Their work must conform to policy and technical standards set by agency and IRM top management. Computer Systems Programmers 2 may obtain technical advice from their supervisors, but usually rely for direction on policy directives, agency and vendor technical manuals and procedural guides and professional standards. Often, they are the agency's systems programming technical experts. Computer Systems Programmers 1 and 2 are expected to be available during off-shift hours to ensure continuous operation of computer services. The work of Computer Systems Programmers 1 and 2 is complex and requires specialized training and experience.
Systems programming is a highly technical specialty within the field of data processing.
Hardware changes may require changes in system software. Consequently, Computer Systems Programmers must continually modify system software to accommodate change and to balance system activity for optimum effectiveness and efficiency. In addition, their work requires interaction with users as well as other IRM processing personnel. The consequences of error or neglect on the part of Computer Systems Programmers 1 and 2 are great, affecting the availability of some or all computer services in the agency and affecting the work of users, applications programmers, data base programmers, data communications specialists and operations personnel. They communicate with IRM personnel verbally and in writing during systems design, implementation and maintenance in order to produce effective and efficient systems, and communicate verbally with end-users in order to meet their needs.