PRINCIPAL DATA PROCESSING SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER

Code: 04697 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, controls and maintains the highly technical computer operating systems associated with computers and directs the operations, systems, and programming function toward optimum utilization of available hardware and software; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Provides policy guidance and systems/programming assistance relevant to operating systems as part of complex technical studies of agency operations concerned with development or revision of operational procedures. Develops and supervises studies designed to determine effectiveness of programs, policies, methods, procedures, and forms, and recommends improved courses of action for maximum utilization under the operating system. Participates in conferences with administrative officers and operating supervisors to discuss new or revised plans, programs, procedures, and results of evaluation studies. 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 subordinates. Prepares and directs preparation of charts, programs, and instructions needed to illustrate, explain, and implement data processing procedures and programs which utilize the operating system. Studies procedural difficulties and operating problems and advises officials on their solution. Reviews completed programs for adherence to established policy and to ensure thoroughness and quality in accord with prescribed standards. Provides policy guidance/assistance in the preparation of schedules outlining essential steps to be taken in the installation and/or conversion of data processing systems. Studies operating systems and other vendor-provided software to determine programming techniques which will result in optimum utilization of time and storage. Studies literature to become familiar with advances in operating systems and with difficulties which may arise in the use of existing systems and their effect on programs used by the agency. Analyzes error conditions which arise during program testing or actual operation, and confers with vendor representatives regarding deficiencies in operating system support and programming manuals. Evaluates software provided by vendor or by other users, and directs the integration of portions or sections into the operating systems. Works closely with application programmers to provide assistance/guidance in programming techniques and in tracing/resolving difficult program bugs. Advises and instructs operations personnel to acquaint them with hardware/software operating systems and to familiarize them sufficiently so they are able to pinpoint causes of machine or program failures and take appropriate action in gathering diagnostic data for the customer service engineers or the applications programmer. Participates in meetings of users groups to maintain awareness of advances in the field and to join others in suggesting operating system improvements to the manufacturer. Evaluates agency's existing computer configuration in the light of new operating systems facilities, and provides assistance to management in consideration of configuration changes. Prepares clear, technically sound, and accurate reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations Directs the maintenance of records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

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 procedures and techniques involved in making estimates and analysis of the capacity of existing data processing equipment installations and the degree of utilization made thereof. Knowledge of capabilities, programming techniques, and intricacies of a general purpose digital computer and peripheral equipment. Knowledge of agency programs, policies, and objectives after a period of training. Knowledge of analysis and correction of procedures and considerations involved in planning, design, and logic of a data processing system. Knowledge of office methods, procedures, accounting principles, and practices. Knowledge of statistical methods and practices and their application to specific situations. Knowledge the principles of organization and management. Ability to organize and direct conversion of electronic data processing systems. Ability to communicate with supervisors and coworkers and to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with agency staff and others interested in or concerned with the work of the unit. Ability to participate in conferences and present results or effects of evaluation of studies concerning present or proposed operational procedures. Ability to estimate the cost effectiveness of adapting or revising data processing methods Ability to analyze extensive factual material pertaining to programs and data processing equipment, and prepare recommendations for new equipment and/or changes or revisions to existing installations. Ability to study, understand, and evaluate software manuals provided by computer manufacturers and determine their applicability to agency procedures. Ability to participate with representatives of other operating system users and make pertinent recommendations. Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and comprehensive reports of computer performance, data processing systems, and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to maintain records and files. Ability 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 as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. 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. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Eight (8) years of experience in the generation and maintenance of operating systems software, one (1) year of which shall have involved responsibility for planning, generation, and maintenance of an operating system. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, one (1) year of which shall have involved responsibility for planning, generation, and maintenance of an operating system. NOTE: Experience in the study of work methods and processes, analysis of varied types of data, design and preparation of systems and programs, operation of large-scale computer systems and work in the data processing support areas of input/output control, scheduling or reliability support may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience. A Data Processing Certificate from a business or EDP school may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.