Mainframe IMS Application DBA

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., * 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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., Key Technical Skills * IBM z/OS * IMS Database Administration (IMS DB) * IMS Application DBA * Full Function Databases * Fast Path Databases * HALDB * Sysplexed Data Sharing * DBD, PSB, ACB Libraries, IMS Catalog * DL/I * JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF * REXX and Assembler * IMS Database Utilities * Database Performance Tuning * Backup, Image Copy & Recovery * Point-in-Time (PIT) Recovery * Database Reorganization (REORG) * Secondary Indexing & Logical Relationships * Database Replication, Compression & Encryption * BMC Utilities * OMEGAMON & MainView * DB2, CICS & MQ * z/OS Connect * ISPW & ServiceNow * Database Migration & Modernization

Full Time

• 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 ServiceNow.
• Experience creating technical diagrams and process documentation using Microsoft Visio.