COMPUTER OPERATIONS TECHNICIAN 15071

4/1/91 C

This is the first class in the Computer Operations series that is responsible for scheduling and monitoring the execution of production job streams and for operating equipment to control production processing by a mainframe or minicomputer. Positions in this class are distinguished from the Computer Operations Technician Senior in that the latter is either a lead worker or is responsible for computer operations at a remote site.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of routine difficulty in computer operations and/or production control. Performs a variety of activities, such as using job control language to schedule and control the flow of jobs; reviewing and implementing program run documentation; creating calling job control language and catalogued procedures; maintaining records and cross references; maintaining automated source and object libraries to make program modules available for modification and testing, and to ensure that the correct version is used in production processing; creating security backup tapes; and assisting programmers by explaining documentation procedures and abnormal end-of-job codes. Positions analyze and correct job control language errors; analyze and correct data errors; enter system commands to release or execute the scheduled production, adjust job priorities, start or shut down the system, control printers, display job status, and re-queue, purge or route jobs; perform initial program loads, operate tape drives, disk drives, and printers; and load special forms, align print paper, and operate plotters and other peripheral equipment; log requests for services, activities performed, problems encountered, and hardware or software malfunctions; clean and make routine adjustments of equipment; report extreme temperature, humidity, and fire and electrical hazards; and perform input/output (I/O) duties, such as tracking, bursting, decollating, and delivery of output.

Supervision Given: Supervision is not a factor. Positions may assist in training and overseeing new employees and lower level staff.

Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of a higher level data processing position, such as a Computer Operations Supervisor.

Scope: Work affects the accuracy and timeliness of computer output, which affects the work of other units.

Impact of Actions: Failure to perform duties satisfactorily may result in inaccurate data or delay the receipt of output by users. Errors can be corrected by re-running jobs or by the intervention of a higher level data processing position.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal contact with data processing and other agency personnel concerning the status of jobs, or to answer routine questions.

Knowledge: Some knowledge of automated data processing, computer operations concepts, and the computer control languages used in the work environment. Some knowledge of data communications systems.

Skills: Working skill in keyboarding.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to operate computer equipment and to analyze and solve problems in accordance with written and oral directions; to understand and apply written instructions, to include technical manuals; and to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from high school with some course work or on-the-job training in data processing.

Level and Type of Experience: Some experience related to the operation of data processing mainframes or minicomputers and peripherals, or in production control.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledges, skills, and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class combines and replaces the former Computer Operator and Production Control Technician classes as a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Project.