DATA PROCESSING PROGRAMMER

Code: 01474 Local Non-Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under close supervision, does the design and preparation of the less complex computer programs for electronic data processing equipment utilizing required and current software operating systems and multiprogramming technology; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Maintains and modifies routine programs.
• Makes approved changes by amending the program flow chart, developing detailed processing logic, and coding changes.
• Tests and documents modifications and writes operator instructions.
• Writes routine new programs using prescribed specifications.
• Confers with EDP personnel to clarify procedures, processing, logic, and so forth.
• Studies agency work processes and methods.
• Prepares flow charts and block diagrams; codes program modules of the least complexity for application systems development.
• Performs desk or remote terminal checking of program modules.
• Prepares documentation prior to submitting programs to EDP operations for batch testing.
• Checks program module coding to determine program deficiencies and corrects coding as necessary.
• Prepares systems control statement and utility program parameters.
• Combines program modules into a complete executable program to test module interaction for production purposes.
• Prepares complete program documentation, in conjunction with agency and/or other data processing standards, to obtain a data processing analyst sign-off for a completed application program.
• Maintains production application programs/program modules as necessary.
• Depending on agency standards, may operate electronic data processing and peripheral equipment to make a test of coded programs in analyzing and correcting program error stops.
• Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's degree in Computer Programming, Computer Science, Information Systems/Technology, or other closely related field.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in designing and preparing programs for electronic data processing equipment utilizing current operating systems.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of data processing functions, organizational structure, and the relationship of stages in automating a work process.
• Knowledge of agency programming standards and pertinent computer equipment characteristics, and skill in use of programming techniques to maintain and modify an assigned group of programs within the total number of utility routines, execution routines, input-output control programs, and so forth required to support an agency's telecommunications system.
• Knowledge of equipment characteristics and agency EDP standards, and skill in programming techniques to develop detailed logic, test, debug, and document programs for computer system applications where specifications set forth such features as interface requirements, inputs, outputs, sequences, and edit criteria.
• Knowledge of agency work processes and methods.
• Knowledge of data communications access methods.
• Knowledge of systems operating procedures for remote job entry.
• Ability to compute simple business math problems.
• Knowledge of the basics of computer systems hardware.
• Knowledge of facilities generally provided by disk, tape, and card-based operating systems software associated with past and current generations of serial, multiprogram/multi-process-oriented computer systems.
• Knowledge of system control statements and utility program parameters for use by EDP production operations.
• Knowledge of the modularized approach to programming.
• Knowledge of the numbering systems used in computer systems such as decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal.
• Knowledge of programming languages such as Cobol, Fortran, RPG, ALC, PL/1, Autocoder, and/or Algol.
• Knowledge of various database access methods including indexed sequential, direct, sequential, and virtual storage.
• Knowledge of objectives of EDP programs and EDP terminology.
• Ability to analyze problems including identifying relevant factors, gathering pertinent information, and recognizing solutions.
• Ability to do thorough, accurate work that requires planning a logical sequence of steps.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate well with coworkers and to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with agency staff and with others interested in or concerned with the work of the unit.
• Ability to operate current computer equipment to analyze and correct program errors.
• Ability to prepare forms, flow charts, decision tables, and block diagrams.
• Ability to learn to program in a time-sharing environment.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise user, operations, and/or programming documentation in conjunction with agency or statewide EDP standards.
• Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Possession of a Master's degree in Computer Science from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the indicated experience.

Possession of a specific Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of indicated experience.

Possession of a general Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the Associate's degree.

<b>Special Note Regarding Substituting Experience for Education:</b>

Experience in the study of work methods and processes, the analysis of varied types of data, the design and preparation of systems and programs, the operation of multi-programming or client/server computer systems and work in the information technology support areas of input/output control, scheduling, reliability or user support may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

<b>Special Note Regarding Substituting Training for Education:</b>

In order for training to be accepted, the applicant must provide documentation from an accredited institution of higher learning stating that the school would accept these training hours as equivalent to college credits at that institution and provide the number of college credits that would be equivalent. This documentation from the institution must come from the Department Head or Chair associated with the major or course area in question.