CONSOLE OPERATOR

03660

(Competitive)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

 

The work involves responsibility for monitoring and controlling a computer by utilizing operating systems. Under supervision, the work requires the operation of multiple consoles in accordance with pre-determined procedures to rearrange the sequence of job stream steps to correct computational errors or continue operations when individual units malfunction. Assignments are received from a shift supervisor and reviewed upon completion. Depending on agency where employed, an employee in this class may be assigned to shift work and will complete assignments independently when a supervisor is unavailable. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

 

Studies program operating instruction sheets to determine equipment setup and run operation.

Switches auxiliary equipment into circuit.

Manipulates controls in accordance with predetermined procedures to rearrange the sequence of job stream steps in order to correct computational errors or to continue operations when individual units malfunction.

Confers with technical personnel when errors require a change in instructions or the sequence of operations.

Maintains operating records such as machine performance and production reports.

Corrects minor errors in job control language.

Verifies that all necessary files and data have been submitted for each job.

Takes appropriate action in response to system messages and messages produced by processing programs.

Verifies that reports and other outputs are complete before release to Data Flow Monitor.

Maintains a neat and orderly work area.

May provide hardware/software set-up services for site based computer users.

May assist with technical support to resolve user network difficulties.

May provide general user support in the area of hardware/software operations.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Good knowledge of the principles, use and capabilities of a mainframe computer system, including the operating system software and peripheral equipment.

Good knowledge of the reset procedures used when software programs abort during a run.

Ability to judge facts and circumstances, choosing correctly between several alternatives.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

Promotion:

One (1) year of permanent competitive class status as a Peripheral Equipment Operator.

 

Open Competitive

A. Successful completion of fifteen (15) credit hours in computer science or a closely related field from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college, university, business or trade school and one (1) year of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the operation of a computer and its related peripheral equipment including the control of peripheral devices such as tape drives, disk drives and printers; or,

B. Eighteen (18) months of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the operation of a computer and its related peripheral equipment including the control of peripheral devices such as tape drives, disk drives and printers; or,

C. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined in (A) and (B).

 

3/2012 Revised