SENIOR DATA PROCESSING PROGRAMMER
DEFINITION:
Under limited supervision, works independently on moderately complex projects involving the planning, design, development, and implementation of computer programs to be processed by electronic data processing equipment utilizing required data base management techniques, data processing protocol, and current software, operating systems, and multiprogramming technology; does related duties as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Develops, modifies, and maintains assigned programs.
Designs and implements modifications to the interrelation of files and records within the program in consultation with a higher-level programmer.
Monitors the operation of assigned programs and responds to problems by diagnosing and correcting errors in logic and coding.
Implements and/or maintains assigned portions of a programming project applying established programming techniques to a well-defined management, mathematical, statistical, engineering, or other problem usually requiring the translation of mathematical notation in specifications into processing logic and code.
Tests and documents work; writes and maintains operating instructions for assigned programs.
Confers with other EDP personnel to obtain or provide factual data.
Develops program module flow charts and block diagrams; codes program modules of moderate complexity for application systems development.
Performs desk or remote terminal checking of program modules.
Prepares documentation prior to submitting programs to EDP operations for batch testing.
Checks program module coding to determine program deficiencies and corrects coding as necessary.
Completes programming tasks including the development of appropriate design logic for individual programs and program systems based on installed software, data base/data communications, and program development capabilities.
Assists in determining and defining appropriate test plans and test data requirements.
Organizes and prepares appropriate program documentation including computer controls, input/output specifications, and data base definitions.
Translates system requirements into an operable program utilizing current state-of-the-art programming techniques and approaches considering both conventional batch and online applications programs.
Meets with project leaders on matters relating to workload, schedules, priorities, and resource requirements.
Segments programs into modules; develops program module flow charts, and depending on complexity, codes complex/difficult programs, or oversees the coding of program modules for application systems development projects at a specified organizational unit.
Combines program modules into a complete executable program to test module interaction for production purposes.
Prepares complete program documentation, in conjunction with agency and/or other data processing standards, to obtain a project leader sign-off for a completed application program, and assist systems programmers in cataloguing and controlling systems libraries.
Prepares systems control statement and utility program parameters.
Assists a project leader in preparing complete program documentation.
Assists the project leader in developing conversion plans and conducts parallel testing to complete the application.
Assists in the planning and scheduling of group activities.
Reviews completed program for adherence to agency of other standards.
Prepares sound, accurate, and informative statistical and other reports of programming matters containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Maintains essential records and files.
Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's degree in Computer Programming, Computer Science, Information Systems/Technology, or other closely related field.
EXPERIENCE:
Three (3) years of experience in designing and preparing programs for electronic data processing equipment utilizing current operating systems.
NOTE: Possession of Master's degree in Computer Science from an accredited college or university may be substituted for two (2) years of the indicated experience.
NOTE: Possession of a specific Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of the indicated experience.
NOTE: Possession of a general Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the Associate's degree.
Special Note Regarding Substituting Experience for Education:
Experience in the study of work methods and processes, the analysis of varied types of data, the design and preparation of systems and programs, the operation of multi-programming or client/server computer systems and work in the information technology support areas of input/output control, scheduling, reliability or user support may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Special Note Regarding Substituting Training for Education:
In order for training to be accepted, the applicant must provide documentation from an accredited institution of higher learning stating that the school would accept these training hours as equivalent to college credits at that institution and provide the number of college credits that would be equivalent. This documentation from the institution must come from the Department Head or Chair associated with the major or course area in question.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of a wide range of computer techniques, requirements, procedures, and approaches used by EDP organizations in other agencies and/or the private sector to accomplish a variety of assignments.
Knowledge of sources of technical data needed to evaluate potentially acceptable alternative procedures.
Knowledge of data communication access methods.
Knowledge of the basics of computer systems hardware.
Knowledge of special vendor application or operating systems such as communications of data management packages.
Knowledge of system control language statements and utility program parameters for use by EDP production operations.
Knowledge of control systems such as HASP, ASP, LASP, etc.
Knowledge of remote job entry.
Knowledge of the modularized approach to programming.
Knowledge of the numbering systems used in computer systems such as decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal.
Knowledge of programming techniques and program structure utilizing data base/data communications approaches to implement working and accurate programs which satisfy systems requirements.
Knowledge of various data base access methods including indexed sequential, direct, sequential, and virtual storage.
Knowledge of the facilities provided by operating systems software associated with current generations of serial, multiprocessing oriented computer systems.
Knowledge of and practicing familiarity with various levels of programming languages and the necessary interface with operating system software and installed hardware.
Knowledge of on-line program development techniques, requirements, and testing.
Knowledge of data gathering and analysis techniques.
Ability to prepare systems control statements and utility programs for use of EDP production operations.
Ability to prepare clear and concise user, operations, and/or programming documentation in conjunction with agency or other EDP standards.
Ability to reason logically for purposes of data processing programming or systems analysis and knowledge of the objectives of data processing programs.
Ability to write clear, concise instructions and to use the English language with reasonable proficiency.
Ability to analyze extensive factual material pertaining to programs and data processing equipment and prepare recommendations for new equipment and/or changes to existing installation hardware.
Ability to perform studies to determine the technical and operational feasibility of employing advanced data processing/computer science techniques to improve operational procedures.
Ability to participate in conferences, meetings, and training sessions, to present the results and effects of evaluation studies of current and new operating procedures and provide training to users and/or EDP operations staff on new systems or software.
Ability to present the results and effects of evaluation studies of present and new operating procedures and provide training to users and/or EDP operations staff on new systems or software.
Ability to take the lead in planning, scheduling, assigning, and oversight of programing group activities.
Ability to take the lead over technical or clerical personnel during application system paralleled runs and where task teams are required and utilized.
Ability to organize and perform a conversion between generations or versions of computer systems and software operating systems.
Ability to prepare the charts, programs, and instructions necessary to implement, illustrate, and explain EDP procedures and programs.
Ability to communicate well with coworkers and to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with agency staff and with others interested in or concerned with the work of the unit.
Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative statistical, progress, and other reports of programming matters containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
