Abolished
8/28/05

COMPUTER OPERATOR III

1750P2

Pay Grade:  20

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is highly responsible technical work in the operation of electronic computers and auxiliary peripheral equipment.

Work involves operating the central console or multiple on-line terminals to monitor and control multiple machines or multiple operating systems. Incumbents assist lower level operators in determining proper equipment settings and operating instructions, continuously observing the operation of the equipment, reporting any deviations from set standards. Manipulates control settings to rearrange sequence of job steps to continue operations when individual units of the system malfunction. Maintains operating records.

Standard Classification Factors

Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision..." Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks.

Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average - Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category.

Complexity - LEVEL B: Work is of a structured nature including duties that have several related steps. This level involves simple analysis of data, identification of easily distinguishable facts and recognition of differences in related situations. Workers at this level exercise limited independent judgment in determining methods or procedures to be used in making minor decisions. Work is normally controlled by frequent review and consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually specific and aid in determining an approach to problems or situations. Workers at this level must be able to identify basic differences in situations to determine the actions which need to be taken.

Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant.

Contacts - LEVEL A: The purpose of the contact is to obtain, clarify, give or screen established factual information, regardless of the type (i.e., easily understood or technical) within a well defined relationship. Normal communication skills are required.

Physical Demands - LEVEL B: The work requires light physical exertion. The employee may be required to perform handling activities with lightweight or easily moved items (e.g. books, file folders, boxes of office supplies, small machine parts, etc.); perform moving activities for brief periods; operate light equipment; perform repetitive motions for brief periods; confined to a work area.

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible.

Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B: Involves functional leadership responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the evaluation of work performance.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Computer Operator II class in which incumbents are responsible for a single mainframe or mini-computer or running applications sequentially on a single console or small number of terminals and work is performed under close guidance.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Operates central control consoles, control switches on control panels, storage devices, printers, readers and punchers; may switch auxiliary equipment into circuit.

Reads and interprets messages received on console screen and intervenes in processing when standard procedures are required.

Monitors systems to determine point of equipment or program failure; manipulates controls to continue operations when systems malfunction.

Determines equipment set up and run operation by reading program operating instruction.

Enters jobs into computer system for processing.

Maintains daily log report of production status, operation failures, service calls and program problems to keep operations and supervisor informed.

May serve as lead worker on special projects.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge

*Knowledge of operation and care of the electronic computer and peripheral equipment.

Knowledge of the operations of computer operating systems used in the employing agency.

*Knowledge of principles and methods used in obtaining maximum utilization of computer equipment.

Abilities

*Ability to function in a multi-system and/or multi-application environment.

*Ability to follow complex oral and written instruction.

Ability to operate and monitor multiple terminals.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Limited independent work experience in computer operations.

NC:   12/93
REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00