DATA PROCESSING PROGRAMMER TECHNICIAN

Definition

Under supervision in the information processing design unit, receives on-the-job training and assists in the design and preparation of basic level computer programs for electronic data processing equipment; utilizes required and current software, operating systems, and multiprogramming technologies; assists in performing various programming tasks, as directly assigned; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Learns principles and techniques of programming and agency work processes and methods.
• Aids in the preparation of flowcharts and block diagrams, and codes programs to EDP operations for testing.
• Aids in the desk checking of program modules and assists in remote testing documentation prior to submitting programs to EDP operations for testing.
• May assist in checking program module coding to determine program deficiencies and in correcting coding.
• May assist in system control statements and utility program parameters for later use by a data processing analyst in obtaining EDP operations sign-off, and in conducting application parallel testing.
• May prepare program documentation.
• Maintains application programs modules.
• May assist in the operation of electronic data processing equipment and peripheral equipment, and in analyzing and correcting program error stops.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information system used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

One (1) year of experience in the design and preparation of programs for information processing equipment utilizing current operating systems and 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.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of programming languages.
• Knowledge of systems control statements and utility program parameters for use in EDP production operations.
• Knowledge of computer systems hardware.
• Knowledge of forms preparation, flowcharts, decision tables, and block diagrams.
• Knowledge of terminology used in EDP.
• Knowledge of office methods and procedures and accounting and statistical principles, methods, and practices.
• Ability to learn various databases access methods such as index sequential, direct, and/or sequential.
• Ability to learn data communications access methods.
• Ability to learn numbering systems used in computer systems such as decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal.
• Ability to learn the structured modular approach to programming.
• Ability to communicate well with coworkers and to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff.
• Ability to learn to operate current computer equipment for purposes of becoming familiar with operating system software, and for analyzing and correcting program errors.
• Ability to reason logically for purposes of EDP programming or systems analysis.
• Ability to learn to write clear, concise instructions and to use the English language with reasonable proficiency.
• Ability to compute simple business math problems.
• Ability to learn systems operating procedures for remote job entry.
• Ability to learn to prepare clear, concise user, operations, and/or programming documentation in conjunction with agency or statewide EDP standards.
• Ability to learn agency work processes and methods.
• 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.

Successful completion of a one-year technological training program in general data processing programming functions such as program coding, program documentation, or computer science may be substituted for the indicated experience.