Mainframe Technical Support (IT System Admin – Journey)

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a skilled and dependable Mainframe Technical Support System Administrator to serve as a key technical member of the Mainframe Technical Support team.

This position will provide agency-wide mainframe support and serve as a backup Mainframe as a Service (MFaaS) vendor manager, supporting mainframe operating system software and subsystems through configuration, implementation, maintenance, troubleshooting, problem resolution, and performance monitoring.

The position will also play a key technical role in the annual Mainframe Disaster Recovery exercise and supports the continued availability and performance of WSDOT’s enterprise mainframe environment.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Mainframe Technical Support will:

• Assist team lead with technical support on the mainframe platform.
• Review and understand the impact that new zOS releases will have on existing systems and applications and assist with upgrade coordination with MFaaS vendor.
• Serve as WSDOT team support role on projects that integrate new mainframe hardware and/or software technologies.
• Provide agency level support for Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Disaster Recovery (DR) planning.
• Provide basic support and technical knowledge, consultation, and administration for mainframe security configurations.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mainframe operational problems within established process and procedures.
• Examine existing support contracts to ensure they meet the organization's needs and compliance requirements.
• Monitor contract expiration dates and coordinate timely renewals; ensure seamless transitions without disruption of services.
• Review and maintain daily and monthly mainframe reporting; resolve security and user discrepancies identified by reports.
• Occasionally respond to critical mainframe outages.
• Serve as a backup on-call technician when the team lead is not available to be on stand-by status and provide after-hours support.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• z/OS Mainframe Systems: Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to administer IBM z/OS mainframe systems, including installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and performance optimization, with end-to-end technical ownership of the z/OS environment.
• Mainframe Security & Access Management: Demonstrated experience managing user access, resource protection, and compliance auditing in a z/OS environment using RACF or ACF2, including conducting security audits and generating and analyzing SMF reports to identify vulnerabilities.
• Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery: Demonstrated proficiency in and ability to support the full lifecycle of business continuity and IT disaster recovery, including conducting business impact analyses, planning and executing recovery exercises, and maintaining compliance with resilience standards.
• Personal Computer & Software Applications: Demonstrated advanced proficiency using personal computers (PC) and standard PC software applications.
• Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse vendors, customers, peers, and management, including condensing and presenting technical information.
• Technical Information: Demonstrated ability to retrieve, understand, interpret, and apply highly technical information from electronic and printed materials.
• Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to quickly identify, analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve technical problems.
• Multitasking & Prioritization: Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and changing priorities.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and manage large technical projects.
• Continuous Learning: Demonstrated ability to stay current with emerging technologies, tools, and industry practices.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have

• Extensive IT Knowledge: Proficient experience, knowledge and understanding of information technology concepts, practices, and technologies.
• Database Concepts: Basic knowledge and understanding of database concepts.
• Job Control Language: Demonstrated experience using Job Control Language (JCL) in an IBM mainframe environment.
• Scripting & Programming: Demonstrated experience with scripting or programming languages to support technical and mainframe environments.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position requires the ability to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to respond to critical mainframe
• outages. This position is a backup on-call technician when the team lead is not available to be on stand-by status and provide after-hours support.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. The need for in person work is infrequent, up to four times per month.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

How to Apply

• Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically.
• Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary.
• Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Additional information

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-01652 in the subject line.