COMPUTER OPERATOR 3 (A13)
Career Family: COMPUTER OPERATOR
Computer Operator 3 is a competitive state title, the kind you test for: the exam result, not a hiring manager's pick, decides where you land in line.
It is the lowest-paid of the 3 Computer Operator grades, a step below Computer Operator 2, whose band tops out about $10,861 higher. What it takes is 1 year of relevant experience. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $46,727 to $67,528, and state payroll currently lists 7 people in the title, most of them at Office of Information Technology.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 2 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 2 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Computer Operator 3 appears on the State payroll at 2 departments, most of them at Office of Information Technology.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Office of Information Technology | 5 |
| Department of Treasury | 2 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Pay ladder: Computer Operator series
- Computer Operator 3 — $46,727 – $67,528 (this title)
- Computer Operator 2 — $58,222 – $84,763
- Computer Operator 1 — $66,592 – $97,354
Promoting to Computer Operator 2 raises the top of the band by about $10,861. Its top salary lands around the 11th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 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 7 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $65,244. The agencies employing the most are:
- Office of Information Technology (5)
- Treasury (2)
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. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the close supervision of a Supervising Computer Operator or other supervisory official in a state department, agency, institution, or state college, serves as member of a team of operators responsible for the operation of a single large-scale, multi-programmed computer supporting a complex teleprocessing network with data bases and peripheral devices; or, under an appropriate supervising official in a less complex computing facility, assists in the operation of a stored-program electronic computer; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Mounts forms in line printers, aligns forms, and ensures that printed output is legible. Mounts and dismounts magnetic media in tape and disk drives. Operates the system console, communicates through the console with the system control program and telecommunications monitor, performs the operating commands necessary for the execution of scheduled production, and provides appropriate responses to system messages. Cooperates with vendor maintenance personnel in correcting hardware problems. Delivers hard-copy and magnetic outputs in accordance with instructions and procedures and returns magnetic media used as input to the proper locations. Maintains essential records, reports, 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
Successful completion of a one (1) year technological training program in the operation of computers.
Experience
One (1) year of experience in computer operator work involving the operation of computers and peripheral equipment, systems analysis and programming, scheduling, technical support, and/or computer operations in the data processing field .
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 the operation of electronic and/or mechanical equipment used in computer input/output such as electronic accounting machines, microfilm/microfiche, data entry, and so forth. Knowledge of the principles of computer operations. Knowledge of the computer and peripheral device operating procedures and techniques. Knowledge of the operation of line printers, including forms alignment, print density, and stacker adjustments. Knowledge of the handling procedures for magnetic tapes and disks. Knowledge of manufacturer-recommended procedures for cleaning tape transports. Knowledge of console operating techniques. Knowledge of the operating commands and responses required to communicate with the operating system. Ability to work effectively under emergency conditions. Ability to work effectively and follow written and oral instructions. Ability to recognize operating difficulties and participate in their correction. Ability to work harmoniously with other operators and to effectively communicate the status of work in process and the existence of hardware, software, or media problems. Ability to keep up with new developments in operating procedures and techniques. Ability to maintain essential records, reports, and files. 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 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.
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 who do not possess the required education may substitute it for one (1) additional year of experience.