This position is located in the Computer Operations unit and serves to schedule production and one-time computer programs for processing on several computing systems.
Duties
-- Writes the daily schedule of computer jobs to be processed including both production and one-time runs.
-- Checks job control cards for correct job control language on all jobs submitted for processing. Returns jobs having control deficiencies to programmers.
-- Monitors job status in order to (1) know equipment abnormally terminated utilization status, (2) add jobs which will fill the time vacated by abnormally terminated runs, (3) catch up on backlogs by adding to the schedule when computer resources are available, (4) shift jobs between computers when equipment failures occur and (5) advise the user of job status and estimated completion time.
-- Works with computer operators to expedite processing throughout by upgrading job priority or changing the order of processing and to keep informed of job problems as soon as they occur. Informs the user of problems and schedules job re-runs after user makes corrections.
-- Reviews production results to determine accuracy of schedules.
Factor 1, Knowledge Required by the Position -- Level 1-4 -- 550 Points
-- Knowledge of computer equipment capacity and speed for several hardware systems in order to schedule jobs in a manner that fully utilizes available computer resources by processing a maximum number of jobs within normal processing hours. This knowledge is applied in altering the schedule throughout the operating day as priorities and
equipment resource availability change.
-- Knowledge of job priority categories and the standing procedures relevant to assigning priorities to jobs, in order to accept, reject or amend priority levels.
-- Knowledge of how the operating system software places incoming jobs in queue, initiates a job from the queue, terminates the job when it is completed and produces the output, in order to amend control instructions, adjust priorities and to remove and re-enter jobs without loss of place in queue.
-- Knowledge of system control languages in order to amend processing instructions coded on the run sheet, including job name, accounting data, programmer and job priority, and program input and execution statements.
-- Knowledge of processing specifications such as dependencies and planned halts for individual programs.
Factor 2, Supervisory Controls -- Level 2-2 -- 125 Points
Procedures and priorities for scheduling production runs are established by management.
Production jobs are scheduled for daily, weekly, monthly or other recurring intervals. Test runs and other one-time jobs are processed on an "as required" basis. The supervisor provides information on available computer resources and hardware/ software problems that may effect processing. The employee uses this information in planning and developing schedules to avoid backlogs and to maximize throughput by shifting jobs between computers and scheduling to insure that all available resources are at maximum utilization. Review of finished work is
accomplished through system reports to compare planned versus actual runs, reasons for failures, or incompleted schedules and to confirm that acceptable methods were applied.
Factor 3, Guidelines -- Level 3-3 -- 275 Points
Guidelines include system operating written procedures, job control (()) language guides, processing documentation, program run books and tape inventory listings. There are separate sets of guides for each computer system for which the scheduling is performed, and variations in program documentation depending on the system on which processed. Guides for developing schedules are limited to general statements and samples. Organizing schedules to achieve maximum equipment utilization is the primary responsibility of this position, requiring that the employees select the proper guideline, exercise sound judgment and rely on experience and precedent to apply the guidelines in proper combination to program, system and priority characteristics and requirements. Only those problems for which guidelines are unavailable or which exceed system limitations are referred to the supervisor or a specialist.
Factor 4, Complexity -- Level 4-2 -- 75 Points
The incumbent must consider queue sequence in relation to dependencies; constraints in the system on which programs are to be processed; total load balances in each system; input,
program and software compatibility; and backlog or high priority work requirements. The queue is modified during the processing day on the basis of special requirements and processing problems. Incumbent adapts to the variety of programs, system requirements, and problem situations within a framework of several interrelated but different procedures and methods.
Factor 5, Scope and Effect -- Level 5-2 -- 75 Points
The purpose of the work is to systematically organize jobs to be processed according to priority, contingency or dependency on other jobs and in a manner to achieve maximum utilization of computer resources. The work affects the timeliness of batch processing production jobs which comprise the majority of data processing work of the agency, and the accuracy, reliability and timeliness of ad hoc special processing.
Factor 6, Personal Contacts -- Level 6-2 -- 25 Points
Personal contacts are with DPC co-workers in computer operations, (()) production control and the tape library, and with programmers and other users and functional managers.
Factor 7, Purpose of Contacts -- Level 7-1 -- 20 Points
The purpose of the contacts is to explain or to clarify scheduling problems, obtain additional information about program requirements, discuss schedule changes, advise on processing status and plan schedule revisions.
Factor 8, Physical Demands -- Level 8-1 -- 5 Points
The work is primarily sedentary, with some walking and standing required during coordination with users and operators, but not to an unusual degree. The physical demands are typical of a normal office setting and impose no unusual hardships.
Factor 9, Work Environment -- Level 9-1 -- 5 Points
The work is performed in an office like setting that is adequately heated, lighted and ventilated, posing no unusual risks, discomforts or safety requirements.
TOTAL POINTS – 1155 GS-6 = 1100-1350