WebSphere Administrator

RL Canning is a leading Information Technology Consulting Company. We specialize in the placement of IT professionals, both on a contract and full time basis. We currently have a contract to hire opportunity for a client, based in Milwaukee, WI.

The Web Administrator is part of a team that supports and manages WebSphere environments to include installations, maintenance and tuning, monitoring and capacity planning. Researches and implements enhancements, monitors system performance and makes changes as needed. Provides system/technical expertise while managing application deployments and troubleshooting application and platform issues.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Supports WebSphere Application Servers on zOS, zLinux, AIX and Microsoft platforms. Installs, configures, administers, and troubleshoots web servers, edge servers, application servers and LDAP servers.

* Executes performance tuning of WebSphere Application server and IBM HTTP server for optimal performance based on user load.

* Performs server clustering for load balancing and failover. Works with Database Administrators to implement session persistence. Identifies and maintains metrics on system and application performance. Analyzes data and resolves any issues indicated by the metrics; pinpoints bottlenecks. Assists with capacity planning.

* Monitors performance and provides ongoing configuration and tuning adjustments. Builds scripts for task automation, builds support, scheduling, and file clean up. Configures connections to external data sources, including DB2.

* Investigates, identifies and installs fix packs. Installs product fixes for WebSphere application server and HTTP server identified as vulnerable in security penetration tests. Performs setup and housekeeping jobs and tasks to minimize downtime and system disruptions.

* Troubleshoots problems related to web architecture and applications in conjunction with help desk, development team, networking team, and vendor.

* Assists with design of logical and physical WebSphere and HTTP architecture, including WebSphere instances, clusters, nodes, load balancing, and plug-ins, URLs, and SSL certificates.

* Provides analytical support to development projects and the maintenance of existing applications and interacts with business unit application owners to resolve performance and end-user issues.

* Work with vendors as necessary (IBM, contractors, etc.) to troubleshoot problems, upgrade software and to develop solutions to improve application performance.


REQUIREMENTS:

* Knowledge of computer science and computer information technology equivalent to that which would be acquired by completing a regionally accredited bachelor*s degree program.

* Knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform this job are typically acquired through five years of progressively responsible experience in Websphere administration that includes installation, troubleshooting, maintenance/upgrade strategies and performance tuning.

* Knowledge of WebSphere clustering, load testing, best practices and proactive measures.

* Knowledge of port communication infrastructure required through firewalls for distributed HTTP server and WebSphere.

* Experience in LDAP administration.

* Knowledge of monitoring strategies.

* Excellent oral and written communication skills.

* Ability to analyze and resolve performance issues.

* Strong understanding of Internet and networking concepts and practices.

* Expertise in developing JACL/Jython scripts to automate deployments and builds.

* Additional requirements:

Knowledge of Java/J2EE programming and SDLC concepts
Knowledge of DB2, Oracle, and SQL concepts
Knowledge of zOS, AIX or Linux
Knowledge of Web security (keys, certificates, trusts, etc.)
Knowledge of MQ, JMS, SOAP
Knowledge of Rational Application Developer