Mainframe Database Administration

Position: Mainframe Specialist (Db2 for z/OS | IMS)

Duration: Contract

Client Location: Canada (Remote/Hybrid – as applicable)

Engagement Model: Professional Services Engagement – B2B (Incorporated Entities Only)

About the Engagement

We are seeking the services of an experienced Mainframe Specialist (Db2 for z/OS | IMS) consultant to provide hands-on operational and engineering support within enterprise mainframe environments.

In this role, you will support Db2 and IMS platforms, with a strong focus on CDC Connect and Imperva, ensuring reliable data replication, strong security posture, and audit-ready compliance.

This contract opportunity is suited for a technically strong individual who thrives in execution-focused roles and can independently manage complex mainframe workloads while contributing to modernization and automation initiatives.

Services to be Provided

CDC Connect Product Support

• Modify CDC Connect Publisher configurations for object additions or removals
• Execute and schedule CDC refresh jobs using enterprise schedulers (e.g., ZEKE)
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve CDC-related incidents
• Collect and provide diagnostic logs for vendor support escalations
• Monitor CDC agent health and performance to ensure operational stability

Imperva Security & Compliance Support

• Review Db2 and IMS schema change reports for security and compliance impacts
• Validate change tickets with appropriate business justification and documentation
• Identify anomalous or suspicious database schema changes
• Analyze failed Vulnerability Assessment (VA) scan results in production environments
• Recommend remediation actions or document valid exclusions for failed findings

Operational & Engineering Support

• Support day-to-day Db2 and IMS administration activities
• Utilize automation, monitoring, and scripting to improve operational efficiency
• Participate in audit, compliance, and risk-reduction initiatives
• Contribute to modernization and resilience improvements within mainframe operations

Expertise Required

• 5+ years hands-on experience with Db2 and/or IMS for z/OS (administration, performance, security)
• Strong experience with Db2 utilities and IMS utilities
• 5+ years experience with RACF or ACF2 security administration
• Strong JCL development and troubleshooting skills
• Proven experience with SQL tuning and performance optimization
• Proficiency with IMS application DBA tasks, including DBD maintenance
• Experience with mainframe scheduling tools (ZEKE, CA-7)
• Working knowledge of REXX scripting (Python scripting highly preferred)
• Familiarity with CDC technologies and data replication concepts
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills

Nice to Have

• Experience with Imperva security tools
• Experience with Optim data masking and data archive tools
• Knowledge of Db2 Connect, MQ, and mainframe programming languages
• Exposure to data warehouse environments
• Experience within the insurance industry
• Participation in mainframe modernization initiatives
• Familiarity with zDevOps tools, including:
• Zowe
• IBM Db2 Admin Foundation
• Ansible
• Advanced automation and scripting experience (REXX and Python)

What You Need to Succeed

• Ability to work independently while managing high-priority, production workloads
• Strong problem-solving and investigative mindset
• Flexibility to manage multiple concurrent tasks and shifting priorities
• Willingness to be hands-on and execution-focused (this role is non-managerial)

Education

• Degree or diploma in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field

Important Note

Candidates with primarily people-management or leadership titles who have not performed hands-on technical work will not be considered. This role requires deep technical execution capability with the ability to lead through expertise when needed.

How to Apply

Submit your resume in confidence through the appropriate application channel.

Only candidates meeting the above qualifications will be contacted.

Accessibility & Inclusion

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible workplace where all individuals feel valued and supported. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment process in accordance with applicable legislation.