DATA PROCESSING SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER DEFINITION:
Under direction of a higher level Data Processing Systems Programmer, is involved with the maintenance and modification of assemblers, compilers, debugging routines, and similar system software, and/or the analysis and design of software systems that require interaction of computer functions; does other related work 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:
Detects and resolves system problems into programming formulations and algorithms.
Determines programming languages, library subroutines, and system programs, including system alternatives in storage media, data and file organization, and program system control techniques.
Gathers information about goals, organization, products and special problems of application area, including concept of operation, specialized processors and procedures employed and unusual analytic or computational techniques.
Reads and collates existing documentation (system specification, operational descriptions, data base descriptions, computing and communications equipment descriptions) to determine storage allocations and data structures, processing characteristics, and language requirements.
Reviews language specifications, program documentation and program listings to determine the implications of proposed changes and conversions.
Analyzes existing program documentation.
Writes formal language specifications, problem analyses, hardware and software evaluations.
Designs general purpose languages and compilers, operating systems, file or data base management systems, program test or analysis tools, or other general purpose system.
Devises programs to recognize and handle a variety of input and output formats and file structures.
Evaluates system requirements to advise on subroutine library composition, efficient control and linkage procedures, job disciplines and similar system composition and utilization questions.
Codes and debug modifications and corrections to system software.
Analyzes both systems and application programs to trace problems to causes in program, system, and computer personnel.
Works with system users and applications programmers to understand and apply programming languages, tools, operating systems, and support programs.
Conducts subassembly or assembly testing.
Supports the development of standards for programming languages, data structures, operating systems, and program documentation.
Prepares reports.
Maintains records and files.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Six (6) years of professional experience in the generation and maintenance of operating systems software.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
NOTE: Experience in the study of work methods and processes, analysis of varied types of data, design and preparation of systems and programs, operation of large-scale computer systems and work in the data processing support areas of input/output control, scheduling or reliability support may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis.
NOTE: A Data Processing Certificate from a business or EDP school may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.
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 the procedures and methods involved in evaluation and analysis of existing data processing equipment installations and degree of utilization.
Knowledge of computer programming design considerations and the differences between, and applications of various programming languages.
Knowledge of one or more programming languages and various database access methods.
Knowledge of analysis and correction of procedures and the planning, design and logic of a data processing system.
Knowledge of information systems design concepts, principles of production systems and work efficiency techniques.
Knowledge of the modulized approach to programming.
Knowledge of statistical principles, methods and practices.
Ability to write instructions and use English language proficiently.
Ability to prepare clear and concise use operations, and/or programming documentation.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and others interested in or concerned with the work of the unit.
Ability to perform technical studies.
Ability to resolve operating problems.
Ability 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 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 as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
