IBM i (AS400) Operations Specialist

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced IBM i (AS400) Operations Specialist for a 12-month contract position based in Pickering, Ontario, Canada. This role requires working onsite four days a week and remotely one day. The specialist will oversee the stability and support of the IBM i platforms, focusing on system operations, monitoring, job management, backups, security, troubleshooting, and hardware support. Over time, responsibilities will expand to include application development tasks such as CL scripting, RPG programming, and SQL.

Core Duties

• Monitor system consoles, messages, and job queues to maintain smooth IBM i operations.
• Manage scheduled jobs using tools like WRKJOBSCDE and Robot Scheduler.
• Troubleshoot failed jobs, subsystem issues, and anomalies promptly to avoid downtime.
• Conduct system IPLs and maintenance for optimal performance and availability.
• Provide Level 2 and 3 technical support for incidents escalated from helpdesk teams.
• Assist end users across departments by resolving issues such as lock conflicts, login problems, and printing errors.
• Handle backups and recovery using BRMS, monitor backup success, and manage offsite storage media.
• Test restore procedures quarterly and maintain disaster recovery documentation.
• Apply OS updates, PTFs, and firmware upgrades according to change control protocols.
• Support hardware replacements, system upgrades, and vendor coordination.
• Manage and troubleshoot AS400-connected peripherals including RF guns and printers.
• Administer user profiles, access controls, and security audits to meet compliance requirements.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation including runbooks, troubleshooting guides, and process manuals.
• Automate repetitive tasks using CL scripts and participate in knowledge transfer initiatives.
• Progressively take on application development duties, assisting with RPG and SQL programming and system integration tasks.

Problem Solving & Decision Making

This position requires diagnosing diverse technical problems such as job failures, system errors, backup issues, print queue challenges, and security audit exceptions. The specialist must prioritize and resolve system alerts, coordinate maintenance with stakeholders, and follow change management procedures while collaborating with senior staff and external vendors.

Qualifications and Experience

• College diploma or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Information Systems.
• Over 10 years of IT operations/support experience, particularly with IBM i / AS400 platforms.
• Proficiency in enterprise job scheduling, incident resolution, and backup management.
• Experience with programming or scripting languages; CL and RPG preferred.
• Familiarity with server environments, ERP systems, and batch job processes.

Technical Skills

• IBM i commands and job control utilities (e.g., WRKACTJOB, WRKSPLF, DSPMSG).
• Use of backup tools such as BRMS and job schedulers including Robot Scheduler.
• Basic to intermediate CL programming, SQL, and introductory RPG knowledge.
• IBM i Access Client Solutions, 5250 terminal emulators, and Turnover or equivalent monitoring software.
• Competency with Microsoft Office and documentation tools.

Soft Skills

• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Strong communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Detail-oriented and disciplined in process documentation and execution.
• Self-motivated with a passion for learning legacy and modern systems.
• Team-player with customer-service focus and reliability.

Additional Preferred Experience

• Knowledge of Infor BPCS/LX ERP systems.
• Background in manufacturing or distribution industries.
• Exposure to API development, web services, and system modernization techniques on IBM i.
• Understanding of high availability concepts, disaster recovery strategies, and Power Systems architecture.