COMPUTER OPERATOR 2 (A16)
Career Family: COMPUTER OPERATOR
To land Computer Operator 2 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 a middle Computer Operator grade, between Computer Operator 3 below and the better-paid Computer Operator 1 above. The one gate is 2 years of relevant experience. The FY 2027 range lands between $53,282 and $77,371.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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See where to apply for this title →Pay ladder: Computer Operator series
- Computer Operator 3 — $50,990 – $73,902
- Computer Operator 2 — $53,282 – $77,371 (this title)
- Computer Operator 1 — $66,592 – $97,354
Promoting to Computer Operator 1 raises the top of the band by about $12,591. Its top salary lands around the 19th 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.
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 limited supervision of a Supervising Computer Operator, or other supervisory official in a state department, agency, institution, or state college, assists in console operations and serves as a 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 supervisory officer in a more complex computing facility, operates a stored-program electronic computer; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Assumes operation of the system console(s) in the absence of the Computer Operator 3. Communicates through the operator's console(s) with the system control program and/or telecommunications monitor; provides the operating commands necessary for the execution of scheduled production; provides appropriate responses to system messages. Mounts and dismounts magnetic media on tape and disk devices. Mounts forms in line printers, aligns forms, and ensures that printed output is legible. Assists in the instruction of lower-level Computer Operators in the operation of line printers and in the monitoring of magnetic media on tape and disk devices. Monitors the system console(s) for indications of unrecoverable hardware or software errors; requests assistance from supervisor for vendor service personnel or technical support as required. Monitors the system console(s) for indications of transient hardware errors; changes device allocations to avoid use of failure-prone components; requests vendor service assistance from the supervisor as required. Monitors system input and output queues; initiates system readers and writers as appropriate. Works with other console operators in reconfiguring peripheral device allocations. Cooperates with vendor maintenance personnel and Technical Support Specialists in diagnosing and correcting hardware and software problems. Routes hardcopy and magnetic outputs in accordance with procedures and ensures that all magnetic media used as input are returned to the proper locations. Maintains essential equipment logs, 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
Two (2) years 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. Knowledge of the telecommunications hardware and software. Knowledge of the job control language function and syntax. Ability to react quickly and make appropriate decisions 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, both on an inter-shift and intra-shift basis, 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 logs, 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.