Sr. IZWS Scheduler expert
Role name: Sr. IZWS Scheduler expert Work Location: US (Remote) Role and responsibilities: We are seeking an experienced Migration Deployment Specialist – Scheduling (IZWS) to support large scale mainframe scheduling migrations to IBM Z Workload Scheduler (IZWS). This role serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in mainframe batch scheduling conversions and will be instrumental in executing migration activities across development, test, and production sysplex environments. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in z/OS, strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with application development teams, schedulers, project managers, internal staff, and customer stakeholders. This position plays a high impact role in ensuring successful, iterative parallel tracking cycles and clean migration of batch workloads.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support the migration of batch scheduling workloads to IBM Z Workload Scheduler.
- Perform detailed analysis of legacy scheduling definitions (CA 7, ESP, Jobtrac, Control M, etc.) and map them to IZWS structures.
- Execute iterative migration cycles, including parallel tracking, schedule validation, and dependency resolution.
- Monitor batch workload execution using TSO/ISPF and IZWS interfaces; analyze report data to identify issues and corrective actions.
- Utilize or review the Dynamic Workload Console for navigation, analysis, and operational support.
- Develop, maintain, and update migration documentation, procedures, and reference materials.
- Collaborate with application schedulers, developers, system engineers, and operations teams to resolve migration-related issues.
- Provide technical guidance and training to application teams, schedulers, and operational staff.
- Support best practice cleanup and preparation activities ahead of each sysplex migration.
- Assist in project planning, task estimation, and coordination with project management teams.
Mandatory skills:
- 5 years Mainframe experience (OS/390, z/OS) – Advanced understanding of core mainframe components and operational environments.
- 5 years IBM Z Workload Scheduler experience – Deep proficiency in IZWS features, functions, and workload monitoring.
- TSO/ISPF editing skills – Advanced proficiency in interactive system utilities and dataset manipulation.
- Job Control Language (JCL) – Expert-level understanding of JCL structure, syntax, and troubleshooting.
- Communication Skills – Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to collaborate with technical and non technical teams.
- REXX programming – Intermediate ability to write and maintain automation scripts.
Optional skills:
- Workload Automation Programming Language (WAPL) – Working knowledge for extending scheduler functions.
- Analytical skills – Advanced ability to study complex scheduler reports and identify causal relationships.
- Experience with other scheduling platforms
- CA 7 - CA ESP - BClient Control M - ASG Zeke/Zebb
- Dynamic Workload Console – Familiarity with navigation, setup, and installation.
- Project management experience – Ability to support planning and coordination of migration activities.