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Career Details :: Computer Operators

Description

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.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

Tasks

• Enters commands to clear computer system and start operation, using keyboard of computer terminal.
• Loads peripheral equipment with selected materials for operating runs or oversees loading of peripheral equipment by peripheral equipment operators.
• Observes peripheral equipment operation and error messages displayed on terminal monitor to detect faulty output or machine stoppage.
• Reads job set-up instructions to determine equipment to be used and order of use.
• Notifies supervisor of errors or equipment stoppage.
• Answers telephone calls to assist computer users encountering problems.
• Enters commands, using computer terminal, and activates controls on computer and peripheral equipment to integrate and operate equipment.
• Assists workers in classifying, cataloging, and maintaining tapes.
• Clears equipment at end of operating run and reviews schedule to determine next assignment.
• Diagnoses reasons for equipment malfunction and enters commands to correct error or stoppage and resume operations.
• Separates output, when needed, and sends data to specified users.
• Records information, such as computer operating time and problems that occurred, such as downtime, and actions taken.

Related Careers

• Desktop Publishers
  
• Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
  
• Word Processors and Typists
  

Important Abilities

• Near Vision
• Written Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Information Ordering
• Oral Comprehension

General Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers
• Monitor Processes, Material, Surroundings
• Handling and Moving Objects
• Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
• Updating & Using Job-Relevant Knowledge

Important Skills

• Reading Comprehension
  
• Problem Identification
  
• Speaking
  
• Active Listening
  
• Equipment Selection
  

Frequent Work Context

• Degree of Automation
• Consequence of Error
• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
• Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
• Indoors

Related Majors

Major	Add to XapPack
Accounting/Information Systems	[ add ]
Accounting/Management Information Systems	[ add ]
Administrative Data Processing	[ add ]
Administrative Information Systems	[ add ]
Business Computer Information Systems	[ add ]
Business Computer Systems	[ add ]
Business Data Processing	[ add ]
Business Information Systems	[ add ]
Computer Information Systems Management	[ add ]
Computer Information/Systems Management	[ add ]
Computer Management/Data Processing	[ add ]
Computer Processing	[ add ]
Computer Systems Management	[ add ]
Computer-Based Business Majors	[ add ]
Computer/Information Management	[ add ]
Data Management	[ add ]
Information Management	[ add ]
Information Resources Management	[ add ]
Information Services Management	[ add ]
Information Systems Management	[ add ]
Information/Operations Management	[ add ]
Management Computer Information Systems	[ add ]
Management Information Science	[ add ]
Management Information Systems	[ add ]
Management Information Systems/Business Data Processing	[ add ]
Management of Information Systems	[ add ]
Management of Information Technology	[ add ]
Management of Technology/Operations	[ add ]
Management Science/Information Systems	[ add ]
Management Systems	[ add ]
Management/Information Systems	[ add ]
Office Information Systems	[ add ]
Office Systems	[ add ]
Systems Management	[ add ]

Institutions Offering Related Majors

No institutions found.