Mainframe Storage Consultant

Tech Talent International; Toronto; On-site; CAD 137,760 - 165,312; Part time

Job summary

A technology consulting firm in Toronto is seeking a Mainframe Storage Consultant to manage and support storage solutions for clients. The role requires 3-4 years of experience with specific tools and technologies, a 4-year degree in IT or Computer Science, and strong analytical skills. Key responsibilities include monitoring and maintaining storage systems, conducting Disaster Recovery Exercises, and optimizing DASD space. This position offers a competitive rate of $100-120/hr CAD and the potential for extensions.

Qualifications

• 3 to 4 years of experience managing mainframe storage solutions.
• Proficient in Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity exercises.
• Strong analytical skills for data storage management.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain storage solutions and backups.
• Support Disaster Recovery Exercises and data center builds.
• Analyze and optimize DASD space availability.

Skills

HSM

CA1

FDR PAS

TDMF

CA Vantage

Hitachi Universal Replicator

SMS

ACS

DFDSS/HSM for backups

Disaster Recovery

Business Continuity

Education

4 year college degree in IT / Computer Science

Job description

About the job Mainframe Storage Consultant

Rate: $100-120/hr CAD C2C

Start Date: ASAP

Duration: 6 months initially, then multiple 6 - 12 month extensions

Job Description

Evaluate, provision, configure, implement, maintain, analyze, diagnose, and provide day‑to‑day support for clients overall Storage (DASD and Tape) solution(s) including backup, restore, archive, and business continuity plans.

Job Requirements

3 to 4 years experience with HSM, CA1, CA7, FDR PAS, TDMF, CA Vantage, Hitachi Universal Replicator / BCM, SMS, ACS, DFDSS/HSM for backups and/or FDR ABRS, IBM Global Mirror / Metro Mirror / CSM, Virtual Tape (IBM TS77xx), CR+ and catalog maintenance / optimization, Disaster Recovery / Business Continuity exercises and methods.

Education

4 year college degree with concentration in IT / Computer Science preferred.

Job Responsibilities

Monitor, support, maintain, and enhance associated storage, backups, and data replication for a large number of Sysplexes.

Provide support for Disaster Recovery Exercises and new data center builds as necessary. These support activities (e.g., problem resolution, 3rd party vendor communication, and change and implementation) will involve the management and analysis of all Agency mainframe DASD and tape data storage subsystems. It will include the management and analysis of all production backup and recovery jobs executed at production and all remote locations, to maintain compatibility with existing storage management infrastructures.

Analyze Production Mainframe DASD Space Availability

Analyze mainframe DASD space availability by Systems Managed Storage Complex (SMSPLEX) and by System Complex (SYSPLEX)

Analyze DASD storage connected across all Logical PARTITIONS (LPARs)

Analyze and determine cause of mainframe DASD space concerns

Communicate resolution to requesting area via phone and/or email

• Evaluate new technologies
• Install, configure, and implement new solutions / architectures.

Provide mainframe DASD space capacity where required

Analyze and recommend required SMS modifications

Analyze required mainframe ACS code modifications

Monitor DASD and tape storage resources for performance and available space

Process required Mainframe SMS construct modifications online using TSO logon and Interactive System Management Facility (ISMF)

Test all changes using the SMS test facility prior to installation. Testing is online using Mainframe TSO logon and ISMF

Document each action taken

Deploy mainframe DASD and tape

Perform catalog optimization and maintenance.

Maintain Hierarchical Storage Management (HSM) parameter library members assigned to control execution

Maintain free space for the three control data sets of HSM

Analyze, maintain and perform the steps to reorganize control data sets

Analyze, maintain Migration on Level 2 tapes to ensure maximum tape density

Support DF/SMShsm Aggregate Backup and Recovery System (ABARS) on the wireline systems

Support upgrading Systems Managed Storage (SMS), Hierarchical Storage Manager (HSM) and Device Facility Product (DFP)

Support IBM Mainframe storage management disciplines utilizing DF/SMS ACS routines

Review Mainframe DASD/tape space availability by SMSPLEX and by SYSPLEX

Review mainframe DASD/tape storage thresholds to determine adequate space availability

Analyze and determine cause of DASD/tape space concerns

Communicate resolution to appropriate area

Analysis of Mainframe DASD and tape storage usage availability

Determine application and people to contact for DASD/tape space concerns

Provide resolution for space shortages

Respond to AYS (Service Now) requests as necessary to support client needs.

Provide DASD/tape storage space available to correct DASD/tape space shortage

Enhance software to reduce operation time, add functionality, or improve efficiency

Work independently or under only general direction

Analyze mainframe SMS constructs

Analyze mainframe SMS ACS logic

Prior to introducing any storage change into production, use the SMS test facility located on the Storage Laboratory for testing changes

Review and respond if necessary, to daily, weekly, and monthly automated health checks.

Analyze and determine cause of DASD backup and data replication failures

Communicate resolution to appropriate area if applicable.

Work with application and Business Continuity organizations to ensure backup and/or recovery solutions are complete and maintained.

Provide resolution for backup and/or recovery infrastructure shortages

Document, report and address in ticketing system, the status of tape storage availability issues

Enhance DASD/tape hardware configurations to reduce operation time, add functionality, or improve efficiency of use

Make additions or deletions to DASD/tape storage infrastructures as required

Review mainframe DASD/tape performance with 3rd party vendor personnel verbally and in writing