Senior Mainframe z/OS Systems Administrator - Remote / Telecommute

Job Title: Senior Mainframe z/OS Systems Administrator - Remote / Telecommute

Job Location: Toronto, ON

Job Type: Contract

Pay Range: $55.00hr - $60.00hr

Job Overview:

The candidate will serve as a Mainframe z/OS Administrator responsible for maintaining system uptime, executing technical upgrades, performing root cause analysis, and supporting 24x7 operational requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Troubleshoot technical issues.
• Ensure successful completion of installation, configuration, and migration tasks.
• Ensure maximum uptime according to Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Improve and maintain customer and employee satisfaction.
• Perform problem determination followed by root cause analysis and documentation.
• Implement changes to z/OS and installed software, followed by complete documentation.
• Participate in analyzing, planning, and implementing upgrades to z/OS and installed software.
• Execute new product installation, testing, and customization.
• Work with incident and change management tools.
• Understand and implement specific customer requirements.
• Define processes and ensure strict adherence to them.
• Strategize backup and testing plans for failure scenarios.
• Monitor and maintain SLA requirements across team members.
• Plan backup and restoration strategies for 24x7 operational support.
• Conduct testing, auditing, and process reviews as required.
• Identify skill gaps and plan for necessary training and knowledge updates.

Skill set Requirements Mandatory:

• Fully understand z/OS services structure, JES concepts, parallel sysplex/GDPS, and catalog management.
• Demonstrate expertise in PARMLIB configuration and JES customization.
• Possess knowledge of JCL, REXX, CLIST, and Modify Assembler EXITS.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of z/OS hardware, LPAR, and HMC.
• Possess experience with IMS and MQ Series (WebSphere MQ).
• Demonstrate hands-on RACF experience.
• Possess knowledge of installing and supporting common ISV products such as CA-View, tape management tools (CA-1), and scheduling tools (BMC InControl, CA-7).
• Possess knowledge of USS management.
• Demonstrate capability in installing regular maintenance releases (RSUs).
• Support hardware or software upgrades within the environment.
• Demonstrate capability in installing and upgrading CICS and related products on a mainframe.
• Maintain reliability and availability of CICS systems software.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge in the usage of transactions such as CEMT and CEDA.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of SMP/E, SQL, DB2 online and offline utilities, ZPARMS, DB2 logs, BSDS, DB2 Commands, and DDF.
• Install and utilize performance monitoring tools and products such as SAS, MXG, CA-MICS, Strobe, and Omegamon products.
• Demonstrate expertise in tuning and debugging performance problems for z/OS systems, including application workloads.
• Perform problem diagnostics and resolution, monitoring system performance and tuning as required.
• Demonstrate proficiency in storage capacity planning and configuration, along with familiarity with typical z/OS application performance analysis.
• Demonstrate capability in z/OS performance analysis using various tools such as IBM RMF, SMF, and subsystem analysis tools.
• Demonstrate capability in installing, customizing, and maintaining IBM and other ISV automation products.

Good to Have:

• Experience in mainframe automation and Performance & Capacity Management.
• Experience in customization of ISV/OEM products used for automation and monitoring, such as NetView, OPS/MVS, SA z/OS, Tivoli Suite, BMC AO, TEP, and Control-O.
• SAS programming skills and ability to retrofit SAS code for MXG applications post product upgrade.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with customer-facing capability.
• Good documentation skills.
• Good working knowledge of MS Office, including MS Project and Visio.
• Strong customer handling and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle unforeseen situations effectively.
• High level of adaptability and acceptance.

Years of Experience:

• Total: 9 to 13 years of experience.
• Relevant: 9+ years of experience in System Programming.

== ==

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Disability Insurance (Short-Term and Long-Term)
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Paid Sick Leave (where required by applicable state or local law)
• Supplemental Insurance Plans
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career Growth and Professional Development Opportunities