DivIHN is seeking an experienced, senior-level IBM z/VM Systems Administrator to manage and maintain a mission-critical IBM mainframe virtualization infrastructure for a state government client. This role is essential for ensuring the stability, performance, and security of systems supporting statewide business applications.

• Location: Remote (Initial one week on-site in Springfield, IL, then remote with occasional travel).
• Duration: 6 Months (Contract)
• Experience: Minimum 8 – 10 years of experience administering IBM z/VM environments.
• Focus: z/VM installation, configuration, RACF security enforcement, and high-availability architecture.

Key Responsibilities: Enterprise Mainframe Administration

The administrator will be responsible for the full lifecycle management of the z/VM environment, with a strong emphasis on security and disaster preparedness.

• System Maintenance: Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/VM operating environments, including applying maintenance, service packs, and system upgrades.
• Resource Management: Monitor and manage z/VM system resources (CPU, memory, I/O). Administer virtual machine definitions, directory entries, and user access. 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 strict security frameworks like SOC2 and IRS Pub 1075.
• Disaster Recovery (DR): Participate in DR testing and system restoration planning. Develop and maintain z/VM recovery runbooks and operational procedures.
• Support: Troubleshoot and resolve z/VM system issues and work collaboratively with vendors (IBM, HPE) and internal teams. Provide documentation and mentoring to junior staff.

Required Qualifications: Deep z/VM and Security Expertise

Success requires deep, hands-on experience in the z/VM ecosystem, particularly in security administration for highly regulated environments.

• Core Experience: Minimum 8 – 10 years of experience administering IBM z/VM environments.
• z/VM Knowledge: Strong knowledge of z/VM systems administration, user directory management, and virtualization concepts.
• Security: Extensive experience with RACF administration and security enforcement in a z/VM environment.
• Performance: Proven ability in system performance tuning, capacity management, and resource allocation.
• DR: Experience supporting Disaster Recovery procedures and high-availability architecture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with LinuxONE environments and Linux guest management under z/VM.
• Experience with automation tools (REXX, Python, Ansible for z/VM/LinuxONE).
• Prior experience in government or other highly regulated environments.