Mainframe Support Specialist

Title: Mainframe System Support Administrator
Location: Remote
Duration: 4+ Months

Seeking a Mainframe System Support Administrator for an opportunity with our client in Columbia, SC.

Summary:

• Provide system/production support and monitoring for applications, batch cycles, releases, projects, installations, etc. Participate in work sessions for system support and problem resolution. May provide coordination in workload transition tasks.
• Working in a 24 X 7 Supporting Team, daily functions include:
• Scheduling Contractor Request Jobs
• Assisting In Release Installations (JCL Explode Processes, ENDEVOR)
• ABEND Research & Resolutions
• Process Review & Documentation

Top skills:

• Mainframe Production Support Skills:
• Batch Cycle Support
• ABEND Resolution
• Online Support; Release Management
• Mainframe Tools:
• TSO
• JCL
• IBM Workload Scheduler (IWS/TWS)
• ENDEVOR
• VSAM /IAM File Structures
• Microsoft Office Suite of Tools
• OUTLOOK

Job/class description:

• Perform/Support installation, configuration, administration, implementation, scheduling and/or tuning/modification of applications. Provide support for moderate to complex system/production performance concerns. Collaborate with various internal groups and external vendors to ensure all specifications are met and problems are resolved as they arise.
• Assist in analysis of problems/issues. Perform corrective actions whenever possible to fix applications that end abnormally and/or notify technical support for resolution. Communicate with applications on-call persons to repair applications that ended abnormally. Consult with senior level peers on projects of greater complexity.
• Evaluate system performance in real-time as well as via reports for release related issues. Monitor and report on scheduled batch and online applications for successful/unsuccessful execution. Review all abnormal results/issues to production processing from previous cycles and verify that they have been logged/resolved. May run necessary system backups.
• Verify Production and Test environments are up and functioning properly. Perform testing responsibilities as need. Review and/or create documentation for accuracy, future problems, and company standards.
• Participate in work sessions and walkthroughs for quality and production implementations, releases, data conversion projects and/or disaster recovery exercises. Attend implementation meetings to determine impact to system availability and assignment of team resources for these implementations.
• Look for improvement opportunities in the cycles and in procedures. May create new programs to automate the release process where possible. Assist and provide recommendations in applications enhancement projects.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Comprehends data storage techniques, database philosophy, database management, and programming techniques.
• Strong understanding of the requirements for maintaining production systems and the effect of program changes.
• Understands how to use structured techniques in new program development.
• Strong understanding of development, quality assurance, and integration methodologies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to work well under pressure and as part of a team.
• Pays attention to detail.
• Strong knowledge of relevant operating systems, programming languages, and/or development/productivity tools and their usage in the company.
• Strong Verbal and Written Communication Skills – Documentation of processes and Cycle ABEND / Online Status / Release Installation details to an external audience

Job Type: Contract

Salary: $30.00 - $33.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Experience:

• Mainframe production support: 5 years (Required)
• JCL: 5 years (Required)
• TSO: 4 years (Required)

Work Location: Remote