solutions
- Solid knowledge of Linux/Unix systems and scripting (Shell, Python, or similar).
- Proficiency in troubleshooting performance tuning, and capacity planning.
- In-depth understanding of data management (e.g. permissions, recovery, security and monitoring)
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
- Ability to work in a 24/7 support rotation and handle urgent production issues.
- Familiarity with data security is the best practice and backup procedures.
Responsibilities
Production Support & Monitoring:Provide 24x7 support for DB2 and IMS database environments, including on-call rotation.Monitor database performance, availability, and integrity using mainframe tools and utilities
Respond to incidents, troubleshoot issues, and resolve problems related to DB2/IMS systems.
Database Maintenance & Administration
Perform database backup and recovery procedures for DB2 and IMS databases.
Conduct regular reorgs, image copies, and utilities execution (RUNSTATS, REORG, CHECK).
Support DB2 and IMS subsystem maintenance, upgrades, and patching.Performance Tuning & Optimization
Analyze and tune SQL queries, buffer pools, and access paths in DB2
Optimize IMS database segments, DBDs, PSBs, and access methods.
Work with developers to design efficient data access strategies.Change Management & Deployments
Review and implement database schema changes via Change Control processes.
Participate in software releases, ensuring database readiness and minimal impact on production.Security & Compliance
Manage user access, RACF integration, and permissions in DB2/IMS environments.
Ensure compliance with enterprise security standards and data privacy regulations.Documentation & Collaboration.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation, including runbooks, architecture diagrams, and operational procedures.
Collaborate with application teams, infrastructure, and middleware teams to support business applications
Qualification:
- Experience working in regulated environments (e.g., insurance, banking, healthcare) with audit and compliance exposure.
- IBM Certified Database Administrator DB2 for z/OS certification
- Knowledge of COBOL, CICS, and batch job data flows.
- Understanding of DB2 Data Sharing and IMS Sysplex environments.
- Education qualification: Any degree from a reputed college
- 4+ years overall IT experience.
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