Information Systems Advisor I - IBM zVM Systems Administrator

Illinois Secretary of State; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 11,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Secretary of State in Springfield seeks an Information Systems Advisor I to manage and maintain the State’s IBM mainframe virtualization infrastructure, installing, configuring, and monitoring z/VM environments for stability and performance.

The role requires deep expertise in z/VM management, zLinux virtualization, and resource administration, with the ability to work independently in high-availability, enterprise-scale environments and mentor junior staff.

Qualifications

• Requires completion of two years of college in computer science and four years of experience in technical systems/programming or IT project management.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/VM environments.
• Monitor and manage z/VM resources (CPU, memory, I/O).
• Administer virtual machine definitions, directory entries and user access.
• Implement RACF policies and secure networking.
• Participate in DR testing and recovery planning.
• Provide documentation and mentoring to staff.

Skills

z/VM admin

zLinux virtualization

System administration

RACF security

SOC2 compliance

Disaster recovery

Vendor coordination

Mentoring

Education

Two-year college in computer science

Job description

Job Title: Information Systems Advisor I – IBM zVM Systems Administrator

Division: Technology Office – Infrastructure

Union: IFT

Location: 501 S 2nd St., Springfield, IL – Sangamon County

Salary: Range from $6,962 to $12,950 monthly. Commensurate with experience

Benefits: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html

Attention: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; the Office of the Secretary of State will not complete certification and/or sponsorship requests.

Overview

Responsible for managing and maintaining the State’s mission-critical IBM mainframe virtualization infrastructure. This role acts as an IBM z/VM Administrator and is responsible for the installation, configuration, monitoring, and administration of IBM z/VM environments, ensuring system stability, performance, and security in support of statewide business applications and services. Must have deep expertise in z/VM systems management, zLinux virtualization, and resource administration, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively on high-availability, enterprise-scale environments.

Duties and Responsibilities

System Administration

• Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/VM operating environments.
• Apply maintenance, service packs, and system upgrades.
• Monitor and manage z/VM system resources including CPU, memory, and I/O.

User and Resource Management

• Administer virtual machine definitions, directory entries, and user access.
• Manage z/VM spool, minidisks, and shared resources.
• Maintain performance tuning and capacity planning documentation.

Security & Compliance

• Implement and enforce RACF policies for z/VM directory and resource access.
• Configure and support secure networking with AT-TLS and SSL/TLS keyrings.
• Ensure compliance with SOC2, IRS Pub 1075, and other State of Illinois security frameworks.

Disaster Recovery & High Availability

• Participate in Disaster Recovery (DR) testing and system restoration planning.
• Develop and maintain z/VM recovery runbooks and operational procedures.

Support & Collaboration

• Troubleshoot and resolve z/VM system issues, performance problems, and outages.
• Work with vendors (IBM, HPE, etc.) and internal DoIT teams for upgrades, migrations, and issue resolution.
• Provide documentation, training, and mentoring to junior staff and operations personnel.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Education and Experience

Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of two years of college, with coursework in the computer science field AND four years of experience with technical systems and/or programming experience and/or IT project management OR any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Requires extensive knowledge of systems design and implementation, including the way programs are written, compiled, and tested, the methods of operating computers, and the way data is transcribed into a form suitable for reading by computer and has an appreciation of the wider business context for those programs.
• Requires excellent oral and written communication skills for effective engagement with colleagues and internal users/customers.
• Requires extensive knowledge necessary to effectively perform the ability to exercise sound judgement in analyzing, appraising, evaluating, and solving problems of a procedural, organizational, administrative, and technical nature.
• Requires awareness and adherence to organizational standards for security, privacy and ethics.
• Requires extensive knowledge of the devices for capturing data for computers and the means available for receiving and transmitting data from remote locations to a computer.
• Requires extensive knowledge of the principles and techniques of computer system documentation.
• Requires extensive knowledge of the advantages and limitations of computer communication, and information retrieval systems as management information tools.
• Requires the ability to organize facts and findings, analyze data logically and to present results with clarity and comprehension, orally and in written or graphic form.
• Requires the ability to use and understand appropriate methods, tools, applications, and processes to demonstrate a rational and organized approach to work.
• Requires willingness to travel and possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license as required by individual positions within the class.
• Requires the ability to push/pull, lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Requires a valid Illinois Driver's License.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or veteran status, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or disability.