Skills & Competencies for Mainframe Programmer

Mainframe Programmer job profile

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JOB SUMMARY for Mainframe Programmer

Reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing for a large-scale mainframe computer system.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES for Mainframe Programmer

Maintains and develops online and batch application programs. Develops and implements a disaster recovery plan. Works with project members to develop specifications, diagrams and flowcharts.

Mainframe Programmer SALARY RANGE

BASE 50%
$81,116
TOTAL 50%
$81,878
Job Level
P02
Job Code
IT10000057
Education/Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Reports To
Project Leader or Manager

Mainframe Programmer Skills and Competencies List

Proficiency Levels and Behavioural Indicators
Salary.com identifies five increasing levels of proficiency for each skill/competency. Some jobs require only a relatively low level of proficiency in each skill/competency, while other jobs will require a more advanced level of proficiency in the same skill/competency. These levels rate the degree of proficiency (skill level, expertise) we expect the incumbent to perform in the given skill/competency for the given job. Note that we intentionally do not associate timeframes or years of experience in performing the skill/competency because that can be misleading. Proficiency levels identify what the incumbent knows and can do rather than how long they have been doing it. Also, note that the proficiency levels are cumulative, e.g., a level 4 proficiency implies the ability to perform all the behaviors at the lower levels.
Check each Mainframe Programmer skill and competencie below to view definitions.
INDUSTRY COMPETENCIES JOB FAMILY COMPETENCIES CORE COMPETENCIES
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6 hard skills or competencies (industry competencies) for Mainframe Programmer

1 Industry Competency – Software Engineering
Proficiency Level -2
Skill definition-Applying computer science and engineering principles, methods, and practices to design, develop, deploy, and maintain reliable software systems.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Describes the application of engineering principles and methods in software architecture design.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Gathers and compiles user requirements to support software design and development processes.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Performs system analyses to assess the functionality and interoperability of software products.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Establishes performance metrics to track the effectiveness of software engineering processes and procedures.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Designs and executes innovative strategies to streamline software engineering processes.
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2 Industry Competency – Mainframe Operating Systems
Proficiency Level -2
Skill definition-Utilizing a networking software infrastructure to manage a computer system's memory, processing performance, connected devices, and file systems.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Discusses the key elements, technical capabilities, and limitations of mainframe operating systems.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in distinguishing capabilities of mainframe operating system upgrades to eliminate unnecessary downtime.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Installs and upgrades control systems on multiple mainframe environments that meet user expectations.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Provides support when adjusting online production processes of mainframe operating systems and applications.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Designs infrastructure and integrated mainframe operations solutions to improve system management services.
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3 Mainframe Programmer - Skill and Competency
Proficiency Level - 3
4 Skill and Competency - Mainframe Programmer
Proficiency Level - 4
5 Competency for - Mainframe Programmer
Proficiency Level - 5

4 general skills or competencies (Job family competencies) for Mainframe Programmer

1 Job Family Competencies – Disaster Recovery
Proficiency Level -2
Skill definition-Applying methods and processes in executing recovery processes in response to a disaster to protect business IT infrastructure.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Explains the importance and benefits of a proactive disaster recovery plan.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Responds to emergency network outages in alignment with disaster recovery plans.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Implements disaster recovery solutions and backup procedures to maintain full business continuity.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Develops standard operating procedures for network outages and disasters to streamline recovery actions.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Designs metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of disaster recovery strategies and processes.
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2 Job Family Competencies – Programming
Proficiency Level -2
Skill definition-Executing logic to facilitate computing operations and functionality in one or more languages.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Explains how to interpret source code from a specific programming language.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Gathers user requirements and defines system functionality for computer programming.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Performs program tests to spot and resolve bugs and inconsistencies.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Improves existing computer programs to maintain efficiency and reliability.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Establishes a standard programming framework to help the team design an executable computer program.
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3 Mainframe Programmer - Skill and Competency
Proficiency Level - 3
4 Skill and Competency - Mainframe Programmer
Proficiency Level - 4
5 Competency for - Mainframe Programmer
Proficiency Level - 5

7 soft skills or competencies (core competencies) for Mainframe Programmer

1 Core Competencies – Analytical Thinking
Proficiency Level -2
Skill definition-Gathering, organizing, and analyzing information to identify the root cause of organizational problems and develop alternative solutions accordingly.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Explains the integral role data collection plays when conducting analytical thinking.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Gathers necessary information from various channels to support decision-making.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Examines information or a situation thoroughly and in detail.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Evaluates the cost, return, risks, and achievements before recommending a solution.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Forecasts customers' expectations and formulates strategies to ensure customer satisfaction.
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2 Core Competencies – Innovation
Proficiency Level -2
Skill definition-The ability and process of implementing new ideas and initiatives to improve organizational performance.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of our products and services.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Explains advantages and disadvantages of different organizational structures from an efficiency perspective.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Evaluates supply chain efficiency with an eye toward improving shortcomings.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Leverages the latest technologies and tools that enhance business analytics.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Designs and implements feedback loops to identify and promptly address business problems.
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3 Mainframe Programmer - Skill and Competency
Proficiency Level - 3
4 Skill and Competency - Mainframe Programmer
Proficiency Level - 4
5 Competency for - Mainframe Programmer
Proficiency Level - 5

Summary of Mainframe Programmer skills and competencies

There are 6 hard skills for Mainframe Programmer, Software Engineering, Mainframe Operating Systems, Mainframe Application Development, etc.
4 general skills for Mainframe Programmer, Disaster Recovery, Programming, Software Development Life Cycle, etc.
7 soft skills for Mainframe Programmer, Analytical Thinking, Innovation, Attention to Detail, etc.
While the list totals 17 distinct skills, it's important to note that not all are required to be mastered to the same degree. Some skills may only need a basic understanding, whereas others demand a higher level of expertise.
For instance, as a Mainframe Programmer, he or she needs to be proficient in Analytical Thinking, be proficient in Innovation, and be proficient in Attention to Detail.

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