Okay, I've searched for DB2 Database Administrator roles in New York, NY, full-time positions requiring expertise with DB2 on IBM z/OS, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, and offering dental insurance benefits. I have found 27 positions matching your criteria.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The DB2 Database Administrator (DBA) role at UNIVERSAL Technologies is fundamentally focused on ensuring the stability, performance, and reliability of citywide financial and payroll database systems running on IBM mainframe environments. This position requires deep expertise with DB2 v10+ on z/OS, highlighting the importance of managing critical enterprise systems where downtime or data corruption can have severe operational consequences. The responsibilities span from hands-on database installation, tuning, migrations, and recovery to scripting and troubleshooting legacy systems, which implies this role demands both technical precision and problem-solving resilience within a high-stakes environment. Collaboration with application development and support teams is crucial, indicating a cross-functional dynamic where the DBA must not only understand technically complex environments but also communicate clearly to align system updates with business needs. Success in this role looks like seamless upgrade cycles, minimal disruption during migrations, prompt recovery responses, and proactive performance tuning that sustains large-scale payroll operations. The required skills go beyond traditional DBA functions to include REXX scripting, embedded system troubleshooting, experience with related IBM middleware (CICS, IMS), and monitoring tools, underscoring a holistic command of the IBM mainframe technology stack. Candidates must be adept at navigating legacy technologies while supporting modernized enterprise workflows. The role’s complexity and autonomy suggest the candidate will frequently exercise critical judgment in DB2 program updates and disaster recovery drills, often under pressure to maintain continuity of essential public services. Delivering clear documentation and technical guidance further points to the importance of being an effective communicator and collaborator in this role.

Company Analysis:

UNIVERSAL Technologies operates as a specialized, women-owned IT consulting firm that thrives on delivering enterprise IT solutions focused on improving client system performance, especially in complex, mission-critical environments such as financial and payroll applications for city agencies. Their positioning as a flexible, employee-centric company that values career growth and challenging projects suggests a culture that encourages technical mastery and continuous learning, ideal for a tech professional looking to deepen mainframe expertise while impacting large public sector systems. The hybrid working model and emphasis on accessible, flexible work conditions also reflect a modern approach to employee well-being, likely appealing to candidates who balance technical rigor with life outside work. Given UNIVERSAL’s broad spectrum of IT disciplines, the DBA role will likely interact with multiple internal teams, placing the individual as a key technical player with meaningful visibility. This is not just a back-office role; rather, it is strategically aligned with the company’s mission to support enterprise clients with robust, high-availability systems that require a DBA’s expert attention to detail and problem-solving skills. The fact that the company supports complex legacy and new technology integration projects means this position is situated at the crossroads of stability and innovation—a defining strategic challenge requiring adaptability and a proactive mindset.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to troubleshoot a critical database issue under tight deadlines. How did you diagnose and resolve the problem?
• Behavioral: Describe an experience where you worked closely with application developers or other cross-functional teams to implement a database migration. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
• Behavioral: Can you share an instance when you identified and implemented a tuning or optimization that significantly improved database performance?
• Behavioral: How do you handle documentation and knowledge transfer in high-pressure environments where system availability is critical?
• Technical: Walk me through your process for performing a DB2 recovery operation on an IBM z/OS platform after a data corruption incident.
• Technical: How do you approach writing and validating REXX scripts to automate routine DBA tasks?
• Technical: Explain how you would handle performance tuning using runstats and reorgs within a DB2 environment supporting payroll systems.
• Technical: What experience do you have with IBM InfoSphere Replication Server and how have you implemented data propagation solutions in your previous work?
• Situational: Imagine you are preparing for a disaster recovery drill involving your DB2 databases and a major application release is scheduled simultaneously. How would you prioritize and manage both tasks to ensure system stability?
• Situational: If after a system migration you detect a performance degradation in the payroll application, what steps would you take to troubleshoot and rectify the issue?
• Situational: Suppose an application team requests a last-minute emergency data fix involving DB2 embedded in COBOL code. How would you proceed to ensure it is done safely and effectively?
• Company Fit: What interests you most about working with a Women-Owned (M/WBE) IT consulting firm like UNIVERSAL Technologies?
• Company Fit: How do you see your experience with legacy mainframe technologies aligning with UNIVERSAL’s emphasis on improving clients’ enterprise IT performance?
• Company Fit: UNIVERSAL values flexibility and career growth; how do these priorities influence the type of work environment where you thrive?
• Candidate Questions: How does UNIVERSAL Technologies support ongoing technical training and professional development for DB2 administrators?
• Candidate Questions: Can you describe how the DBA role interacts with other departments, like application development and project management, in day-to-day operations?
• Candidate Questions: What are the most critical challenges UNIVERSAL expects this DBA to address in their first six months?