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Job Control Language Jcl Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Mainframe Developer

Woodlawn, MD ยท On-site

$51 - $65.50/hr

... Job Control Language (JCL), CLIST, DB2, as well as numerous mainframe utility tools such as SYNCSORT, File-AID/Related Data XPERT (RDX), etc. Responsible for unit testing and validation against ...

Use of IBM's Job Control Language (JCL), IBM's dataset utilities, IBM's Interactive System Productivity Facility (ISPF), and IBM's Access Method Services (IDCAMS) tools to manage datasets.

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Job Control Language Jcl information

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How much do job control language jcl jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for job control language jcl in the United States is $24.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with Job Control Language (JCL) in mainframe environments?

Professionals working with JCL often encounter challenges related to debugging complex job streams, managing dependencies between batch jobs, and ensuring compatibility across different mainframe subsystems. Additionally, working in legacy environments can mean limited documentation and the need to update or optimize existing JCL scripts without disrupting critical business processes. Collaboration with application developers, system administrators, and operations teams is essential to troubleshoot issues and streamline batch processing workflows.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Job Control Language (JCL) specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Job Control Language (JCL) specialist, you need a solid understanding of mainframe environments, scripting, and batch processing, often supported by experience in IT or computer science. Familiarity with IBM mainframe systems, utilities like IDCAMS and IEBGENER, and tools such as TSO/ISPF is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you efficiently troubleshoot and optimize complex job workflows. These skills are crucial for ensuring seamless mainframe operations, minimizing downtime, and supporting mission-critical business processes.

What is the difference between Job Control Language Jcl vs Job Scheduler?

AspectJob Control Language (Jcl)Job Scheduler
Primary FunctionDefines and controls batch job execution on mainframe systemsAutomates and manages job execution across various systems and environments
Work EnvironmentMainframe environments, IBM z/OSDistributed systems, cloud, enterprise IT environments
Required SkillsKnowledge of mainframe commands, IBM z/OS, scriptingUnderstanding of job scheduling tools, scripting, system integration

Job Control Language (Jcl) is used to specify how batch jobs run on mainframes, while a Job Scheduler manages and automates job execution across multiple systems. Jcl is essential for mainframe batch processing, whereas Job Schedulers provide broader automation for diverse IT environments.

What is Job Control Language (JCL)?

Job Control Language (JCL) is a scripting language used on IBM mainframe operating systems to instruct the system on how to run batch jobs. JCL specifies which programs to execute, which files to use, and how system resources should be allocated for the job. It enables users to manage complex processing tasks by defining job steps, input/output requirements, and error handling procedures. JCL is essential for automating and controlling the workflow in mainframe environments.
Infographic showing various Job Control Language Jcl job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,245 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
Sr. Mainframe Developer

Sr. Mainframe Developer

JS Consulting

Woodlawn, MD โ€ข On-site

$51 - $65.50/hr

Contractor

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Title- Sr. Mainframe Developer

Project Location โ€“ Woodlawn, MD (5 days per week onsite)

Duration- 6+ months contract

Skills: Strong experience with IBM z/OS (OS/390/MVS) environment developing and maintaining JCL and COBOL, Dialog Manager, Endevor, z/OS, CLIS, JCL, and DB2 for application software systems.

Position Description:

  • Responsible for conforming to customer standards and requirements and will be involved in creating and maintaining code and database structures such as COBOL, Restructured Extended Executor (REXX), Job Control Language (JCL), CLIST, DB2, as well as numerous mainframe utility tools such as SYNCSORT, File-AID/Related Data XPERT (RDX), etc. Responsible for unit testing and validation against desired outcomes. The resource is expected to function as part of a team, maintain a high level of collaboration with SSA of customers, and must demonstrate excellent communication skills to ensure success.
  • Develop JCL and software code using customer defined standards and software engineering best practices
  • Evaluate impacts of database schema changes on existing software components
  • Investigate and repair application defects related to business logic, middleware, or database (DB2).
  • Design, develop, test, debug, and implement next-generation COBOL programs using software engineering, best practices and latest technologies
  • Create and update JCL for efficient batch processing
  • Evaluate the impact of new operating systems, or versions of COBOL and Endevor on programs.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors, offering technical advice and influencing key stakeholders to achieve strategic objectives and enhance Leidos business outcomes.
  • Investigate and repair application defects regardless of component: COBOL, business logic, CICS configurations, middleware, or database (PL/SQL and Data Modeling).
  • Brief management, customer, team, or vendors using written or oral skills at appropriate technical level for audience
  • All other duties as assigned or directed.?

Requirementsย ย 

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering or a related field.
  • Masters or Doctorate degree may substitute for required experience
  • 10+ years of experience with Mainframe.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust. Contract requirement.

FACTORS TO HELP YOU SHINE (Required Skills)

These skills will help you succeed in this position:

  • Experience developing and maintaining COBOL applications including working with structures, copybooks, and CICS maps
  • Experience developing applications for use on IBM z/OS.
  • Experience debugging COBOL Programs, CLIST, PROC, COBOL error tracing, and using Visual Studio COBOL viewer.
  • Basic experience with CICS programs, including how COBOL programs interact with BMS maps that define to user interface.
  • Experience using Endevor with TADZ for reporting and analysis such as browsing, scanning elements, measuring usage statistics.
  • Working knowledge / experience with ISPF, TSO, JES, and Job Control Language (JCL).
  • Experience developing and modifying JCL for job execution and batch operations
  • Hands-on experience with batch and online processing.
  • Excellent communication and written skills
  • Experience with mainframe-based software configuration management systems such as Endevor.
  • Experience with Control-M or other mainframe-based job scheduling tools.
  • Detail oriented and committed to consistently completing repetitive production-like tasks on-time and error-free.
  • Ability to independently research problems and provide solutions.

HOW TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD (Desired Skills)

Showcase your knowledge of modern development through the following experience or skills:

  • Working knowledge of SAS and REXX.
  • Experience with Mainframe Assembler development.
  • Certification such as IBM Mainframe Developer Professional, Interskill - Mainframe Application Programmer - COBOL and IBM Enterprise COBOL for z/OS Programming
  • Solid knowledge of relational databases (PostgreSQL, DB2), and SQL
  • Experience with modern development software, tools, and methodologies.
  • Experience working on Agile projects and understanding Agile terminology.
  • Experience with DevOps and toolset (Git/Bitbucket, Docker, Jenkins, SonarQube)?

Educationย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 

  • Bachelor's Degree with 7+ years of experience.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust. Contract requirement.

Respectfully,