PRINCIPAL DATA PROCESSING PROGRAMMER

Code: 02790 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 direction, works independently or as a lead programming member of a project team, on critical and complex projects involving the planning, design, development, and implementation of computer programs to be processed by electronic data processing equipment utilizing required data base management techniques, data processing protocol, and current software, operating systems, and multiprogramming technology; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Plans the full range of programming actions to produce several interrelated but different products from numerous and diverse data elements which are usually from different sources; solves difficult programming problems. Uses systems analysis techniques relevant to the assignment and knowledge of pertinent systems software, computer equipment work processes, regulations, and management practices. Oversees and/or develops, modifies, and maintains assigned complex programs. Designs and implements modifications to the interrelation of files and records within the program, which will effectively fit into the overall design of the project. Develops programs for the solution to major computational problems requiring the analysis and development of logical or mathematical descriptions of functions to be programmed. Develops a major program system; for example, an accounting system or a resource planning system. Develops occasional special programs; for example, a critical path analysis program to assist in managing a special project. Tests and documents work; writes and maintains operating instructions for assigned programs. Confers with other EDP personnel to secure information, investigate and resolve problems, and coordinate work efforts. As assigned, acts as user liaison on production applications, and conducts interviews of data processing users to define program maintenance requirements. Develops new application maintenance plans; revises or oversees the revisions necessary to improve production applications, programs, and procedures. Participates in the gathering and analysis of unit data to be processed on electronic data processing equipment. May evaluate new and/or existing vendor operating systems and related software, or vendor applications systems software and in documenting systems requirements. As assigned, implements local systems software modifications. As assigned, performs a critique of application system designs and prepares technical reports regarding the technical and operational feasibility of applications under consideration in the organization served. May develop database designs, layouts, and organizations for use in application systems. Develops decisive tables logic flow-charts and analyzes program requirements to determine the programming language best suited to its needs. Plans, organizes, and assigns work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of employees. Segments programs into modules; develops program module flow charts, and depending on complexity, codes the most complex/difficult programs, or oversees the coding of program modules for application systems development projects at a specified organizational unit. Performs desk checking of program modules and prepares remote testing documentation prior to submitting programs to EDP operating for testing. Checks complex program module coding to determine program deficiencies and corrects coding as necessary. 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 and assist systems programmers in cataloguing and controlling systems libraries. Prepares systems control statements and utility program parameters. Prepares complete program documentation. Develops conversion plans and conducts parallel testing to complete the application; trains application users and EDP operations staff. As leader of a programming group assigned to a project team, plans and schedules group activities, reviews completed programs for adherence to agency or other data processing standards, andprovides guidance and training to individual programmers, as necessary. Prepares sound, accurate, and informative statistical and other reports of complex programming matters containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Directs the maintenance of the essential records and files. 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

Four (4) 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 the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of office methods and procedures and modern accounting and statistical principles, methods, and practices. Knowledge of forms, flowcharts, decision table and blocks diagrams, and knowledge of the terminology used in EDP. Knowledge and understanding of the modularized approach to programming. Knowledge of programming techniques related to subscripting, indexing, and arrays. Knowledge of the numbering systems used in computer systems such as decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal. Knowledge of one or more programming languages. Knowledge of the various data base access methods including indexed sequential, direct, sequential, and virtual storage. Knowledge of data communications access methods. Knowledge of the basics of computer systems hardware. Knowledge of the facilities provided by operating systems software associated with current generations of serial, multiprocessing oriented computer systems. Knowledge of system language. Knowledge of information systems design concepts and principles of production systems and work efficiency techniques, as related to a data center which functions as a data processing service bureau. Knowledge of the design and development of data base/data management system. Knowledge of and familiarity with current data processing equipment for purpose of hardware selection based upon application design requirements. Knowledge of and familiarity with the procedures and techniques involved in the evaluation and analysis of existing data processing equipment installations and the degree of utilization thereof. Knowledge of computer programming design considerations and the differences between applications of the various programming languages best suited to the business, scientific, engineering, and other specialized fields where data processing or computer science technology is being applied, as appropriate within each data center. Knowledge of the principles of organization and management and planning. Knowledge of computer capacities, characteristics and design features. Knowledge of computer programming methods and techniques. Ability to perform evaluations of special vendor application or operating systems software, such as communications or data management packages. Ability to program in a time-sharing environment. Ability to use package programs on applied statistics. Ability to prepare systems control statements and utility programs for use of EDP production operations. Ability to implement local system software modifications. Ability to prepare clear and concise user, operations, and/or programming documentation in conjunction with agency or other EDP standards. Ability to read, understand and apply data processing procedures, methods, and techniques of the particular agency. Ability to organize work processes and functions to facilitate use of computer methods. Ability to plan program structures and the nature and content of program runs. Ability to develop new programing methods and techniques. Ability to relate all elements of complex problems into systematic solutions. Ability to plan and schedule short-and long-range programs. Ability to train others in automatic data processing. Ability to reason logically for purposes of data processing programming or systems analysis and knowledge of the objectives of data processing programs. Ability to perform the work processes and methods of the agency after a period of training. Ability to write clear, concise instructions and to use the English language with reasonable proficiency. Ability to analyze extensive factual material pertaining to programs and data processing equipment and prepare recommendations for new equipment and/or changes to existing installation hardware. Ability to perform studies to determine the technical and operational feasibility of employing advanced data processing/computer science techniques to improve operational procedures. Ability to participate in conferences, meetings, and training sessions, to present the results and effects of evaluation studies of current and new operating procedures and provide training to users and/or EDP operations staff on new systems or software. Ability to supervise the planning, scheduling, assignment, and oversight of programming group activities. Ability to supervise technical or clerical personnel during application system paralleled runs and where task teams are required and utilized. Ability to organize and direct a conversion between generations or versions of computer systems and software operating systems. Ability to prepare charts, programs, and instructions necessary to implement, illustrate, and explain EDP procedures and programs. 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 prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative statistical, progress, and other reports of programming matters containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. 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 two (2) years of 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 the indicated experience. Possession of a general Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the Associate's degree. Special Note Regarding Substituting Experience for Education: 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. Special Note Regarding Substituting Training for Education: 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.