The Role of a Computer Operator

By Exforsys | on October 31, 2006 | Comments: 9

Career Tracks
The Role of a Computer Operator

Computers play a large part in our world today. They are used for various
personal and business reasons and many individuals would find it difficult to
live without them. For this reason, computer-related jobs are quite prominent
in the job market. There are various positions available which somehow
pertain to computers. One such job is that of a computer operator.
What Is a Computer Operator?

A computer operator is an individual who works with computers on a daily

basis and partakes in a number of activities relative to such operation. These
individuals will have varying duties depending on their specific job title and
place of employment. In general, computer operators enter data, aid in fixing
computer problems and supervise others working in the computer
department.
General Responsibilities of a Computer Operator

Computer operators will find themselves holding a number of responsibilities

in their job position. Some of these responsibilities include operating various
computer systems, fixing problems that may arise, contacting those who can
remedy computer problems when unable to do so and tracking computer
operations on a daily basis. These responsibilities may vary in nature and
some computer operators will have a wide range of responsibilities whereas
others will have minimal amounts of duties due to their job title.
Specific Duties of a Computer Operator

One who is a computer operator will find that their daily duties are wide and
varied for the most part. The first duty of a computer operator is to enter
data into the computer. The data which is entered may be related to ensuring
the proper workings of the computer whereas other data that is entered into
the computer by the computer operator may be relative to the job field in
which the individual works within. The entering of data is an important part of
the computer operators daily routine.

Computer operators may also have to take calls from customers complaining
of computer system issues. The computer operator will diagnose the problem
and then walk the individual through how to fix the situation. Should further
help be needed, the computer operator will contact the necessary parties or
advise the customer how to do so on their own.

Some computer operators must also maintain the client database on a daily
basis. This entails keeping up with current clients contact information and
making changes as are necessary along the way. Not all computer operators
are given this responsibility however some may find that this is part of their
job description.

From time to time, computer operators will be in charge of computer

equipment orders. Those who have this responsibility will need to monitor the
purchase of computer equipment, determine what types of equipment are
needed by the company and keep track of all computer equipment within the
office. Those individuals who find themselves responsible for this duty may
also have to determine if new purchases are within the budget of the
company.

A computer operator may also be responsible for storing computer-related

items such as disks, files and more. The individual who does so must have a
proper classifying procedure so that items are kept in an orderly manner and
can be recovered whenever they are needed.

Computer operators may also be responsible for monitoring the computer use
of others. This may relate to security reasons or simply deal with supervising
those who may need help along the way. Some computer operators are in a
supervisory position which makes them responsible for this specific task.

Setting computer controls is another specific duty which many computer

operators may find themselves responsible. At times, computer controls will
need to be checked, altered and corrected so as to promote the proper
functioning of the computer network and accompanying stations.
Traits Which All Computer Operators Should Possess

There are a few traits which will come in handy in relation to the role of a
computer operator. One trait which all computer operators should possess to
aid them in their line of work is well-rounded computer knowledge. Computer
operators have a wide array of duties which they must take part in on a daily
basis. Therefore, a computer operator who only knows how to complete a few
computer-related tasks will find themselves floundering as opposed to the
computer operator who is a well rounded computer savvy individual.

Computer operators should also be good communicators. This is due to the

fact that computer operators will often have to deal with other individuals
such as clients, coworkers and supervisory staff members. With that said, the
computer operator will need to be able to get their point across in an
effective manner so that all types of individuals understand what is being
said. This is extremely important as computer-related issues tend to be
technical in nature so it is vital that the computer operator can communicate
the issue in a non-technical way which is easily understood by the average
layperson.

A computer operator must also be an inventive thinker. The computer

operator will have to solve problems every now and again. With that being
the case, one who fills this job role must be able to exhibit good problem
solving skills in an inventive manner which will resolve any issues that may
arise.

One who becomes a computer operator should also be detail oriented. By

having this type of trait, the individual will be able to dictate any computer
related issues to the fullest extent. Whether there be problems or
advancements made with relation to the computer department, the computer
operator must be able to document such items in a detailed way.

Computer operators should also possess good organizational skills. Since the
computer operator may sometimes be given the responsibility of maintaining
files, disks and so on, it is only normal to assume that good organizational
skills will be an extreme asset to the individual who fills this job position.

Conclusion

A computer operator is an individual who is responsible for using computers,

fixing computer problems and monitoring computer usage by others in

his/her department. The true extent of the job role of a computer operator
will be determined by the exact position he/she holds, the company which the
individual works for and the amount of responsibility the individual is given.
Overall, the job role of a computer operator is one which is varied and
fulfilling. Should one have a good knowledge with regard to computers and
be well rounded in such knowledge, embarking on a career as a computer
operator may be a wise move on their part.

Computer operator job description: When someone is desire to join any

organization as a computer operator he/she would be responsible for the
technical operation as well as medium and large mid range computer system
operations. The role of a computer operator in company is very crucial and
will be required to possess all the operational knowledge and terminology
(viz. Personal computing applications including MS Word,MS Excel,
Accounting software and others; Apple Macintosh and Windows/DOS
operating systems; modern computer techniques, methodologies and
practices) of the processing requirements and handling the system efficiently
and giving others commands for all application software systems.

Related Post: Computer Operator Interview Questions and Answers

Computer Operator Job Description Sample
Duties and Responsibilities of Computer Operator

The very first responsibility of a computer operator is leading, guiding,

and /or coordinating others (staff members); and operating within a predefined time and budget and utilization of resources to make the
environment of company easier from top to down.
Monitor and manage the operations of all host computer systems and
Hardware and as well as peripheral devices.
Troubleshooting Hardware Devices (means Proficient in troubleshooting
techniques) and Software Processes.
Computer operator must work closely with data entry operators and help
desk staff to coordinate strongly giving company an accurate and timely
computer processing cycles.
A company data is safe and secure if the computer operator is Assisting in
providing for the security and confidentiality of the data maintained by
Information Services.
Computer operator should also Maintain a detailed understanding of the
job processing requirements and data flow for all applications systems.
A Computer operator should also configure the softwares of all the
computer systems and should have a sound knowledge of them.
Computer operator should exercise its activities regarding the applicable
shift processing activities and related end-user activity and ensuring a
balanced and effective systems operating environment.
A Company is secure if it is well maintain by the Computer operator for
effective systems backup schedule time to time to overcome future problems.
(if it occurs)
Computer operator should Maintain and manage computer processing logs
and documents and assisting in the maintenance of all run and procedures
manuals for computer operations.
Computer operator is responsible for performing decollating and bursting
operations of all reports and forms.
Computer operator has to Work with programmers and systems analysts as
required in coordinating the systems testing environment on the
development system and also has to Work with programmers and systems
analysts in problem determination for processing errors and the resolution of
them.
Maintaining a working knowledge of systems commands, subsystem
configurations, and job control.
Computer operator has to closely monitor billing and financial systems as

well.
Computer operator play a important role between understanding of the
data communications configurations on all host and remote systems and
helping them in the resolution of end-user communication failures.
Computer operator Provides a ongoing computer center security and
access procedures,maintaining related logs and records to the companys
safety.

Skills Required for Computer Operator Job profile

Computer operators skills are multiple and all of it, he/she has to perform in
defined period of time. The environment of todays industry is very
competitive so a computer operator should be versatile and energetic at work
to perform its tasks and duties efficiently and effectively.

One of the most important thing for computer operator is the Time
Management Managing own work on time and distribute the work among
the staff members so as to they can do it on time.
Planning, managing and figure out any work time for any person is very
sophisticated and on the other hand, sometimes its really easy when you
have required knowledge and skills; this is what computer operator must
have!
Computer operator must be good at maintaining the accurate records and
using pertinent software applications.
Sometimes a basic thing do more than your expectation when you need it,
here I mean to say knowledge of basic math, including math fractions,
percentage, ratios, division etc. for anyone these small knowledge for
facilitation of technical information, composing a variety of documents would
be easier and quick to solve practical problems.
Some others skills are related to the knowledge satisfactorily performance
on the job as communication skills, business telephoning etiquette, clerical
and customer service skills, presentation of facts, records etc.

Education Qualification of a Computer operator

A Computer operator should have a High School diploma or equivalent.

Salary of a Computer operator

A Computer operator in United States could starts its career from a median
salary of $ 37750 (As per Salary.com website) and expect more as he gains
experience.

We hope now you would have got an idea about what you could have write
while preparing a computer operator job description. You can change or add
any relevant information to the above job description of computer operator.
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