Mainframe IMS Application DBA

Kforce has a client in Chandler, AZ that is seeking a skilled Mainframe IMS Application DBA to support and manage IMS database environments within a large enterprise mainframe platform. This role focuses on ensuring the reliability, performance, and integrity of IMS databases that support mission-critical applications. The Mainframe IMS Application DBA will work closely with application developers, system programmers, and operations teams to maintain stable production environments and optimize data processing workflows. What You'll Do:

• Support and administer IMS database environments (IMS DB/IMS DB/DC)
• Execute and support IMS utilities (load, unload, reorg, recovery, etc.)
• Monitor and tune database performance and resource utilization
• Collaborate with IMS System Programmers and infrastructure teams to ensure database availability
• Participate in production support activities and incident resolution
• Maintain documentation for database configurations, processes, and procedures

• Full Function Databases
• Fast Path Databases
• HALDB (High Availability Large Databases)

• REORGs and database maintenance
• Image copy and backup processes
• Recovery and restart procedures
• Dataset and space management

• Data inconsistencies
• Abends and job failures
• Performance bottlenecks

• Batch and online processing
• Database access optimization
• 5+ years of experience working in IBM mainframe environments (z/OS)
• Experience supporting production environments and resolving database-related issues
• Familiarity with tools such as TSO/ISPF, SDSF, File-AID, or similar
• Strong understanding of data structures, file systems, and database performance concepts

* IMS DB/IMS DB/DC

• IMS database structures and data handling
• JCL and batch processing

• Database maintenance (REORG, backup, recovery)
• Utility execution and troubleshooting

• Experience with DB2, VSAM, or other mainframe data technologies
• Exposure to job scheduling tools (CA7, Control-M, TWS, or similar)
• Experience working in high-volume enterprise environments
• Familiarity with IMS checkpoint/restart processing
• Experience supporting modernization or integration efforts (APIs, distributed systems, or cloud integration)
• Automation or scripting experience (REXX, Python, or Shell)