National

Monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions. May enter commands at a computer terminal and set controls on computer and peripheral devices. Monitor and respond to operating and error messages.

Sample of reported job titles: Computer Operator, Operations and Maintenance Technician, Computer Specialist, Information Technology Specialist, Software Technician, Systems Operator, Computer Console Operator, Computer Technician

Tasks

• Enter commands, using computer terminal, and activate controls on computer and peripheral equipment to integrate and operate equipment.
• Monitor the system for equipment failure or errors in performance.
• Respond to program error messages by finding and correcting problems or terminating the program.
• Notify supervisor or computer maintenance technicians of equipment malfunctions.
• Answer telephone calls to assist computer users encountering problems.
• Record information such as computer operating time, problems that occurred, and actions taken.
• Operate spreadsheet programs and other types of software to load and manipulate data and to produce reports.
• Help programmers and systems analysts test and debug new programs.
• Retrieve, separate and sort program output as needed, and send data to specified users.
• Oversee the operation of computer hardware systems, including coordinating and scheduling the use of computer terminals and networks to ensure efficient use.

back to top

Tools & Technology

Tools used in this occupation:

Technology used in this occupation: