Sample job description
You may find other sample job descriptions taken from various U.S. Government publications. These descriptions do not conform to the format suggested here, but could be adapted to it very easily. Existing job descriptions, such as those from the U.S. Government publications, are good sources of job analysis information. These descriptions should not, however, be indiscriminately included in pay programs.
The job used in the sample format here is that of a computer operator. The actual job description for a computer operator may vary greatly from organization to organization; at different organizations, computer operators may be expected to do different things.
Consequently, the job description an organization uses for any given job should not be the result of copying a form job description from a book. Rather, job descriptions used by organizations in their wage and salary administration program should be the result of a thorough job analysis effort [see What is job analysis and why do it?
at ¶31,010
]. However, once you have identified specific content and wording that you deem appropriate and legally correct for your company, you may design a form incorporating that information.
Sample job description
TITLE: Computer Operator
FLSA: Nonexempt
General Summary
Sets up and operates computer and machinery peripheral to computer for purpose of providing information to requesting corporate departments. Work requires knowledge of programming and computer logic and of methodology to run computer system. Work requires ability to read and comprehend instruction manuals in order to make minor repairs to computer equipment. Trains new computer operators. Reports to Computer Operations Supervisor.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Sets up and loads computer equipment with required items and prepares computer equipment for operation.
Operates computer and machinery peripheral to computer for purpose of providing information to requesting corporate departments.
Performs tasks necessary to prepare computer-provided information for delivery to requesting corporate departments and delivers information to requesting corporate departments.
Troubleshoots minor equipment malfunctions and corrects them as directed by computer operation manuals.
Trains new computer operators in methodology of operating computer system.
Maintains log of all work processed.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
Ability to read computer instruction manuals and comprehend directions therein in order to remedy minor computer equipment malfunctions. This is normally acquired through completion of a high school education.
Knowledge of programming and computer logic in order to perform tasks listed under Principal Duties and Responsibilities, above. This is normally acquired in three to six months of basic technical training.
Knowledge of methodology to run computer system and to troubleshoot minor computer equipment malfunctions. This is normally acquired with one to two months of on-the-job experience.
Interpersonal skills necessary to train others in computer system methodology.
Physical ability to stand and walk. Physical ability to lift and carry items weighing less than 20 pounds for 25 to 30 percent of work time.
Ability to meet deadlines.
Working Conditions
Sufficient noise 50 percent of working time from equipment peripheral to computer to cause mild physical discomfort.
Sufficient measures of electricity in use to cause harm to operator upon serious malfunction.
Approvals
Name
Date
Name
Title
Date
Name
Title
Date
The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job.
<p>The job used in the sample format here is that of a computer operator.</p>
Sample Job Description
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