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Mainframe Database Administrator Jobs in Wisconsin

Mainframe Database Administrator information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mainframe Database Administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Database Administrator, you need expertise in database management, mainframe operating systems (like z/OS), and a solid understanding of data security and backup strategies, usually supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with technical tools such as IBM DB2, IMS, CA Database Management tools, and certifications like IBM Certified Database Administrator are common requirements. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help DBAs collaborate with cross-functional teams and address complex issues. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring database reliability, optimizing performance, and safeguarding critical enterprise data.

Will AI replace DBAs?

Mainframe Database Administrators (DBAs) manage and maintain large-scale database systems, ensuring data integrity, security, and performance. While AI can assist with routine tasks like monitoring and data analysis, it is unlikely to fully replace DBAs, as their expertise is needed for complex problem-solving, system design, and strategic decision-making. Skills in scripting, automation tools, and understanding of legacy systems remain valuable in this evolving role.

What is the difference between Mainframe Database Administrator vs Database Administrator?

AspectMainframe Database AdministratorDatabase Administrator
CredentialsTypically requires mainframe certifications, SQL, and database management skillsRequires SQL, database management certifications, often more diverse certifications depending on database type
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily on mainframe systems in large enterprise settingsWorks on various database systems (SQL, NoSQL) across different environments
Industry UsageCommon in banking, finance, and government sectorsWidely used across industries including tech, healthcare, retail

The Mainframe Database Administrator specializes in managing and maintaining mainframe databases, often in large, legacy systems. In contrast, the Database Administrator handles a broader range of database types and environments. Both roles require strong SQL skills and database management knowledge, but the mainframe DBA focuses on mainframe-specific tools and systems.

What are some typical challenges Mainframe Database Administrators face when managing legacy systems?

Mainframe Database Administrators often encounter challenges related to supporting and maintaining legacy systems, such as integrating new technologies with older platforms and ensuring data integrity during migrations or upgrades. Additionally, they may need to troubleshoot performance issues and optimize databases that were designed decades ago, all while adhering to strict security and compliance requirements. Collaborating with application developers and infrastructure teams is crucial to ensure smooth system operations and implement best practices for disaster recovery and backup.

Is DBA still in demand?

Mainframe Database Administrators remain in demand in industries that rely on legacy systems, such as finance and government, where mainframe technology is critical. They need skills in COBOL, JCL, and database management tools, and certifications can enhance job prospects. While some automation has reduced demand, specialized knowledge keeps DBAs essential in certain sectors.

What is the salary of mainframe DB2 DBA?

The salary of a Mainframe DB2 Database Administrator typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior DBAs with specialized skills or certifications like IBM Certified Database Administrator may earn higher salaries. Compensation also varies based on the complexity of the environment and the employer's industry.

What is mainframe DBA?

A mainframe database administrator (DBA) manages and maintains databases on mainframe systems, ensuring data integrity, security, and performance. They typically work with tools like DB2 or IMS, perform backups, and optimize database operations in a large-scale enterprise environment.

What are Mainframe Database Administrators?

Mainframe Database Administrators (DBAs) are IT professionals responsible for managing and maintaining databases that run on mainframe computer systems, such as IBM zSeries. They ensure the availability, security, and performance of critical business data stored in mainframe databases like IBM Db2 or IMS. Mainframe DBAs handle tasks such as database installation, backup and recovery, performance tuning, and troubleshooting. Their role is vital for organizations that rely on mainframe systems for large-scale transaction processing and data management.
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Mainframe Senior Sys Prog / Database Administrator - Db2

Mainframe Senior Sys Prog / Database Administrator - Db2

Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Franklin, WI • On-site

$46.25 - $63.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Northwestern Mutual rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 299 rated insurance


Job description

Mainframe Senior Sys Prog / Database Administrator - Db2
What You'll Do
  • Work closely with all levels of IT to deploy and support z/OS Db2 infrastructure and the associated application stack
  • Provide leadership in technical aspects of assigned projects and support issues; bring new ideas to the table when appropriate
  • Work with companion teams to set up and enforce database standards
  • Identify opportunities to improve availability, reliability, and performance of system and application infrastructure
  • Monitor system and application performance & provide performance improvement recommendations
  • Upgrade, configure, and migrate new releases of Db2; regularly apply maintenance, and when necessary, apply PTFs/APRS
  • Manage Db2 active and archive logs
  • Modify Db2 zParms
  • Recycle Db2
  • Ensure recoverability of the system and applications' database components
  • Support DR activities (RTO/RPO: synchronization methods)
  • Monitor instances for events and resolutions/escalations
  • Ensure the proper alerting is occurring for Db2 messages
  • Perform triage and troubleshooting
  • Install, upgrade, configure and migrate new releases of Db2 ISV products, apply maintenance, and when necessary, apply fixes
  • Support Db2 Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Products
  • Develop scripting to automate Db2 systems engineering tasks

What You'll Bring to the Role
  • Solid knowledge in Db2 subsystems and application tuning
  • A keen eye on process improvement and automation
  • Competence in Incident, Problem, and Change Management
  • In-depth experience in supporting mainframe technology (i.e. z/OS ISPF, JCL, JES2, etc.) specifically SMP/E or ZOSMF
  • Experience reviewing HOLDDATA
  • Utilize stand-alone utilities (i.e. DSNJLOGF, DSNJU004, DSNJU003, etc.)
  • Understand logical and physical database design
  • Experience as a z/OS DB2 administration, working with DDL, DML/DQL, DCL, DTL, DB2 commands, and SQL
  • System and Application Performance tuning; including tuning bufferpools
  • Experience in the Db2 Utilities (i.e. COPY, QUIESCE, REPAIR, REORG, LOAD, etc.)
  • Understand RACF Security
  • Understand Db2 managed security using RACF opposed to Db2 security
  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
  • 4-5 years professional experience. May include:
    • 5 years of professional IT experience
    • 5 years' experience with at least one OS/hosting platform
    • 5 years' experience in performance tuning of application stacks
    • 5 years' experience with monitoring and performance management of systems
    • 3-5 years' experience with identity platform and tools
    • 2 years' experience with modern development and scripting languages
  • Experience with CICD concepts, tools, branching strategies, and leveraging knowledge to assist in delivering an infrastructure as a product
  • Excellent troubleshooting skills within area of expertise, and solid troubleshooting in adjacent domains
  • Solid understanding of traditional or cloud computing technologies including Networking, Compute, Storage, Development, Data, Operations, or Security
  • Experience with multiple delivery methodologies such as Agile and Waterfall

Skills You Have
  • Accountability: Holds self and their direct reports accountable for measurable, high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results, delivery, and execution. Determines objectives, sets priorities, delegates work to direct reports, and accepts responsibility for mistakes.
  • Adaptive Communication: Formulates strategies to be used to convey complex information about services, products, systems, or processes to targeted audiences; communicates and liaises between technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Analytical Thinking: Organizes and compares various aspects of a situation to comprehend and identify key or underlying complex issues through the use of quantitative data and analysis; leverages strong business acumen, problem solving, and interpersonal skills to think critically about situations from multiple perspectives and consistently seeks ways to improve processes.
  • Cross Functional Partnering & Planning: Facilitates collaboration, communication, coordination, and planning with individuals and teams from different functions within the organization, and who have different areas of expertise, to achieve common goals.
  • Infrastructure Development: Applies the knowledge of endpoint management and infrastructure platforms to analyze, design, implement, secure, and maintain hardware, network, and data storage platforms while ensuring that the infrastructure platforms align with the strategic direction of the organization. Designs, maintains, upgrades, and manages data centers and other operational components to support development operations efforts. Understands impacts on software development from Hardware design review.
  • Learning Agility & Critical Thinking: Pursues learning and obtains knowledge continuously in relevant fields, methods, or technologies in current and future practices; continuously utilizes critical thinking to identify opportunities, execute solutions, and measure impact to constantly improve existing practices and processes based on feedback, lessons learned, and market trends.
  • Monitor System Health: Applies the knowledge of various tools and techniques to monitor the performance of computer systems, networks, applications, and other infrastructure components to identify and diagnose problems, optimize performance, and ensure that the systems meet the established performance standards. Analyzes performance data, identifies trends, establishes performance baselines, sets up alerts and notifications, conducts periodic performance testing, and recommends solutions to improve system performance.
  • OS Level Knowledge: Leverages the fundamental concepts, principles, and components of an operating system to interact with and manage different operating systems, including installation, configuration, and maintenance. Demonstrates knowledge of how an operating system manages hardware resources, such as memory, processors, and storage, and how software interacts with these resources to design, develop, and maintain software that operates effectively on different platforms and provides the best possible user experience.
  • Technical Problem Solving: Conducts in-depth analysis of technology needs, issues, and roadblocks within assigned scope, applies best practice based on experience and expertise, explores the "art of possible". Solves problems effectively and gains alignment on the path forward. Defines, understands, and documents what is being solved for.

#LI-Remote
Compensation Range:
Pay Range - Start:
$108,160.00
Pay Range - End:
$162,240.00
Geographic Specific Pay Structure:
Structure 110:
$118,960.00 USD - $178,440.00 USD
Structure 115:
$124,400.00 USD - $186,600.00 USD
We believe in fairness and transparency. It's why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you're living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.
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About Northwestern Mutual

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Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for over 160 years through a distinctive planning approach that integrates risk management with wealth accumulation, preservation, and distribution. With more than $290 billion in assets, $30 billion in revenues and more than $1.9 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than 4.6 million clients. People are the power behind Northwestern Mutual, and diversity makes us better. We are committed to reflecting and serving the marketplace. We do so by attracting and improving the engagement of those who bring their outstanding perspectives, ideas, and beliefs.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US