___________________________________________ Realistic Occupations: Computer Support SpecialistsNaval Architects; Materials Engineers; Mechanical
Engineers; Nuclear Engineers.
Skills: Management of Personnel Resources; Systems
Analysis; Systems Evaluation; Management of Mate-
rial Resources; Management of Financial Resources;
Operation Monitoring; Negotiation; Complex Prob-
lem Solving.
Education and Training Programs: Civil Engi-
neering, General; Transportation and Highway
Engineering; Water Resources Engineering; Civil
Engineering, Other. Related Knowledge/Courses:
Engineering and Technology; Design; Building and
Construction; Physics; Transportation; Geography.
Work Env ironment : More often outdoors than
indoors; very hot or cold; contaminants; hazardous
equipment; sitting.Computer Support Specialists
! Personality Code: RIC! Education/Training Required: Associate
degree
! Annual Earnings: $42,400
! Beginning Wage: $25,950
! Earnings Growth Potential: Medium
! Growth: 12.9%
! Annual Job Openings: 97,334
! Self-Employed: 1.3%
! Part-Time: 6.9%
Provide technical assistance to computer sys-
tem users. Answer questions or resolve computer
problems for clients in person, via telephone, or
from remote locations. May provide assistance
concerning the use of computer hardware and
software, including printing, installation, word
processing, e-mail, and operating systems. Over-
see the daily performance of computer systems.
Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or
hardware operation to resolve problems. Enter com-
mands and observe system functioning to verify cor-
rect operations and detect errors. Set up equipmentfor employee use, performing or ensuring proper
installation of cables, operating systems, or appro-
priate software. Install and perform minor repairs
to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, fol-
lowing design or installation specifi cations. Maintain
records of daily data communication transactions,
problems and remedial actions taken, or installation
activities. Read technical manuals, confer with users,
or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and
resolve problems or to provide technical assistance
and support. Refer major hardware or software prob-
lems or defective products to vendors or technicians
for service. Develop training materials and proce-
dures or train users in the proper use of hardware or
software. Confer with staff , users, and management
to establish requirements for new systems or modifi -
cations. Prepare evaluations of software or hardware
and recommend improvements or upgrades. Read
trade magazines and technical manuals or attend
conferences and seminars to maintain knowledge of
hardware and software. Hire, supervise, and direct
workers engaged in special project work, problem
solving, monitoring, and installing data communi-
cation equipment and software. Inspect equipment
and read order sheets to prepare for delivery to users.
Modify and customize commercial programs for
internal needs. Conduct offi ce automation feasibility
studies, including workfl ow analysis, space design, or
cost comparison analysis.
GOE—Interest Area/Cluster: 11. I n for m at ion
Te c h n o l o g y. Work Group: 11.02. I n for m at ion Te c h-
nology Specialties. Ot her Jobs in! is Work Group:
Computer and Information Scientists, Research;
Computer Operators; Computer Programmers;
Computer Security Specialists; Computer Software
Engineers, Applications; Computer Software Engi-
neers, Systems Software; Computer Systems Ana-
lysts; Computer Systems Engineers/Architects;
Database Administrators; Network Designers; Net-
work Systems and Data Communications Analysts;
Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers;
Web Administrators; Web Developers.
Skills: Programming; Installation; Systems
Analysis; Operation Monitoring; Repairing;Realistic–
C