Additional Information
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Job Description:
The candidate will be a member of the Mainframe Database Services team within the Data Management Services department. The primary goal of the team is to provide Db2 for z/OS and IMS database administration support to various Canadian and US applications. The role will also provide the opportunity to work on infrastructure projects and other peripheral technologies.
We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual to play an integral part in our team's mission to provide high quality database administration support to Sun Life clients. Our clients depend on mainframe databases for several key applications and the dependency is expected to continue well into the future.
Provide application-level database administration and support for Db2 for z/OS and IMS databases
Execute and manage Db2 utilities
Perform SQL tuning and optimization to improve application query performance
Support IMS application DBA tasks including DBD (Database Descriptor) changes and modifications
Maintain and execute IMS utilities (Database Image Copy, Database Recovery, Database Reorganization)
Create new database objects or modify existing ones as requested by clients
Ensure databases are available as per service level agreements, meet database integrity and recoverability
Ensure database performance meets client demands through pro-active and reactive monitoring
Manage database storage allocation, space management, and growth monitoring
Execute database refresh and cloning activities for non-production environments
Recommend ways to improve processes, exploit new database features/related tools and reduce cost
Take steps to ensure proper capacity planning, assist with security setup and audit requirements
Assist with data archiving, data masking and test data creation
Database design involvement and recommendations regarding logical to physical model implementations
Support developers with regards to database topics (SQL-queries, IMS DLI calls, tools usage etc.)
Participate in on-call rotation for Db2 for z/OS database support
Excellent communication skills and experience assisting clients with connectivity, permission and access issues
Analytical, problem-solving, detailed skills and ability to produce high-quality deliverables
Organizational, monitoring, multi-tasking skills and ability to escalate to manager when issues arise
Work independently on multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously under high-pressure workloads
Work with team members, technical/team leads, management, IT areas and application support teams to ensure consistent delivery and quality of database services
Ability to evaluate functionality and features with newer versions of the IMS and Db2 DBMS as part of a readiness program
Collaborate with infrastructure teams on cross-functional tasks when needed
Document database configurations, procedures, and best practices
What you need to succeed:
Degree in Computer Science or Technology degree/diploma
5+ years knowledge of IMS and/or Db2 for z/OS (administration, performance, security etc.)
5+ years of Experience with RACF or ACF2
5+ years of JCL skills
Strong experience with DB2 utilities and IMS utilities
Proven experience with SQL query tuning and performance optimization
Proficient in IMS application DBA tasks including DBD maintenance
Experience with peripheral tools and technologies (IBM HP IMS utilities, Broadcom Db2 tools, File Aid, CA-7, ZEKE, REXX etc.)
Knowledge of Mainframe programming languages and MQ and/or Db2 Connect
Scripting experience with REXX (Python scripting highly preferred)
Demonstrated ability to work independently and handle high-pressure workloads
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Flexibility to handle multiple concurrent tasks and shifting priorities