Computer Operators

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

• 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.
• Read job set-up instructions to determine equipment to be used, order of use, material such as disks and paper to be loaded, and control settings.
• Load peripheral equipment with selected materials for operating runs, or oversee loading of peripheral equipment by peripheral equipment operators.
• Supervise and train peripheral equipment operators and computer operator trainees.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

• Type command on keyboard to transfer encoded data from memory unit to magnetic tape and assist in labeling, classifying, cataloging and maintaining tapes.
• Clear equipment at end of operating run and review schedule to determine next assignment.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.