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%
$80,260
TOTAL 50%
$81,015
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)
Explains the importance of using suitable programming languages and platforms in software engineering.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Prepares engineering documentation to ensure software adheres to user expectations.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Utilizes version control systems (VCS) to track and manage changes in software codes.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Evaluates and modifies existing development processes to optimize software production and reduce errors.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Develops optimization strategies to improve software product quality and usability.
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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)
Explains the importance of mainframe computer infrastructure when running programs.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Follows operating guidelines when tracking mainframe operating system performance metrics.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Utilizes mainframe computer operating systems to process complex numerical and data-driven tasks.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Recommends system changes to improve the availability and recoverability of mainframe operations.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Establishes system management protocols to capture processed information within the mainframe operating system.
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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)
Identifies the methods, techniques, and processes used in developing a 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)
Partners with teams to implement controls and mitigation strategies to reduce disaster recovery risks.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Manages all related activities in disaster recovery planning and implementation to ensure appropriateness and accuracy.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Introduces advanced disaster recovery testing methodologies to efficiently evaluate proposed plans.
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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)
Identifies coding errors and parts of computer programs that are not functioning correctly.
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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)
Monitors the testing of program codes periodically to ensure it produces the desirable results.
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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)
Identifies tools that assist 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)
Explains our key business strategies and priorities.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Reports and communicates market and competitor status regularly to the management team.
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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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