Cobol Programmer Job Description Template

As a Cobol Programmer, you will be responsible for writing, testing, and maintaining Cobol programs to meet the needs of our business operations. You will work closely with other IT professionals, analysts, and business stakeholders to ensure that our legacy systems remain functional and efficient.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain Cobol programs and applications.
  • Modify existing programs to improve efficiency and adapt to new requirements.
  • Perform unit testing and debugging of Cobol programs.
  • Analyze and resolve program issues in a timely manner.
  • Collaborate with other IT staff to design and implement software solutions.
  • Document programs and system changes for future reference.
  • Support business operations by troubleshooting and resolving application problems.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
  • Proven experience as a Cobol Programmer.
  • Ability to work with mainframe systems and environments.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
  • Knowledge of JCL, DB2, and CICS preferred.
  • Experience with software development lifecycle methodologies.

Skills

  • Cobol
  • Mainframe
  • JCL
  • DB2
  • CICS
  • Software development lifecycle (SDLC)
  • Debugging
  • Unit testing
  • Problem-solving
  • Technical documentation

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Frequently Asked Questions

A Cobol Programmer specializes in developing, enhancing, and maintaining programs using the COBOL programming language. They are responsible for writing code that integrates with existing systems, troubleshooting and debugging programs, and ensuring software reliability. Typically, they work on legacy systems prevalent in industries like finance and banking.

To become a Cobol Programmer, one generally needs a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. It is also critical to gain experience with the COBOL language, either through coursework or hands-on projects. Familiarity with mainframe environments and related tools, such as JCL and CICS, can significantly enhance employability in this field.

The average salary for a Cobol Programmer varies depending on experience, location, and industry. Generally, Cobol Programmers in specialized sectors like finance or insurance may earn more due to specific industry demands. Salary also increases with advanced skills and substantial experience in legacy system management and the COBOL programming language.

Qualifications for a Cobol Programmer typically include a degree in computer science or similar disciplines. Expertise in the COBOL language and experience with mainframe computer systems are crucial. Additional qualifications include problem-solving skills, the ability to work in a team, and knowledge of databases and job control languages.

Key skills for a Cobol Programmer include proficiency in COBOL, strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities, and familiarity with mainframe systems. Responsibilities often involve code maintenance, system testing, and performance optimization. Additionally, knowledge of database management and batch processing systems can be crucial for efficient system integration.