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Computer Operators

Also called: Computer Operator, Operations and Maintenance Technician, Computer Specialist, Information Technology Specialist

Where in the military? In the military: see titles from the Army, Marine Corps, or Navy.

What they do:
Monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions. Monitor and respond to operating and error messages. May enter commands at a computer terminal and set controls on computer and peripheral devices.
On the job, you would:
  • 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.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • computers and electronics
Business
  • customer service
  • administrative services
Arts and Humanities
  • English language
Communications
  • telecommunications

Skills

Basic Skills
  • reading work related information
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Abilities

Verbal
  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things
Visual Understanding
  • quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
  • see hidden patterns
Attention
  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Integrity
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Cooperation

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Operating system software
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Solaris
Data base user interface and query software
  • IBM DB2
  • Microsoft Access
Network monitoring software
  • Hewlett-Packard HP OpenView software
  • IBM Tivoli OMEGAMON XE for CICS on z/OS

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
associate's degree or
some college
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training Find Certifications Registered Apprenticeship

Job Outlook

Below Average Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
$37,970
per year, on average
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about computer operators.