County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to set up and operate peripheral data processing computer equipment and high-speed printers; to maintain production schedules and equipment controls; to learn to operate large-scale computers, their auxiliary equipment, and teleprocessing equipment; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the third level class in the four class series consisting of Data Processing Technician I, Data Processing Technician II, Computer Operator I and Computer Operator II. Computer Operator I’s are expected to be proficient in the setup and operation of peripheral data processing equipment and high-speed printers. Incumbents in the class receive instructions and training as assistant operators of complex computer systems and auxiliary equipment. Positions in the class of Computer Operator I differ from those in the next lower class of Data Processing Technician II because incumbents in the lower level class are being trained on the operation of peripheral computer equipment and high-speed printers whereas the operation of this equipment is the primary assignment of the Computer Operator I. Computer Operator I’s are further distinguished from the next higher class of Computer Operator II, because incumbents in the class of Computer Operator II typically have the responsibility for the operation of all segments of a large-scale computer and its components and may act as lead operators, whereas incumbents in the class of Computer Operator I are entry-level operators working on only segments of a total computer system and, in general, less complex equipment; i.e., peripheral or off-line equipment.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Operates high-speed printers, optical scanners, microfiche equipment, and computer consoles; handles magnetic tape and disk drives.

2. Aligns work on printers making necessary adjustment to machine controls; changes ribbons.

3. Notifies supervisors of equipment trouble, and works with equipment maintenance personnel in locating equipment trouble.

4. Learns and is trained to assist in operating complex computers and their auxiliary equipment, and may assist a Computer Operator II in its operation.

5. Cleans equipment, including use of solvent on tape heads and capstans.

6. Learns and is trained to assist with teleprocessing problem resolution.

7. Reviews programmer job documentation and enters procedures into the computer for processing jobs.

8. Completes several technical courses as defined by the department.

9. Assists in the installation of teleprocessing equipment and cables.

10. Under general direction, incumbents may be required to work independently without day-to-day supervision.

11. Initiates and monitors the production of reports; performs system back up; learning to troubleshoot and identify system problems; responds to inquiries and answers questions from system users.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of six months in the class of Data Processing Technician II in the Alameda County classified service (non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts); and, if in the Data Processing Department, the satisfactory completion of the D.P. Technician II Training Requirements.

Or II

For positions other than those in the Data Processing Department, one year of recent full-time paid experience in the setup and operation of current computer equipment or positions in other than the Data Processing Department.

Special Requirement:

The Computer Services Division in some departments operates on a 24 hour-per-day, 7 day-per-week, 365 day-per-year basis. In order to provide these services, all Computer Services Division employees may be required to work grave, swing and day shifts, as well as weekends and holidays as necessary.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualification in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Operation of peripheral data processing equipment, including performance in a multi-processing mode.
• Principles of computer operations and computer abilities and limitations.
• Data processing terminology.

Ability to:

• Set up and operate a variety of peripheral computer equipment and high-speed printers.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Function effectively under general supervision.
• Record accurate status of work in process or work completed.
• Work well with others.
• Speak clearly and concisely, communicate effectively with others so as to be clearly understood on the telephone and in person, communicate technical details to users, programmers, vendors, and others in an effective and understandable manner in order to achieve timely problem resolution.

Physical Characteristics:

Ability to lift fifty (50) pound boxes and to stand for long periods of time.

License Requirement:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License is an ongoing requirement.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

New document: JGS:ab Revised 7/85
BG:tc Revised 1/92
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New document: Jobspecs/1811
ys/12/00

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.