Role: IBM I (AS400) Operations Specialist

Location: Pickering, ON (Canada) Mode of Work: Onsite (4 days on-site and 1 day remote) Duration of the contract: 12 Months

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