DATA ENTRY OPERATOR 4
Career Family: DATA ENTRY OPERATOR
To land Data Entry Operator 4 in New Jersey you go through the competitive route: you sit an announced exam and the score puts you on the eligible list agencies hire from.
It is the top of the Data Entry Operator ladder, a grade above Data Entry Operator 3. The one gate is 4 years of relevant experience. The FY2026 range lands between $56,253 and $81,897, and state payroll currently lists about 28 people in the title, led by Treasury.
How to get hired
- Watch for an open-competitive announcement for Data Entry Operator 4 on the NJ Civil Service Commission jobs portal. Announcements run for a fixed filing window.
- Apply during that window and sit the examination. Depending on the title, that can be a written test, a rating of your training and experience, or a mix of the two.
- Passing scores go onto a ranked eligible list. Veterans get preference points added on top of their score.
- When an agency has a vacancy it must appoint from the top of that list under the "Rule of Three." Many competitive jobs are first filled provisionally while the list is being built.
Read the official specification at NJ Civil Service Commission.
Pay ladder: Data Entry Operator series
- Data Entry Operator 1 — $38,027 – $54,571
- Data Entry Operator 2 — $39,681 – $57,031
- Data Entry Operator 3 — $47,157 – $68,252
- Data Entry Operator 4 — $56,253 – $81,897 (this title)
Its top salary lands around the 22nd percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY2026 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 28 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $74,204. The agencies employing the most are:
- Treasury (15)
- Labor (8)
- Health and Senior Services (3)
- Children and Families (1)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
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.
Definition
Under direction, of a higher level supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency or local government agency, performing data entry; supervises a data entry unit responsible for entering, editing and/or updating data from a source document into a prescribed computer system for storage, processing, or data management purposes; supervises staff and work activities; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does other related duties as required. DISTINGUISHING CLASSIFICATION FACTORS The primary function of this title is data entry and those tasks directly related to data entry. Incumbents spend a majority of time supervising staff responsible for entering, editing, updating, and verifying data. Data Entry Operator 4 is the highest level of the series. Positions at this level must be intimately familiar with the unit's data entry or optical scanning programs and equipment capabilities. Incumbents are responsible for organizing work flow, assigning duties and workloads, evaluating performance, and effectively handling unexpected or special circumstances and peak workloads. They develop production schedules and program controls, analyze trouble reports, and make recommendations to resolve or reduce the causes of problems or errors. They also coordinate the activities of the unit with those of other units in the agency. Positions at this level supervise lower-level staff, where one or more principal level positions functioning in lead worker capacity are assigned. Work is performed under very general supervision. Production goals are set by management and positions at this level are expected to use considerable independence in utilizing unit personnel and equipment to meet workload objectives. Performance is evaluated on achievement of assigned goals. 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.
Examples of work
Operates keyboard, scanning, or other input devices or equipment to transcribe data from standard source documents onto data storage or data processing equipment and/or through direct online hookup with a computer. Supervises and instructs lower-level operators in the proper care and use of equipment. Duplicates operations of key data entry during verification, either through rekeying, sight verification, or verification software to ensure quality of output; makes corrections to all error conditions and verifies corrections. Analyzes error conditions in online or delayed batch mode of operation and makes corrections as required. Supervises work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or discipline of employees. Follows a standardized method of documentation in ascertaining tasks to be performed for a particular job. Maintains appropriate records for calculation of statistical data and, as necessary, assists in determining job cost and developing production schedules. Performs at speed and accuracy level required by statewide departmental or agency data processing standards. Detects hardware malfunctions and takes corrective action where possible; if unable, notifies supervisor immediately. Trains new employees in section procedures and all data center jobs. Completes all work flow forms and routes data to next work station. Assigns work as required. Analyzes trouble reports and makes recommendations to supervisor to resolve and eliminate cause. Maintains integrity of source input as to condition and sequence, performing necessary packaging, distribution, and control activities. As required, operates online computer terminals, optical scanning, and other data preparation equipment in keeping with changes in technology and available equipment. Reviews and preps hard copy documents for digital image scanner processing. Utilizes document and image controls and key verifications to correct scanned images. Verifies accuracy of image scans and document indexing, as necessary, to maintain integrity of batches against inquiry screen options. Prioritizes source documents for scanning according to processing schedules. Maintains operating production and error rates established for each task and type of document imaged. May use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software to convert scanned images of handwritten, typewritten, or printed text into machine-encoded text. Responds to error messages and uses appropriate recovery procedures for document or processing failures. Reviews output for quality, precision, discrepancies, and other problems occurring during scanning operation. Scans and reconciles data to control totals. Performs job setup for other operators as required. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Experience
Four (4) years of experience in the operation of an electronic data entry input device and/or alphanumeric keyboard to transcribe data into data processing equipment or computer. SPECIAL NOTE: For positions where speed and volume are a factor, appointees will be required to demonstrate proficiency in keyboarding, typing, and/or document scanning.
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 techniques used to operate standard data entry input equipment, such as an alphanumeric keyboard. Knowledge of scanning methods used to operate digital imaging equipment. Knowledge of a variety of command codes. Knowledge of possible problems involved in coordinating work and schedules between units and with related input and output groups. Knowledge of working environment and fundamental responsibilities of data preparation section. Ability to supervise assigned staff and plan, organize, and implement projects within the unit. Ability to transcribe data into an electronic data processing medium. Ability to prepare source documents for scanning into computer and prioritize according to processing schedules. Ability to utilize document and image controls to scan documents into computer readable media. Ability to capture and/or verify all data recording dependent upon application. Ability to correct scanned images and use document and image controls to verify document indexing. Ability to scan and reconcile data output to control totals. Ability to apply various data entry formats and routines. Ability to maintain expected workflow with a high level of accuracy. Ability to assess work tasks utilizing software command codes and verification procedures. Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods. Ability to detect, report, and/or deal with hardware and source input problems. Ability to utilize production and control functions and procedures to ensure production deadlines are met. Ability to respond to error messages and use appropriate recovery procedures for document or processing failures to minimize loss of data. Ability to review output for quality and precision, and identify and report discrepancies and other problems. Ability to spot, correct, and determine cause of errors when verifying. Ability to train new employees in methods of operating data entry machines and other equipment. Ability to maintain and supervise the maintenance of records for control of time expended and tasks completed. Ability to give clear instructions and route prepared data to proper workstation. Ability to communicate well with coworkers and develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with others. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the 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.