Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the digital era, the role of Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialists is becoming increasingly crucial.

As technology evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can manage, restore, and protect our mainframe systems rises.

But let’s delve deeper: What exactly does a Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of mainframe disaster recovery,

You’ve landed on the right page.

Today, we are revealing a customizable Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialists are primarily tasked with the preparation, planning, and implementation of disaster recovery protocols to ensure the continuity of mainframe systems and operations in the event of a disaster or system failure.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Develop and implement disaster recovery plans for mainframe systems
• Test and update disaster recovery plans regularly to ensure effectiveness and reliability
• Coordinate with IT teams to execute disaster recovery plans during emergencies
• Analyze potential risk factors and vulnerabilities in the mainframe systems
• Perform data backups and recovery operations to ensure data integrity
• Train and educate staff in disaster recovery procedures and protocols
• Document all disaster recovery planning and procedures for reference
• Monitor and report on the performance of disaster recovery systems
• Review and recommend improvements to disaster recovery strategies
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and legal regulations related to disaster recovery
• Work closely with various departments to ensure seamless transition during a disaster recovery situation

 

Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist to join our team.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing disaster recovery operations for our mainframe systems.

The Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist’s responsibilities include developing disaster recovery strategies, executing disaster recovery procedures, and ensuring the integrity and availability of our mainframe systems during a disaster.

Our ideal candidate is familiar with the full lifecycle of disaster recovery planning and execution, from conducting risk assessments and impact analyses, to implementing recovery strategies and conducting post-recovery audits.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and execute disaster recovery plans for mainframe systems
• Conduct risk assessments and business impact analyses
• Coordinate disaster recovery tests and exercises
• Monitor system performance and respond to mainframe incidents
• Analyze disaster recovery operations and make recommendations for improvements
• Provide training to staff members on disaster recovery procedures
• Keep up-to-date with latest disaster recovery techniques and trends
• Document all disaster recovery planning and efforts
• Work closely with IT team to ensure seamless recovery of mainframe systems

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist or similar role
• Experience with mainframe systems and associated disaster recovery techniques
• Familiarity with risk management and quality assurance procedures
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Ability to handle high-stress situations and maintain composure
• Knowledge of current disaster recovery trends and techniques
• BSc degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Continuing education opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist
• Work Environment: Office setting with potential for remote work. Some travel may be required for disaster recovery tests and exercises.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the IT Manager or Director of IT.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist Do?

Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialists are IT professionals who primarily work within large corporations or specialized IT firms that use mainframe systems.

Their primary role is to develop, implement, and manage disaster recovery plans, processes, and procedures that ensure the continuity and effectiveness of the mainframe systems during and after a disaster or crisis.

They work in close collaboration with other IT professionals, like system administrators and data analysts, to identify potential threats or vulnerabilities and ensure the systems are secure.

The specialists are responsible for conducting regular testing of disaster recovery plans and modifying them as required to ensure effectiveness.

They also play a crucial role in training other team members on disaster recovery procedures, to ensure quick response during a crisis.

They often are responsible for creating and maintaining documentation related to disaster recovery plans, procedures and test results.

In case of a disaster, Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialists will be the ones to execute the disaster recovery plans, work to minimize system downtime and data loss, and afterwards, lead the process of system restoration and data recovery.

Their job is critical in maintaining the reliability and resilience of mainframe systems, which are often used for processing critical business operations.

 

Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist must have a solid technical background along with the ability to manage emergencies effectively.

Necessary qualifications and skills include:

• Extensive knowledge of mainframe systems, operations, and functions to understand the intricacies of the system and potential vulnerabilities.
• Disaster recovery skills, including creating and executing disaster recovery plans and coordinating recovery operations.
• Experience with system backups and restore processes, ensuring all data is accurately captured and available when needed.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to quickly identify the cause of a disaster and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent communication skills to explain technical details to non-technical team members and to communicate the status of recovery efforts to stakeholders.
• Project management skills to keep recovery efforts on track and ensure all steps are completed in the proper sequence and within the expected time frame.
• Ability to work under pressure in high-stress situations, making effective decisions quickly.
• Understanding of security protocols and regulations to ensure all recovery efforts comply with applicable standards.
• Proven experience with software and hardware troubleshooting, and the ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and tools.
• Availability to work outside of regular business hours when necessary to respond to emergencies or conduct system tests.

 

Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist roles may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often achieved through internships or part-time roles in IT departments, specifically focusing on mainframe systems.

They would have started their careers in roles such as System Administrator, IT Support Specialist or Network Administrator, which provide a solid foundation for understanding the infrastructure and operations of mainframe systems.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their technical skills and knowledge in junior or intermediate disaster recovery roles.

They should have experience in disaster recovery planning and implementing recovery procedures in real or simulated disaster situations.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are typically considered senior specialists in mainframe disaster recovery.

They should have extensive experience in managing recovery operations for large mainframe systems.

This should include comprehensive knowledge of data replication, system backup, and other disaster recovery strategies.

Senior Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialists may also have leadership experience, having led recovery teams during disaster simulations or actual recovery operations.

They may also have experience in training other team members in disaster recovery procedures.

This kind of experience is often required for managerial roles in disaster recovery teams.

 

Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist Education and Training Requirements

A Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist typically has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

These professionals need a strong background in mainframe operations, storage management, and understanding of various disaster recovery strategies and solutions.

Experience in system programming, data center operations, and knowledge of various mainframe technologies like IBM z/OS, CICS, DB2, and others are usually required.

Several positions may require a master’s degree in a specific IT discipline or a certification in disaster recovery planning, such as the Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) or the Disaster Recovery Certified Specialist (DRCS).

Also, hands-on experience in mainframe disaster recovery planning and implementation is highly preferred.

Such experience can be gained through internships, part-time jobs, or even full-time jobs in related roles.

In-depth knowledge of data backup, replication technologies, high availability solutions and disaster recovery planning are crucial for this role.

Continuing education is important in this role due to the rapidly changing nature of technology.

Consequently, many Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialists participate in ongoing professional development and training to stay updated on the latest disaster recovery techniques and technologies.

Having a master’s degree and/or certification in disaster recovery not only validates a candidate’s technical skills but also demonstrates commitment to the field and potential for leadership.

 

Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist Salary Expectations

A Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist earns an average salary of $89,791 (USD) per year.

The actual income may differ based on factors such as years of experience, certifications, the complexity of the mainframe system they are responsible for, and the city they are employed in.

 

Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist need?

Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialists need a solid understanding of mainframe systems and disaster recovery protocols.

They should have excellent problem-solving skills to analyze system vulnerabilities and implement recovery strategies.

They must also be skilled in operating system software such as z/OS, CICS, DB2, and mainframe utilities.

Communication and teamwork skills are essential, as they will often need to coordinate with other IT professionals.

 

Do Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialists need a degree?

While not always required, many employers prefer Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialists to have a degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.

Certifications in mainframe technologies and disaster recovery are also highly valued.

Regardless of education, a strong background in mainframe systems is essential for this role.

 

What should you look for in a Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist’s resume?

Check for experience with mainframe systems, disaster recovery protocols, and system administration.

They should have worked with relevant operating system software and mainframe utilities.

Certifications related to mainframe technology and disaster recovery are a plus.

Also, look for evidence of problem-solving skills and effective communication.

 

What qualities make a good Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist?

A good Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist is proactive and meticulous, identifying potential issues before they become problems.

They should be adaptable, able to quickly respond to unexpected situations and change their recovery strategies as needed.

Excellent communication skills are also important, as they will need to coordinate with other IT professionals and explain technical information to non-technical colleagues.

 

Is it difficult to hire Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialists?

Finding qualified Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialists can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires a unique combination of skills, including extensive knowledge of mainframe systems and disaster recovery protocols.

To attract top talent, employers may need to offer competitive salaries, opportunities for ongoing training and development, and a strong team culture.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we took a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist.

Surprising, right?

It’s not just about technical knowledge and skills.

It’s about safeguarding critical data and ensuring business continuity, one recovery strategy at a time.

Equipped with our comprehensive Mainframe Disaster Recovery Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to leap forward.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping-stone to crafting detailed job listings or honing your resume to matchless precision.

Remember:

Every recovery strategy contributes to the larger goal.

Let’s secure that future. Together.

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