GENERAL DEFINITION

This is operating systems work supervising shift employees engaged in the operation of a large scale mainframe processor with a multiple CPU and multiple operating systems environment. Included in the work are recognition and resolution of production problems and maintenance of data flow through the equipment. Coordinating the efficient use of resources to meet production deadlines is of significance to the work. Work is performed under the direction of an administrative superior.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

• Plans, assigns, and reviews the work of a staff operating computer consoles and peripheral equipment such as a tape and disk drives; recommends training sessions for employees; assists in the selection of new employees; instructs new employees in operation of equipment.
• Assists operators encountering equipment, job control language, or program problems; runs diagnostics to discover cause of work interruption or equipment malfunction; tests equipment for possible causes; evaluates the severity of machine breakdown; performs minor repair of equipment; contacts manufacturer representative for more extensive repair; signs service authorization; contacts technical support personnel as needed for systems repair; makes minor programming changes and/or contacts application programmer for assistance.
• Reviews work in progress of operators; coordinates with Production Control in prioritizing and expediting jobs; adjusts equipment use in times of breakdowns to maximize processing efficiency; revises manpower schedules to meet processing exigencies; arranges for transfer of data flow to fully-functioning equipment.
• Maintains operating performance data of equipment; maintains logs of special jobs; tours facility to ensure integrity of the computer room; monitors temperature and humidity levels in the computer and peripheral areas; notifies requesting authorities of completion of runs of jobs of special significance.
• Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the functions and operation of a computer console.
• the functions and operation of computer peripheral equipment, such as tape and disc drives.
• the operation and capabilities of modern, large scale equipment configurations.
• the operational capabilities of a large-scale, multi-terminal information communications network.
• the methods of obtaining maximum utilization of computers and their peripheral equipment.
• large scale telecommunications networks.
• data processing concepts, especially as applied to high-volume, batch processing.
• the methods of diagnosing computer system failure and equipment failure.
• the care and minor maintenance of computer equipment.
• programming techniques.

ABILITY TO:

• establish and maintain effective supervisory relationship with subordinate employees.
• work effectively and direct a group of subordinate employees within severe time constraints.
• train individuals in the use of computer and peripheral equipment.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, service representatives, technical personnel, and representatives of user departments.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

(The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 6/83.)

• Completion of an associate degree program in computer science or related subject area.
• Four years of experience in the operation of electronic computers and peripheral equipment, two years of which has been operating a system console for a large mainframe with multiple operating systems and central processing unit or supervising the operation of electronic computers and related equipment on an assigned shift.

Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

PAY RANGE: EP19
Class Established: 2/1981
Latest Spec. Revision: 6/1983

RJ/ps/sb