What Do Computer Operators Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Computer Operators monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions. Monitor and respond to operating and error messages. May enter commands at a computer terminal and set controls on computer and peripheral devices. They also enter commands, using computer terminal, and activate controls on computer and peripheral equipment to integrate and operate equipment.

Other tasks include:

• Oversee the operation of computer hardware systems, including coordinating and scheduling the use of computer terminals and networks to ensure efficient use.
• Monitor the system for equipment failure or errors in performance.
• Answer telephone calls to assist computer users encountering problems.
• 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.
• Record information such as computer operating time, problems that occurred, and actions taken.

We asked Computer Operators how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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64% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 43% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Computer Operators type command on keyboard to transfer encoded data from memory unit to magnetic tape and assist in labeling, classifying, cataloging and maintaining tapes. They monitor the system for equipment failure or errors in performance.

A typical day for a Computer Operator will also include:

• Retrieve, separate, and sort program output as needed, and send data to specified users.
• Answer telephone calls to assist computer users encountering problems.
• Enter commands, using computer terminal, and activate controls on computer and peripheral equipment to integrate and operate equipment.
• Operate spreadsheet programs and other types of software to load and manipulate data and to produce reports.
• Clear equipment at end of operating run and review schedule to determine next assignment.

We asked some Computer Operators a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	98% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	66% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	78% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	30% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	13% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	17% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Computer Operators also clear equipment at end of operating run and review schedule to determine next assignment. They may also notify supervisor or computer maintenance technicians of equipment malfunctions.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Computer Operators Help programmers and systems analysts test and debug new programs. They might also Retrieve, separate, and sort program output as needed, and send data to specified users.

In addition, they Operate spreadsheet programs and other types of software to load and manipulate data and to produce reports.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Load peripheral equipment with selected materials for operating runs, or oversee loading of peripheral equipment by peripheral equipment operators.

To some Computer Operators, it is also their responsibility to 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.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Computer Operator, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas..

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

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