Computer Operator Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a computer operator. Feel free to use our computer operator job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a computer operator.
Who is a Computer Operator?
A computer operator is someone responsible for running all computer operations and ensuring that both computer systems and hardware are in good working condition. A computer operator normally works in either a server room or data center but there are times when they work digitally since the world is becoming global. As a computer operator, a lot of experience is not required because most experiences are acquired on the job scene.
Computer operators work with different types of computers such as; minicomputers, mainframes, and network personal computers. Computer operators are solely responsible for maintaining the computer hardware and also fixing the computer in case there is a technical problem. A computer operator’s job description varies based on the computer system they work with.
Computer operators mainly work with mainframes and minicomputers for their daily schedule. These computer systems consist of a network of smaller computer terminals attached to the center core that contains all the system’s memory. Some mainframes and minicomputers especially the older ones have central control panels. While a computer is running, a computer operator is observant to identify error lights on the console that they may go on to indicate that the computer is not functioning properly. While the computer is running, if the light goes off or stops; the operator must locate it and solve it. A good computer operator keeps a logbook for all computer gadgets and records any malfunctions and errors. A computer system’s files may be on disk or tapes; the operator has to ensure that these files are also stored in the computer storage media.
Experienced operators can also assist computer programmers and analysts to test programs or applications on the computer. For a personal computer network, the computer operator can also help a network administrator to make sure that all network connections are running smoothly with also the servers. They can also help users connect computer peripherals, such as printers or lab equipment; they can also train new employees on how to set up computers. The trend ongoing now is the use of networking and the use of sophisticated software which has enabled computers to perform tasks operators do in previous years. As technology continues to advance rapidly and this has brought a shift in the use of personal computing networks instead of mainframes; there is a drastic change in the job of computer operators. Computer operators are moving from equipment maintenance to network support, user support, and database maintenance.
The computer operator’s work schedule is thirty-five to forty hours per week. Most companies schedule computer operations twenty-four hours a day, so operators can work in shifts. Operators work independently because they work without supervision during their shifts.
Computer Operator Job Description
Below are the computer operator job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a computer operator job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a computer operator include the following:
- Providing data by operating a computer
- Setting up computers and other hardware devices
- Meeting with the team of information technology to decide on the daily activities for the day
- Starting the operations by entering computer commands
- Monitor error and stoppage messages
- Adjusting equipment settings and correcting errors and also loading papers
- Maintaining supply inventory by regularly checking stock levels to determine the overall inventory level
- Maintain client confidence and protects operations by keeping sensitive information confidential
- Generating reports from batch jobs and distributing to all those who are concerned
- Responding to use complaints and request
- Ensuring the security of the company’s computer systems
- Performing tasks stated by the company
- Maintaining incident logs or keeping a record of gadgets in case of any issue spring up
- Preparing any gadget that is needed for day-to-day operations by accessing various forms of software
- Monitoring and manipulating daily responsibilities that are determined by the system
- Making necessary changes to any documentation as to when needed
- Troubleshooting any malfunctions in equipment
- Performing backup procedures to reduce risk of data loss
- Responding to incoming telephone calls and emails inquiries from both internal and external customers regarding computer-related problems.
Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in computer science or information communication technology or a related field
- Past work experience as a computer operator
- Advanced knowledge of computer electronics such as; circuit boards, chips, processors, and peripheral equipment
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Advance knowledge of modern operating systems, Enterprise, networking, and Office software
- Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures
- Excellent communication and writing skills
- Ability to work under high pressure or duress
- Ability to create and update documentation
- Excellent data entry skills for accurately maintaining processing logs
- Customer service and interpersonal skills
- Time management and ability to meet up with deadlines when assigned tasks
Essential Skills
Here are some requisite skills that a computer operator need to possess and they are:
- Technological Skills: these days so many gadgets are produced in large quantities and pushed into the market. These gadgets are used with computer systems. These simply indicate that to enhance your output as a computer operator, you have to know how to use these gadgets. Examples of these gadgets are speakers, projectors, and USB drives which are used by computer operators on daily basis. These gadgets are highly paramount because they make you work faster and so you have to know how to operate these gadgets effectively. The world is becoming digital and some gadgets such as iPhone can replace computers. For instance, you can use your android phone to view and edit your word documents. This is because apps like Microsoft word are also available on android phones. Many other gadgets can ease your work as a computer operator.
- Operation and Control: This is one of the core skills a computer operator needs. Operation and control of a system is your ability to control the workings of a computer system to help you accomplish your objective. This implies that you should be able to operate a computer effectively. There are some basics computers are stationed to work with such as “GIGO” which means Garbage in Garbage out and an operator should know this. This means that the computer will give you back what you put in it. You have to familiarize yourself with the use of computers to get amazing results.
Making use of a computer demands that you use it in a good environment but there is another environment that is not conducive to using computers. Such environments are; dusty environments, moist environments, and places where the computer is exposed to sunlight.
- Problem-solving Skills: there are always technical challenges that will occur when using a computer. It can be graphic work or typing work. These problems must be solved by the operator for clients always; you need to ensure that you are in a strategic position to do this job. To be able to solve your client’s computer problems, you have to pay attention to their complaints or request. This implies that you are to show yourself competent enough to perform their computer operation and give them the value for their money. In addition, you should be able to ascertain what they are demanding you to do. This is highly paramount because they may be asking you to do something outdated.
- Customer service skills: as a computer operator, you will get the first-hand opportunity to meet people of different calibers who will need your services as a computer operator. So you have to be highly focused to deliver what in regards to the computer work they want you to do for them. You have to make sure you deliver the best service you can offer so that they will keep patronizing you. See to it that you offer the best services at the appropriate time. You have to be timely and meet up with deadlines all the time.
In addition, you have to be very friendly, polite and nice to them at all times. If there was an error when performing your duties and a customer should discover that; admit that you were wrong but it was a mistake.
- Typing Skills: typing cannot be ignored in the services a computer operator offers. There is no way you can meet up with deadlines without knowing the basic typing skills. There are two aspects of typing skills that you should be abreast with and they are; typing accuracy and typing speed.
The first you should work on is accuracy. Speed is also important but accuracy is far more important for a computer operator. You should be more interested in being accurate on the job set and typing with speed. The more you are accurate, the more chances you get to deliver a good job.
Speed too is very important. When you have enhanced your typing accuracy then the next thing to do is to work out your typing speed. Train yourself to be able to type excellently with your ten fingers. Advanced typing skills that enhance your typing to be able to type more words in a few minutes.
- Ability to Focus: as a computer operator, your major goal is to deliver excellent work to your client. This is one of the best ways to retain your customers and you do this by focusing on your work to avoid mistakes. You must ensure that your work must showcase; project competence, quality, and creativity. This is the secret of having clients come back to give you bigger projects or more lucrative work to do for them. This is highly dependent on your ability to focus. To deliver a wonderful project, you must master the ability to remain focused on the job and do everything in your capacity to deliver it at the appropriate time. As much as it depends on you, try and keep your focus 100%.
- Creativity: Creativity is highly required in the job setting as a computer operator. You must be able to make something out of nothing that is thinking outside the box. There are a lot of computer operators out there and the competition is massive; without creativity, you will lose most of your clients.
In some scenarios, clients may just have the idea of what they want you to do for them, you have to use your experience and creativity to give them what will impress them. This is why you need personal development and improvement as a computer operator. Although you should always obey clients’ demands on a project, you should also add a bit of creativity in whatever you are doing for them to retain them. They will be very thankful to you if you do such; when your creativity gives them what they want they will appreciate it.
How to Become a Computer Operator
- Obtain a High School Diploma
Entry-level computer operators are not mandated to have a degree in computer science but they need to develop their technical skills and knowledge the job placement requires. These candidates can also benefit from on-the-job training or support in acquiring a professional certification if they have the desire.
- Acquire a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
A professional computer operator cannot depend on a high school diploma alone but has to acquire a bachelor’s degree in computer science which usually takes about four-five years to complete. This degree offers a wide range of knowledge in computer applications and programs. In the course of the degree; you will be mandated to complete a student industrial attachment in computer science to gain experience.
- Acquire certifications
As a computer operator, acquiring certification is very paramount to harnessing more skills. Candidates with both graduate education and undergraduate can acquire certifications in the following computer systems; software, programming language, or cyber- and computer security issues.
- Enroll for Internship
As a computer operator, getting experience in an information technology environment or data center experience is highly paramount. This job experience helps you get skills such as how to maintain gadgets and also how to do networking.
- Draft Your Resume
Draft your resume and include your educational qualifications, skills, and experience, and start applying for jobs asp. You should apply for open positions.
Where can a Computer Operator Work?
- Retail Businesses
- Banks
- Insurance Companies
- Information Communication Technology firms
- Government Agencies
- Academic Institutions
- Individual Cyber Cafes
Computer Operator Salary
- In the United States, the average salary of a computer operator ranges from $39,885 to $54,046. These salaries depend on the location and experience of the computer operator.
- In Nigeria, a person working as a computer operator typically earns around 228,000NGN per month. Salaries range from 123,000NGN to 345,000NGN.
