Mainframe DBA
Remote / Online - Candidates ideally in
Toronto, Ontario, M5A, Canada
Listing for:
Sun Life
Full Time, Remote/Work from Home
position
Listed on 2026-06-04
Job specializations:
-
IT/Tech
Database Administrator, IT Consultant, Data Engineer, Systems Administrator
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Job Description
:
The candidate will be a member of the Mainframe Database Services team within the Data Management Services department. The primary goal of the team is to provide Db2 for z/OS and IMS database administration support to various Canadian and US applications. The role will also provide the opportunity to work on infrastructure projects and other peripheral technologies.
We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual to play an integral part in our team's mission to provide high quality database administration support to Sun Life clients. Our clients depend on mainframe databases for several key applications and the dependency is expected to continue well into the future.
Provide application-level database administration and support for Db2 for z/OS and IMS databasesExecute and manage Db2 utilitiesPerform SQL tuning and optimization to improve application query performanceSupport IMS application DBA tasks including DBD (Database Descriptor) changes and modificationsMaintain and execute IMS utilities (Database Image Copy, Database Recovery, Database Reorganization)Create new database objects or modify existing ones as requested by clientsEnsure databases are available as per service level agreements, meet database integrity and recoverabilityEnsure database performance meets client demands through pro-active and reactive monitoringManage database storage allocation, space management, and growth monitoringExecute database refresh and cloning activities for non-production environmentsRecommend ways to improve processes, exploit new database features/related tools and reduce costTake steps to ensure proper capacity planning, assist with security setup and audit requirementsAssist with data archiving, data masking and test data creationDatabase design involvement and recommendations regarding logical to physical model implementationsSupport developers with regards to database topics (SQL-queries, IMS DLI calls, tools usage etc.)Participate in on-call rotation for Db2 for z/OS database supportExcellent communication skills and experience assisting clients with connectivity, permission and access issuesAnalytical, problem-solving, detailed skills and ability to produce high-quality deliverablesOrganizational, monitoring, multi-tasking skills and ability to escalate to manager when issues ariseWork independently on multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously under high-pressure workloadsWork with team members, technical/team leads, management, IT areas and application support teams to ensure consistent delivery and quality of database servicesAbility to evaluate functionality and features with newer versions of the IMS and Db2 DBMS as part of a readiness programCollaborate with infrastructure teams on cross-functional tasks when neededDocument database configurations, procedures, and best practicesWhat you need to succeed:
Degree in Computer Science or Technology degree/diploma5+ years knowledge of IMS and/or Db2 for z/OS (administration, performance, security etc.)5+ years of Experience with RACF or ACF25+ years of JCL skillsStrong experience with DB2 utilities and IMS utilitiesProven experience with SQL query tuning and performance optimizationProficient in IMS application DBA tasks including DBD maintenanceExperience with peripheral tools and technologies (IBM HP IMS utilities, Broadcom Db2 tools, File Aid, CA-7, ZEKE, REXX etc.)Knowledge of Mainframe programming languages and MQ and/or Db2 ConnectScripting experience with REXX (Python scripting highly preferred)Demonstrated ability to work independently and handle high-pressure workloadsStrong problem-solving and analytical skillsFlexibility to handle multiple concurrent tasks and shifting prioritiesPreferred Qualifications:
Experience with Optim data masking and data archive toolsFamiliarity with insurance industry applicationsExperience with data warehouse environmentsExperience with mainframe modernization initiativesProficiency with zDevOps tools including:
ZoweIBM Db2 Admin Foundation AnsibleExperience with database automation and scriptingUnderstanding of ITIL or similar service management frameworksNote:
As a condition of the role, the successful candidate must obtain a Government of Canada Reliability Status security clearance through Sun Life.
What's in it for you:
Flexible hybrid work model including in-country work-from-homePension, stock and savings programs to help build and enhance your future financial securityAn environment of continuous learning and improvement
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