DATA PROCESSING PROGRAMMER/SYSTEMS ANALYST

Code: 05463 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, 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. Under direction, plans, conducts, and develops analytic studies of existing operations and programs to determine feasibility of conversion to a data processing system; 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 and codes program modules of the least complexity for application systems development. Performs desk checking of program modules and prepares remote testing documentation prior to submitting programs to EDP operations for testing. Checks program module coding to determine program deficiencies and corrects coding as necessary. Prepares systems control statements and utility program parameters for later use by data processing analyst in obtaining EDP operations sign-off and assists in conducting application parallel testing. Combines program modules into a complete executable program to test module interaction for production purposes, and prepares complete program documentation in conjunction with agency and/or other data processing standards to obtain a data processing analyst sign-off for 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 to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Plans and conducts studies of operations relative to the development or revision of operational procedures. Conducts feasibility studies requiring detailed analysis of existing functions and preparation of cost estimates to determine advisability of adopting data processing programs. Develops and participates in studies to determine effectiveness of programs, policies, methods, procedures, and forms, and recommends improved courses of actions. Participates in conferences with administrative officers and operating supervisors to discuss new or revised plans, programs, procedures, and results of evaluation studies. May assist in the preparation of schedules outlining essential steps to be taken in the installation of and/or conversion to data processing systems. Prepares charts, programs, and instructions to illustrate, explain, and implement data processing procedures and programs. Studies procedural difficulties and operating problems, and gives advice on their solution. Appraises adequacy and efficiency of current data processing systems and assists in developing the organizational structure and methods required for performance of existing new and/or expanded functions. Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative statistical, financial, and other factual reports based on surveys, investigations, and studies containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Maintains essential 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.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associates degree in Computer Science or Computer/Information Technology.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in the design and preparation of programs for electronic data processing equipment utilizing current operating systems and multiprogramming technology.

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. 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 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 office methods and procedures and accounting and statistical principles, methods, and practices. Knowledge of data communications access methods. Knowledge of remote job entry. Knowledge of the basics of computer systems hardware. Knowledge of facilities generally provided by disk, tape, and card based systems software associated with past and current operating 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 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 such as index sequential, direct, and sequential. Knowledge of objectives of EDP programs and EDP terminology. Ability, depending on agency requirements, to operate current computer equipment for purposes of becoming familiar with operating systems software and for analyzing and correcting 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 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. CODES: LG - MCK 08/07/04 This job specification is for local government use only. SYSTEMS ANALYST Knowledge of and familiarity with electronic data processing equipment and its selection and application to specific operating requirements. Knowledge of procedures and techniques involved in making estimates and analyses of the capacity of existing data processing equipment and/or the degree of utilization made thereof. Knowledge of statistical methods and practices. Knowledge of principles of organization and management. Knowledge of capabilities and programming techniques of a general purpose computer and peripheral equipment. Knowledge of analysis and correction of procedures and considerations involved in the planning, design, and implementation of a data processing system. Ability to make studies to determine feasibility of using data processing techniques to improve operational procedures. Ability to organize and direct a conversion to a data processing system. Ability to prepare charts, programs, and procedures. Ability to participate in conferences and present results of evaluation studies of present or new operational procedures effectively. Ability to estimate the cost of adapting or revising data processing methods. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative statistical, financial, and other factual reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to express oneself clearly both verbally and in writing. 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. CODES: LG-@ DUAL TITLE CODE: LG-:

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 Masters degree in Computer Science from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the indicated experience. Possession of a specific Bachelors degree in Computer Science from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of indicated experience. Possession of a general Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the Associates degree. Special Note on Substituting Experience for Education: Experience in the study of work methods and processes, analysis of varied types of data, design and preparation of systems and programs, operation of multiprogramming computer systems and work in 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. Formal training in data processing received at an accredited institution may be submitted with your application for evaluation by the Department of Personnel for possible credit. These training courses will be examined to see how they compare both in hours and content, to college courses to which they equate. In-house training courses will not be accepted as meeting this criteria; thus, they will not be evaluated. The definition and 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. Six (6) years of professional experience in the design, installation, and operation of programs for electronic data processing equipment and/or in the design and implementation of systems for electronic data processing application. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional 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.