Mainframe DB2 DBA
We are seeking a strong, experienced Mainframe DB2 DBA with hands-on experience supporting highly critical database environments. This role requires someone who can work across multiple application, infrastructure, and support teams while maintaining high availability across production, test, QA, and other non-production environments.
The ideal candidate will have deep experience with DB2 on z/OS, strong troubleshooting and performance tuning skills, and the ability to support database activities in a high-visibility, high-pressure environment. IMS DB experience is a strong plus, and PostgreSQL exposure is also helpful as the client environment continues to evolve.
Key Responsibilities
- Create and maintain DB2 databases, tables, and physical data models.
- Develop, maintain, and support DB2 database maintenance jobs.
- Review SQL statements and recommend or create indexes to optimize performance.
- Support and troubleshoot DB2 LOAD/UNLOAD processes and related jobs.
- Review and support data movement processes across environments.
- Provide DB2 technical support and guidance to application teams.
- Investigate and resolve database-related production and non-production issues.
- Analyze and resolve database performance issues through tuning and optimization.
- Support data access requests and database governance activities.
- Coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including application, infrastructure, governance, and support teams.
- Ensure database availability and stability across production and test environments.
Required Skills
- Strong hands-on experience with Mainframe DB2 z/OS.
- Experience creating and maintaining DB2 databases, tables, indexes, and physical data models.
- Strong SQL review, indexing, and performance tuning experience.
- Experience supporting DB2 maintenance jobs, utilities, LOAD/UNLOAD, and data movement processes.
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve database issues across production and non-production environments.
- Strong understanding of database availability, performance, capacity, and support processes.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work with cross-functional teams.
- Ability to work effectively in high-visibility and high-pressure environments.
- Flexibility to learn and adapt to new technologies as needed.
Preferred Skills
- Experience or exposure to IMS DB.
- Experience or exposure to PostgreSQL.
- Experience supporting database modernization, migration, or evolving database environments.
IMS DB Experience — Preferred
IMS DB experience is a strong plus, as this role may support both DB2 and IMS database environments. Relevant IMS experience may include:
- Creating, maintaining, and updating IMS Database Description, or DBD, definitions.
- Creating and maintaining Program Specification Block, or PSB, definitions in coordination with application teams.
- Adding databases to the Database Utility Generator, or DUG, to support test database creation.
- Designing, developing, and maintaining database maintenance, backup, recovery, and utility job flows.
- Implementing new database objects based on business and application requirements.
- Modifying existing database objects to support application enhancements and infrastructure changes.
- Investigating and resolving IMS production incidents and database-related issues.
- Troubleshooting database issues in development, test, and QA environments.
- Analyzing and resolving IMS database performance issues.
- Monitoring space utilization and capacity to support proactive growth planning.
- Providing technical consultation to application analysts and development teams.
- Supporting data movement, migration, and conversion activities.
PostgreSQL Exposure — Nice to Have
PostgreSQL experience is not required but would be helpful as the client’s environment continues to evolve. Relevant experience may include:
- Creating and maintaining PostgreSQL databases, tables, and physical data models.
- Reviewing SQL and implementing indexing strategies to improve performance.
- Supporting data movement and integration processes.
- Providing technical support to application teams.
- Investigating and resolving database performance issues.
- Supporting data access and database security procedures.
- Coordinating with teams for governance, approval, or infrastructure-related requests.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a hands-on Mainframe DB2 DBA who has supported highly critical database environments and is comfortable working with multiple teams to ensure stability, performance, and availability. This person should be technically strong, proactive in troubleshooting, clear in communication, and flexible enough to support both current mainframe database needs and future technology changes.
Pay: $93,075.44 - $112,090.85 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Mainframe DB2 Z/OS: 5 years (Required)
- supporting Db2 maintenance jobs: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Bloomington, IL 61710 (Required)
Work Location: In person
