Many people think that being a computer operator is simply sitting at a computer and operating it.  This is not the case as most employers that are hiring computer operators are looking for someone to oversee and maintain large computer operations.  Employers that are in the highest demand for these kinds of jobs are hospitals and large companies with national networks.  This page is dedicated to helping you understand what computer operator jobs include and what is required.

Any company that has a mainframe or server functions is usually in need of a computer operator.  The computer operator is the main person that oversees that the company network is functioning correctly.  In  a hospital setting, the operator would make sure that pending printing packets are sent to the right printers without delays or hold ups.  They would also make sure the patient databases are functioning without any errors or memory dumps.  In a different business setting a computer operator would monitor server and intranet functions as well as make any changes or maintenance that is required to keep the databases function properly.  In any case and in any employer platform, if there is a problem, it is up to the computer operator to fix it.  Because computers are erratic and people never know when a computer might have an error, computer operators are typically on call 24X7 even after they have finished their regular 8 hour shift at work.  You have a great responsibility as the computer operator because you are the fix it person with the knowledge and know how to get the computer systems running well again. 

Although you don’t need a college degree to be a computer operator a bachelors degree in computer science or communications is definitely a plus.  You should also have a basic knowledge of SQL, FTP, SMTP, VPN, Network protocols, and database functionality.  You must also have troubleshooting knowledge and have the skills necessary to fix systems without having to take the system completely off line.  Of course this does happen and the only way to fix a system is to reboot it, but with advances in database and network technology, most issues can be repaired by leaving the system running.  Remember time is money and when a computer is down it is costing your employer money.  As a computer operator preventative maintenance measures must be taken to ensure smooth program execution and less network down time.