Mainframe IMS DB Tools Specialist

Mainframe IMS DB Tools Specialist

Location: Remote
Experience: 16+ Years
Job Type: Long-Term Contract

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Mainframe IMS DB Tools Specialist with strong expertise in IBM IMS, IMS Tools, IMS Database Administration, and IMS systems programming. The role will focus on IMS environments, database management, disaster recovery, production support, and migration from third-party IMS tools to IBM IMS Tools.

Core Technical Skills

• Install, configure, and manage IMS in a Parallel Sysplex environment.
• Install, configure, and manage IBM IMS Tools.
• Strong IMS Systems Programming experience.
• Establish policies and procedures for database management, DR, security, maintenance, and utilization.
• Review new IMS versions and advise on functionality and benefits.
• Evaluate change requests and determine their impact.
• Work with vendors to resolve technical problems and questions.
• Perform DR recovery of application objects.
• Lead and execute complex migrations from third-party products to IBM IMS Tools.
• Develop project plans covering Planning, Conversion, Implementation, and Cutover phases.
• Conduct customer training and develop presentation materials for IMS Tools and migration processes.

IMS Database Skills

• IMS Database Administration.
• IMS database organization using VSAM and OSAM access methods.
• Full Function database organization:
  • HSAM
  • HISAM
  • SHISAM
  • HDAM
  • HIDAM
  • INDEX
  • Department
• Logical database definition and usage.
• HALDB including PHDAM, PHIDAM, ILDS, and PSINDEX.
• Fast Path databases (DEDBs).
• Database design and related utilities.
• DBD source coding and DBDGEN.
• PSB source coding and PSBGEN.
• Secondary indexes and PROCSEQ.
• Proper use of PROCOPT to minimize database locking.
• ACBGEN.
• Online Change.
• IMS Catalog and IMS management of ACBs.
• Database monitoring and space management.
• Database dataset space reporting for proactive outage prevention.
• Troubleshooting and resolving VSAM database dataset out-of-space conditions.

Preferred / Optional Skills

• BMC IMS Tools experience.
• Broadcom IMS Tools experience.
• z/OS scheduling expertise.
• IMS DBA experience.
• Production database troubleshooting and problem resolution.
• Experience with complex IMS Tools migration projects.
• Strong customer-facing communication and training experience.