Computer Operators

• Enter commands, using computer terminal, and activate controls on computer and peripheral equipment to integrate and operate equipment.
• Respond to program error messages by finding and correcting problems or terminating the program.
• Monitor the system for equipment failure or errors in performance.
• Notify supervisor or computer maintenance technicians of equipment malfunctions.
• Record information such as computer operating time, problems that occurred, and actions taken.
• Answer telephone calls to assist computer users encountering problems.
• 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.
• Retrieve, separate and sort program output as needed, and send data to specified users.
• Help programmers and systems analysts test and debug new programs.
• 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.
• Load peripheral equipment with selected materials for operating runs, or oversee loading of peripheral equipment by peripheral equipment operators.
• Supervise and train peripheral equipment operators and computer operator trainees.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Computer Operators.

• Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Computer Operators.