Database Specialist

Database Consultant (Mainframe Transition)

Contract position, 1 opening, 6 months to start with possible extension

Location Toronto, ON CA

Must be eligible to work in Canada

Hybrid position, 2-3d/w onsite in Toronto

Responsibilities

• Oversee the stability, management, and eventual decommissioning of the mainframe environment. This role combines elements of System Administration and Database Administration (DBA), requiring deep technical understanding of legacy IBM hardware and its integration with modern infrastructure.
• Systems Administration: Provide end-to-end support for z/OS environments, including installation, configuration, and performance tuning.
• Database & Middleware Management: Manage and maintain CICS and IBM MQ environments to ensure seamless transaction processing and messaging across the enterprise.
• Storage & Backup: Oversee mainframe storage subsystems (DASD, Tape) and execute robust backup/recovery strategies to ensure data integrity during the transition phase.
• Infrastructure Strategy: Collaborate with the broader IT team to manage the co-existence phase where mainframe data interacts with cloud or distributed systems.
• Decommissioning Roadmap: Assist in the technical mapping of data migration and the gradual wind-down of mainframe services without disrupting business operations.

Must have skills/experience/qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in the following areas:
• Mainframe OS: Extensive experience with z/OS (Systems Programming or Admin level).
• Middleware: Hands-on proficiency in CICS (configuration and management) and IBM MQ (messaging queues and integration).
• Database/Storage: Proven experience as a DBA (DB2 for z/OS) and managing mainframe storage/backup protocols.
• Infrastructure: Knowledge of JCL, VSAM, and hardware configuration.
• Experience with Mainframe Modernization.
• Adaptability: Ability to translate complex mainframe concepts for modern DevOps and Cloud teams.
• Strategic Problem Solving: Proactive approach to making the transition more efficient, not just keeping operations running.