COMPUTER PROGRAMMER (I thru V)

Thank you for your interest in N-E-I and this position, which is full-time (40 hours per week).

COMPANY BACKGROUND: INFORMATION

N-E-I is a service business with a history of successfully delivering projects for federal government agencies by providing outstanding service and comprehensive turn-key solutions. We are certified as s Small Disadvantaged (SDB), Woman-Owned (WOSB/EDWOSB), and Minority entity, which has been in operation since 1987. We are proposing on a 5-year contract at Camp Pendleton, CA. and seek highly experienced and qualified employees to fill these positions.

JOB FUNCTIONS: I

COMPUTER PROGRAMMER

Performs programming services for establishments or outside organizations which may contract for services. Converts specifications about business or scientific problems into a sequence of detailed instructions to solve problems by electronic data processing (EDP) equipment, that is, digital computers. Draws program flow charts to describe the processing of data and develops the precise steps and processing logic which, when entered into the computer in coded language (COBOL, FORTRAN, or other programming language), cause the manipulation of data to achieve desired results. Tests and corrects programs and prepares instructions for operators who control the computer during runs. Modifies programs to increase operating efficiency or to respond to changes in work processes; maintains records to document program development and revisions. At levels 1, 2, and 3, computer programmers may also perform programming analysis such as: gathering facts from users to define their business or scientific problems and to investigate the feasibility of solving problems through new or modified computer programs; developing specifications for data inputs, flow, actions, decisions, and outputs; and participating on a continuing basis in the overall program planning along with other EDP personnel and users. At levels 4 and 5, some programming analysis must be performed as part of the programming assignment.

Positions are classified into levels based on the following definitions:

COMPUTER PROGRAMMER I

At this trainee level, assignments are usually planned to develop basic programming skills because incumbents are typically inexperienced in applying such skills on the job. Assists higher level staff by performing elementary programming tasks which concern limited and simple data items and steps which closely follow patterns of previous work done in the organization, for example, drawing flow charts, writing operator instructions, or coding and testing routines to accumulate counts, tallies, or summaries. May perform routine programming assignments (as described in level 2) under close supervision. In addition, as training and to assist higher level staff, may perform elementary fact finding concerning a specified work process, for example, a file of clerical records which is treated as a unit (invoices, requisitions, or purchase orders, etc.); reports findings to higher level staff. Receives classroom and/or on-the-job training in computer programming concepts, methods, and techniques and in the basic requirements of the subject matter area. May receive training in elementary fact-finding. Detailed, step-by-step instructions are given for each task and any deviation must be authorized by a supervisor.

COMPUTER PROGRAMMER II

Initial assignments are designed to develop competence in applying established programming procedures to routine problems. Performs routine programming assignments that do not require skilled background experience but do require knowledge of established programming procedures and data processing requirements. Works according to clear-cut and complete specifications. The data are refined and the format of the final product is very similar to that of the input or is well defined when significantly different, that is, there are few, if any, problems with interrelating varied records and outputs. Maintains and modifies routine programs. Makes approved changes by amending program flow charts, developing detailed processing logic, and coding changes. Tests and documents modifications and writes operator instructions. May write routine new programs using prescribed specifications; may confer with EDP personnel to clarify procedures, processing logic, etc. In addition, and as continued training, may evaluate simple interrelationships in the immediate programming area, for example, whether a contemplated change in one part of a simple program would cause unwanted results in a related part; confers with user representatives to gain an understanding of the situation sufficient to formulate the needed change; and implements the change upon approval of the supervisor or higher level staff. The incumbent is provided with charts, narrative descriptions of the functions performed, an approved statement of the product desired (for example, a change in a local establishment report), and the inputs, outputs, and record formats. Reviews objectives and assignment details with higher level staff to insure thorough understanding; uses judgment in selecting among authorized procedures and seeks assistance when guidelines are inadequate, significant deviations are proposed, or when unanticipated problems arise.

COMPUTER PROGRAMMER III

As a fully qualified computer programmer, applies standard programming procedures and detailed knowledge of pertinent subject matter (for example, work processes, governing rules, clerical procedures, etc.) in a programming area such as: a record keeping operation (supply, personnel and payroll, inventory, purchasing, insurance payments, depositor accounts, etc.); a well-defined statistical or scientific problem; or other standardized operation or problem. Works according to approved statements of requirements and detailed specifications. While the data are clear cut, related, and equally available, there may be substantial interrelationships of a variety of records and several varied sequences of formats are usually produced. The programs developed or modified typically are linked to several other programs in that the output of one becomes the input for another. Recognizes probable interactions of other related programs with the assigned program(s) and is familiar with related system software and computer equipment. Solves conventional programming problems. (In small organizations, may maintain programs which concern or combine several operations, that is, users, or develop programs where there is one primary user and the others give input.) Tests and documents work and writes and maintains operator instructions for assigned programs. Confers with other EDP personnel to obtain or provide factual data. In addition, may carry out fact-finding and programming analysis of a single activity or routine problem, applying established procedures where the nature of the program, feasibility, computer equipment, and programming language have already been decided. May analyze present performance of the program and take action to correct deficiencies based on discussion with the user and consultation with and approval of the supervisor or higher level staff.

COMPUTER PROGRAMMER IV

Applies expertise in programming procedures to complex programs; recommends the redesign of programs, investigates and analyzes feasibility and program requirements, and develops programming specifications. Assigned programs typically affect a broad multiuser computer system which meets the data processing needs of a broad area (for example, manufacturing, logistics planning, finance management, human resources, or material management) or a computer system for a project in engineering, research, accounting, statistics, etc. Plans the full range of programming actions to produce several interrelated but different products from numerous and diverse data elements which are usually from different sources; solves difficult programming problems. Uses knowledge of pertinent system software, computer equipment, work processes, regulations, and management practices. In addition, performs such programming analysis as:

1. Investigating the feasibility of alternate program design approaches to determine the best balanced solution, (for example, one that will best satisfy immediate user needs, facilitate subsequent modification, and conserve resources);

2. On typical maintenance projects and smaller scale, limited new projects, assisting user personnel in defining problems or needs and determining work organization, the necessary files and records, and their interrelation with the program;

3. On large or more complicated projects, participating as a team member along with other EDP personnel and users and having responsibility for a portion of the project. Works independently under overall objectives and direction, apprising the supervisor about progress and unusual complications. Modifies and adapts precedent solutions and proven approaches. Guidelines include constraints imposed by the related programs with which the incumbent’s programs must be meshed. Completed work is reviewed for timeliness, compatibility with other work, and effectiveness in meeting requirements.

COMPUTER PROGRAMMER V

At Level V, workers are typically either supervisors, team leaders, staff specialists, or consultants. Some programming analysis is included as a part of the programming assignment. Supervision and review are similar to Level IV.