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Computer Operators - 43-9011.00

O*NET-SOC 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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Computer Operator
  • Operations and Maintenance Technician
  • Computer Specialist
  • Information Technology Specialist
  • Software Technician
  • Systems Operator
  • Computer Console Operator
  • Computer Technician

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Answer telephone calls to assist computer users encountering problems.
  • Clear equipment at end of operating run and review schedule to determine next assignment.
  • Enter commands, using computer terminal, and activate controls on computer and peripheral equipment to integrate and operate equipment.
  • Help programmers and systems analysts test and debug new programs.
  • Load peripheral equipment with selected materials for operating runs, or oversee loading of peripheral equipment by peripheral equipment operators.
  • Monitor the system for equipment failure or errors in performance.
  • Notify supervisor or computer maintenance technicians of equipment malfunctions.
  • Operate spreadsheet programs and other types of software to load and manipulate data and to produce reports.
  • 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.
  • Record information such as computer operating time, problems that occurred, and actions taken.
  • Respond to program error messages by finding and correcting problems or terminating the program.
  • Retrieve, separate and sort program output as needed, and send data to specified users.
  • Supervise and train peripheral equipment operators and computer operator trainees.
  • Type command on keyboard to transfer encoded data from memory unit to magnetic tape and assist in labeling, classifying, cataloging and maintaining tapes.

Detailed Work Activities

  • communicate technical information
  • ensure correct grammar, punctuation, or spelling
  • follow data storage procedures
  • load tapes, disks or paper into computers or peripherals
  • maintain client-server database
  • maintain or repair computers or related equipment
  • maintain records, reports, or files
  • monitor computer operation
  • operate computer networks
  • perform office equipment maintenance not requiring service call
  • provide technical support to computer users
  • read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
  • route computer output to specified users
  • set computer controls or devices in data processing center
  • test computer programs or systems
  • use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
  • use knowledge of mainframe computers
  • use telephone communication techniques

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Aircraft Maintenance Data Analyst/Administrator (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • AN/UYK-65(V) System Operator (SNAP I) (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Aviation Logistics Information Management and Support (ALIMS) Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Certification Authority Workstation (CAW) Operator (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • ClASSIC WIZARD Analyst (Navy - Enlisted)
  • CLASSIC WIZARD Basic Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Communications - Computer Systems Operations Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Communications - Computer Systems Operations Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Communications Yeoman (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • CV-ASWM Data Processing System Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Data Systems Technician (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Defense Message System (DMS) Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Enhanced Comprehensive Asset Management Systems (ECAMS) Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Information Systems Operator-Analyst (Army - Enlisted)
  • Information Technology Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Knowledge Operations Management Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Knowledge Operations Management Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Knowledge Operations Management Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Multi-Tactical Digital Information Link Operator (TADIL) (Navy - Enlisted)
  • NALCOMIS Application Administrator/Analyst (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Optimized Naval Aviation Logistic Command Operations Maintenance Information System (NALCOMIS) Intermediate Maintenance Activity (IMA) Aviation Supply Systems Specialist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Optimized Naval Aviation Logistic Command Operations Maintenance Information System (NALCOMIS) Supply Application Administrator (SAA) (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Personnel Information Systems Management Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Personnel System Management (PSM) Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Personnel System Management (PSM) Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Similar to Automated Maintenance Environment Opeator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Small Computer Systems Operator/Programmer (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • SNAP III Automated Information Systems (AIS) Resource Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Supply Systems Analysis Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Supply Systems Analysis Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Tactical Data Systems Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Tactical Network Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Tactical Support Center (TSC) Data Processing System Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Tactical/Mobile (TacMobile) Operations Control (OPCON) Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Telecommunications Computer Operator-Maintainer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Telecommunications Operator-Maintainer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Voyage Management System Operator (Navy - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Computer Operator
  • Computer Peripheral Equipment Operator

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Computer Operator
  • Computer Peripheral Equipment Operator
  • Digitizer Operator