COMPUTER OPERATOR 1 (A19)
Career Family: COMPUTER OPERATOR
Computer Operator 1 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.
Of the 3 Computer Operator grades this one pays the most, sitting just above Computer Operator 2. What it takes is 3 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $60,876 to $88,743.
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 — $58,222 – $84,763
- Computer Operator 1 — $60,876 – $88,743 (this title)
Its top salary lands around the 30th 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 general supervision of a Supervising Computer Operator in a state department, agency, institution, or state college, acts as console operator and leader 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, serves as lead operator or sole operator of a stored-program electronic computer; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Communicates, through the operator's console(s), with the system control program and/or telecommunications monitor; provides the operator commands necessary for the execution of scheduled production; provides appropriate responses to system messages. Assigns lower-level Computer Operators to work stations appropriate to the scheduled workload and job mix. Instructs Computer Operator 2'sbh in the operation of the system console(s). Takes the lead and provides guidance to lower level staff. 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 supervisor as required. Monitors system input and output queues; initiates system readers and writers as appropriate. Provides recommendations on situations which preclude completion of scheduled work, so that appropriate rescheduling or reallocation can be accomplished. Works with other console operators in reconfiguring peripheral device allocations. Assists in the evaluation of new equipment and technology from the standpoint of operability. Cooperates with vendor maintenance personnel and Technical Support Specialists in diagnosing and correcting hardware and software problems. Initiates dumps of processor storage and system log data sets in the event of processor operating system or telecommunication monitor malfunctions. Oversees, in accord with schedules, the execution of jobs which take backup copies of system data sets, libraries, and utilization statistics. Reviews the work of lower-level Computer Operators assigned to the operation of line printers; ensures that forms are properly align ed and that the output is legible. Reports any situations which adversely affect production schedules or work quality. Ensures that all hardcopy and magnetic outputs are routed in accordance with procedures and that all magnetic media used as input are returned 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
Three (3) 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 operating commands and responses required to communicate with the operating system. Knowledge of the concepts of information processing. 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 computer and peripheral device operating procedures and techniques. Knowledge of the job control language function and syntax. Knowledge of the telecommunications hardware and software. 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 take the lead over lower level staff and provide guidance. Ability to monitor employee performance and to take corrective and developmental action as required. Ability to keep up with new developments in operating procedures and techniques and to recommend appropriate changes to existing practices and procedures in order to promote efficiency. Ability to provide on-the-job training in console operation, tape, and disk handling and the operation of unit record peripherals. Ability to work harmoniously with other console 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 prepare detailed correspondence. 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.