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%
$80,430
TOTAL 50%
$81,186
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)
Cites examples of testing techniques used to ensure the efficiency and reliability of software products.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in performing software testing to identify code errors, bugs, and inconsistencies.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Implements new and updated software engineering processes that adhere to regulatory standards.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Develops software verification plans to ensure intuitive and robust product features.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Conceptualizes new software testing methods to deliver high-quality products that meet organizational objectives.
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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)
Describes the purposes of operating systems in mainframe administration.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Applies extensions and enhancements to mainframe operating systems to support functional software requirements.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Analyzes internal components and writes interoperable and logical codes for mainframe compatibility.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Consults with third-party vendors to manage mainframe systems upgrades and modifications.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Conceptualizes and designs application development tools to help improve mainframe programs and data processing.
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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)
Compiles a list of common disasters and threats to IT infrastructure.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Conducts business impact and risk analysis to identify recovery objectives.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Develops and uses checklists to ensure established recovery plans are properly developed.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Contributes to the establishment of best practices in disaster recovery to guide teams in natural occurrences and threats.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Champions the adoption of advanced tools and techniques to strengthen disaster recovery 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)
Cites ways how to code instructions using programming languages.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Conducts regular audits to identify program inefficiencies and suggests ways to improve the issues.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Ensures adherence to programming standards by checking and fixing problem codes.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Conducts walkthroughs and monitors the quality of the development activities.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Develops and maintains documentation of program development and revisions.
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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)
Clarifies the differences between analytical thinking and critical thinking.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Applies appropriate methods to organize and disclose meaningful data patterns.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Creates and interprets causal links among various datasets.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Coaches others on using logic and reasoning to process and organize information.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Establishes critical training and initiatives to foster analytical thinking across our business.
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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)
Demonstrates an innate sense of how to achieve positive results in the current environment.
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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)
Conceptualizes new and creative business initiatives to boost business growth.
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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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