Job Description

Job Openings:
1

Experience:
10-15
Yrs

Published On:
Nov 19, 2025, 04:53 pm



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).

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)

Problem Solving Scope

This role involves diagnosing and resolving diverse technical problems, including: Job or subsystem failures, performance bottlenecks, and system errors Backup device malfunctions or restoration needs Print queue or report output issues Access/security misconfigurations or audit exceptions Operational process gaps or automation opportunities

Decision Making & Authority

Prioritize and take action to resolve operational issues and system alerts Coordinate changes and schedule maintenance activities with stakeholders Document changes and adhere to change management protocols Collaborate with senior staff, vendors, and IBM support as needed

Key Relationships

Internal: IT team, helpdesk, business users, finance, logistics, parts/service teams External: IBM support, hardware vendors, offsite storage providers, service contractors

Qualifications & Requirements

Education: College diploma or bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems field IBM i-Certifications are an asset, but not a must.

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

Technical Skills:

IBM i commands, job control, WRKACTJOB, WRKSPLF, DSPMSG, etc. Backup tools (BRMS), job schedulers (Robot or native), system monitoring tools CL programming (basic to intermediate), SQL, and introductory RPG knowledge Tools: IBM i Access Client Solutions, 5250 emulator, Turnover (or equivalent) Comfortable with Microsoft Office and documentation tools

Soft Skills:

Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capability Clear written and verbal communication; ability to explain technical topics to non-technical users Organized and disciplined in documentation and process execution Highly motivated to learn legacy systems and take initiative in training Reliable, team-oriented, and customer-service focused

Nice to Have:

Experience with Infor BPCS/LX ERP Manufacturing or distribution industry experience Exposure to modernization tools, APIs, or web integrations with AS400 Understanding of high availability, DR strategies, and IBM Power Systems architecture
Skills


AS400 Work Location


Pickering, Ontario, Ontario, Ontario, Canada