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Mainframe operator skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Jon Ippolito

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical mainframe operator skills. We ranked the top skills for mainframe operators based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 8.2% of mainframe operator resumes contained windows as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a mainframe operator needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 mainframe operator skills for your resume and career

1. Windows

Windows is a chain of operating systems that controls a computer and is developed by Microsoft. Every version of Windows consists of GUI (graphical user interface), with a desktop that allows the user to open their files.

Here's how mainframe operators use windows:

Executed backups for Pathology and Radiology Departments through CERNER/CO-Path servers under Windows 2000.
Monitor and recover Windows applications that reside on VM Ware Servers.

2. Troubleshoot

Troubleshooting is the process of analyzing and fixing any kind of problem in a system or a machine. Troubleshooting is the detailed yet quick search in the system for the main source of an issue and solving it.

Here's how mainframe operators use troubleshoot:

Help configure and troubleshoot routers and switches.Followed Daily Procedures for maintaining data for customers.
Save and Restore Objects and Libraries, Troubleshoot printerr and terminal problem.

3. JCL

Here's how mainframe operators use jcl:

Developed and maintained both Batch and Online applications on IBM mainframe technologies JCL, CICS, DB2 and VSAM.
Monitored and corrected production batch jobs with JCL, MVS, and JES3.

4. IPL

Here's how mainframe operators use ipl:

Performed scheduled & unscheduled IPL's on a system which consisted of seven LPAR's.
Perform IPL on all the LPARS during Maintenance slots and troubleshooting during the IPL.

5. Mainframe Operations

Here's how mainframe operators use mainframe operations:

Excelled in Mainframe Operations ensuring data integrity coming into and exiting Fort Wainwright in secure computer facility.
Monitor mainframe operations, report abnormally ended processes and resolve with programmers.

6. SLA

SLA refers to Service-level Agreement. It is an agreement between a customer and the service provider on the quality of service and what standards they must meet.

Here's how mainframe operators use sla:

Make sure of all the Production SLA's are met.
Maintained an awareness of the relevant SLA while addressing the incident.

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7. Mainframe Environment

Here's how mainframe operators use mainframe environment:

Provided tape library management; backup support, off-site vaulting for all Mainframe environments according to proper protocol procedures.
Assured online availability of three production images in a 24x7 mainframe environment.

8. System Performance

System performance refers to how efficient a computer system is, often measured on how much work is completed in a set timeframe. This measurement is estimated judging on a computer system's speed, the accuracy, and how efficient the work is completed. Depending on the field, a system's performance may be required to meet a certain level before the system can safely be used.

Here's how mainframe operators use system performance:

Monitor system performance to ensure that it functions according to the processing requirements defined by the institution.
Analyzed system performance, identified problems and took corrective actions Generated batch processing reports for users.

9. Mainframe Systems

Here's how mainframe operators use mainframe systems:

Tracked/monitored mainframe system batch cycles.
Monitored clinical information backup through DLT tape drives on servers, mainframe systems, and network-related systems.

10. Batch Processing

Here's how mainframe operators use batch processing:

Hired as a trainee and was quickly promoted to Mainframe Operator where I was responsible for batch processing and on-line availability.
Insured timely and accurate batch processing for all systems within the requirement of established Service Level Agreement.

11. JES2

Here's how mainframe operators use jes2:

Followed predetermined schedules and procedures; executed commands using JES2.
Monitored peripheral media requests using JES2 commands.

12. VM

Here's how mainframe operators use vm:

Job Responsibilities: Mainframe support and troubleshooting Monitoring of mainframe and server processes VM management Disaster recovery Datacenter management
Operated twenty-five 3090 mainframes running both MVS and VM Operating Systems using automated operations.

13. Technical Support

Technical support or tech support are the services provided by any hardware or software company to users. They help in solving the technical difficulties the customers face with their products or services. Moreover, the tech support employees maintain, manage, and repair the IT faults. They are also responsible for resolving the network problems, installing and configuring hardware and software.

Here's how mainframe operators use technical support:

Operated corporate UNIX mainframe and provided first-level technical support during the weekends.
Diagnosed system and batch problems and contacted technical support when necessary.

14. FTP

Here's how mainframe operators use ftp:

Involved in transmission of information (files) from mainframe Host to & from external systems using IBM FTP, TCP/IP.
Released payroll bank transmission on a bi-weekly basis through Symantec FTP software (dial-up).

15. IBM Mainframe

Here's how mainframe operators use ibm mainframe:

Performed computer operator activities related to operation of IBM Mainframe computers and associated peripherals.
Operated and maintained various systems on the company's IBM mainframe computer and associated silo units.

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What skills stand out on mainframe operator resumes?

Dr. Jon Ippolito

Professor of New Media, The University of Maine

Although we often hear about positions in urban centers like San Francisco, online job listings, as well as a survey of New Media alumni, affirm that even in a rural state like Maine, many businesses and organizations seek workers with new media skills, from web and mobile developers to user interface and experience designers to digital storytellers capable of crafting compelling videos and social media campaigns.
As of this writing, Google (https://jobs.google.com) reports 133 jobs in Maine for a data scientist, 130 openings for a web developer, 100 for an AI scientist, 80 for a web designer, 72 for a UX/UI designer, 58 for a mobile developer, 43 for a social media manager, and 16 for a video producer/editor. This does not count the increasing number of jobs that permit remote work, which accounts for 75% of programming listings in 2021, according to The Economist (https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2021/08/11/for-programmers-remote-working-is-becoming-the-norm).

Do you want to know more?

List of mainframe operator skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a mainframe operator resume and required skills for a mainframe operator to have include:

Windows
Troubleshoot
JCL
IPL
Mainframe Operations
SLA
Mainframe Environment
System Performance
Mainframe Systems
Batch Processing
JES2
VM
Technical Support
FTP
IBM Mainframe
Remedy

Peripheral Devices
CICS
MVS
Computer Operations
Disaster Recovery
Mainframe Computers
DB2
Programmers
Computer System
Hardware Errors
PC
Offsite Storage
Peripheral Equipment
CPU
CA7
Unix

Tivoli
OPC
TSO
ISPF
Console Messages
NDM
Vtam
SQL
IMS
Computer Room
Tape Library
AS/400
Data Processing
CA-7

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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