IMS Tools & Database Specialist

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a IMS Tools & Database Specialist based in United States.

The IMS Tools & Database Specialist will provide advanced systems programming and database administration expertise within enterprise IBM z/OS environments. The role focuses on managing IBM IMS and IMS Tools in complex Parallel Sysplex environments, supporting critical database structures, system availability, and operational performance. You will oversee IMS database administration, monitoring, space management, security, maintenance, and disaster recovery activities. The position also plays a key role in evaluating upgrades, managing technical changes, and leading complex migrations to IBM IMS Tools. You will troubleshoot challenging production issues while providing technical guidance to stakeholders and vendors. In addition to hands-on technical work, you will contribute to project planning, customer training, and the development of technical materials. This is a fully remote, ongoing contract opportunity suited to an experienced IMS specialist who can operate independently in complex enterprise environments.

Accountabilities:

• Install, configure, administer, monitor, and maintain IBM IMS and IMS Tools within Parallel Sysplex and enterprise z/OS environments.
• Perform IMS systems programming and database administration, including database organization, space management, monitoring, maintenance, and production support.
• Manage complex IMS database structures, including VSAM, OSAM, Full-Function, HALDB, Fast Path/DEDB, secondary indexes, and logical databases.
• Develop and maintain DBD, PSB, ACB, DBDGEN, PSBGEN, and ACBGEN processes and support IMS Catalog and Management of ACBs capabilities.
• Establish and maintain procedures covering database management, disaster recovery, security, maintenance, utilization, and operational recovery.
• Evaluate IMS upgrades, technical change requests, and potential impacts, providing recommendations and implementation guidance.
• Support disaster recovery activities and the recovery of application objects while helping maintain system resilience and availability.
• Lead complex migrations from third-party products to IBM IMS Tools, including planning, conversion, implementation, and cutover activities.
• Develop detailed project plans and coordinate technical activities throughout migration and implementation initiatives.
• Troubleshoot production database issues, including VSAM out-of-space conditions, database locking, and other complex operational problems.
• Provide technical consultation and coordinate with vendors to resolve issues and support effective database and systems operations.
• Deliver customer training and develop technical presentations and documentation to support knowledge transfer and adoption.

Requirements:

• Proven experience administering and supporting IBM IMS databases and IMS Tools in enterprise z/OS environments.
• Strong hands-on experience with IBM IMS Tools and IMS systems programming, including IMS database administration and database organization.
• Knowledge of VSAM, OSAM, HALDB, PHDAM, PHIDAM, ILDS, PSINDEX, HDAM, HIDAM, HSAM, HISAM, SHISAM, GSAM, and DEDB.
• Experience with IMS Catalog, IMS Management of ACBs, Online Change, ACBGEN, DBDGEN, and PSBGEN.
• Strong understanding of secondary indexes, PROCSEQ, PROCOPT, database utilities, monitoring, and database space management.
• Experience working with Parallel Sysplex and z/OS environments, including disaster recovery, database security, maintenance, and migration.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex IMS Tools migrations and resolving production database issues.
• Experience developing database policies, procedures, recovery strategies, and technical project plans.
• BMC IMS Tools and/or Broadcom IMS Tools experience is preferred.
• z/OS scheduling expertise and IMS DBA experience are preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Strong troubleshooting, technical consulting, project planning, and customer training capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with diverse technical and business stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, manage complex technical priorities, and communicate effectively in a remote environment.

Benefits:

• Expected base compensation of $90.00-$110.00 per hour.
• Compensation may vary based on relevant skills, training, experience, education, market factors, and applicable licenses or certifications.
• Ongoing contract opportunity.
• Fully remote work arrangement.
• Competitive benefits package in addition to base compensation.
• Opportunity to work on complex enterprise IMS, database, migration, and systems programming initiatives.
• Exposure to large-scale z/OS, Parallel Sysplex, disaster recovery, and database modernization environments.