Role: IBM I (AS400) Operations Specialist
Location: Pickering, ON (Canada)
Job Type: Contract
Mode of Work: Onsite (4 days on-site and 1 day remote)
Duration of the contract: 12 Months
Rate: Open
Position Overview
Looking for highly skilled and versatile IBM AS400 Operations Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day stability, support, and maintenance of client’s IBM i (AS400) systems. The primary focus is on core system operations system monitoring, job management, backups (BRMS), security administration, incident troubleshooting, and hardware/peripheral support. This role ensures that the AS400 systems remain available, reliable, and compliant. As part of succession planning, this role will expand over time to include application development duties (CL scripting, RPG programming, SQL).
Experience:
10+ years of IT operations/support experience (IBM i / AS400 preferred)
Experience with enterprise job scheduling, incident resolution, and backup systems
Exposure to programming or scripting (any language; CL/RPG preferred)
Familiarity with server environments, ERP systems, and batch job workflows
Key Responsibilities
1. System Operations & Monitoring
Monitor consoles, system messages (QSYSOPR), and jobs to ensure stable AS400 operations
Manage job queues and scheduled jobs (via WRKJOBSCDE or Robot Scheduler)
Troubleshoot failed jobs, hung subsystems, or system anomalies
Perform scheduled system IPLs and apply proactive maintenance measures
Ensure zero unplanned downtime through early intervention
2. End User & Incident Support
Provide Level 2/3 support for AS400-related incidents escalated from helpdesk
Investigate user-reported issues (e.g., record locks, login issues, print failures)
Offer how-to assistance to departments like Accounting, Parts, and Dealer Support
Resolve application and data-related problems using commands, queries, and logs
3. Backup, Recovery & Maintenance
Execute and monitor BRMS-based daily/weekly backups across all partitions
Troubleshoot backup failures and maintain offsite media (Iron Mountain)
Perform quarterly test restores and update disaster recovery documentation
Apply PTFs, OS updates, and firmware upgrades in line with change control
Support larger system upgrades, hardware replacements, and vendor coordination
4. Device & Peripheral Management
Support and troubleshoot AS400-connected devices (e.g., RF guns, label/report printers)
Coordinate repairs, firmware updates, and configuration for hardware
Maintain connectivity and availability of peripherals integrated with AS400 processes
5. Security & Access Management
Administer AS400 user profiles, access rights, and password resets
Implement and audit object-level security, menu authority, and QSECURITY parameters
Review security audit logs (QAUDJRN) and ensure compliance with KCL IT policies
Assist with SOX compliance and respond to internal/external audit requests
6. Documentation & Continuous Improvement
Maintain detailed runbooks, how-to guides, and troubleshooting procedures
Use CL programming to automate recurring tasks and improve operational efficiency
Identify opportunities to enhance monitoring, reduce manual intervention, or optimize job scheduling
Train backup resources and participate in cross-training and knowledge-sharing
7. Application Development (Progressive Role)
Begin with CL scripting tasks to automate or support operations
Assist senior RPG developers with testing, debugging, and minor fixes
Learn DB2 for i (SQL) and perform data queries or updates with proper controls
Engage in application enhancement projects and system integrations
Participate in modernization initiatives (e.g., APIs, web service connectivity)
