Information Systems Advisor I - zOS Systems Programmer Mainframe Network Specialist

Illinois Secretary of State • Springfield, IL

23h

About The Position

Will serve as a senior resource to assist ILSOS with general system administration for an IBM z16 mainframe and DR environment with experience in maintaining and assisting with mainframe network administration, security certificates, SFTP, APIs, TCPIP. The role is critical to ensuring the resilience, availability, security, and compliance of the State’s enterprise mainframe infrastructure. The successful candidate will work with IBM, HPE, and internal IT teams to design, implement, monitor, primary and secondary mainframe systems that support the Secretary of State’s mission-critical applications.

Requirements

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of two years of college, with coursework in the computer science field AND four years of experience with technical systems and/or programming experience and/or IT project management OR any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Requires extensive knowledge of systems design and implementation, including the way programs are written, compiled, and tested, the methods of operating computers, and the way data is transcribed into a form suitable for reading by computer and has an appreciation of the wider business context for those programs.
• Requires excellent oral and written communication skills for effective engagement with colleagues and internal users/customers.
• Requires extensive knowledge necessary to effectively perform the ability to exercise sound judgement in analyzing, appraising, evaluating, and solving problems of a procedural, organizational, administrative, and technical nature.
• Requires awareness and adherence to organizational standards for security, privacy and ethics.
• Requires extensive knowledge of the devices for capturing data for computers and the means available for receiving and transmitting data from remote locations to a computer.
• Requires extensive knowledge of the principles and techniques of computer system documentation.
• Requires extensive knowledge of the advantages and limitations of computer communication, and information retrieval systems as management information tools.
• Requires the ability to organize facts and findings, analyze data logically and to present results with clarity and comprehension, orally and in written or graphic form.
• Requires the ability to use and understand appropriate methods, tools, applications, and processes to demonstrate a rational and organized approach to work.
• Requires willingness to travel and possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license as required by individual positions within the class.
• Requires the ability to push/pull, lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Requires a valid Illinois Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced system administration and technical leadership for IBM z/OS mainframe systems.
• Manage and maintain network configurations, connectivity, and communication protocols (SNA, TCP/IP, VTAM, NJE, etc.) in the mainframe environment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex system, network, and application-level issues, driving root cause analysis and long-term corrective actions.
• Assist with planning and application of system maintenance, software upgrades, and PTFs, coordinating with system programmers and vendor support.
• Administer and enforce mainframe security policies (RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret), including user access management and compliance controls.
• Participate in and provide guidance for problem, change, and incident management processes, ensuring timely resolution and documentation.
• Collaborate with infrastructure, application, and network teams to ensure seamless integration and high availability across systems.
• Mentor junior administrators and contribute to process improvement and automation initiatives.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree