It seems like there is an uncommonly high number of computer-assisted job openings at newspapers these days. (And by “uncommonly high” I mean “more than one.” It is a relatively small field, after all.)

Gannett’s The Journal News of White Plains, New York, is looking for a full-time CAR specialist to “work as part of a Data Desk team to acquire data, provide analysis, create maps and assist in posting data to the Web.” They’re looking for the usual skills: Excel, Access, SQL and mapping, plus knowledge of PHP or other language and at least two years of CAR experience. I couldn’t find this one posted on any of the usual sites, but the note sent to NICAR-L today said resume and clips should be sent by August 3 to Frank Brill, Deputy Managing Editor/Data Desk, whose contact information I trust you can unearth on your own if you’d like to work in whatever the heck the “LoHud” is. (Sorry, ignorant native Floridian talking here.)

Tribune’s Sun-Sentinel of Fort Lauderdale (Whoops! How on earth did I get that link wrong?) is after a CAR/Database Specialist to work on a two-person team with all-around good guy John Maines. Again, the usual: Reporting experience, fluency in Excel, Access, SQL and ArcGIS with at least two years of CAR experience. Web development, foreign language skills and writing abilities get you bonus points. I can only assume that they mean the ability to write well, as opposed to the literal and rather less challenging skill of writing in general. Also, don’t think that just because the S-S competes with my employer, The Palm Beach Post, in southern Palm Beach County that I would automatically hate you for seeking this job. I’d immediately set out to destroy you and all that you stand for, most assuredly. But I wouldn’t necessarily hate you as I relentlessly and, if I’m being completely honest, ruthlessly pursued that goal.

Tribune’s Orlando Sentinel says they want a “computer projects specialist.” Turn-ons include “experience working with large data sets” and “the ability to provide statistical analysis.” Awww yeeeaah. Expertise in Access and Excel are required, while knowledge of SQL, web development and GIS are pluses. Ability to wear the mandatory newsroom mouse ears hat without shame or complaint is mandatory. (That last bit’s not strictly accurate. The full truth is that infant-size Tigger costumes also are an acceptable option under the newsroom’s well-known and long-standing mandatory Disney-oriented dress code. Maybe someday Danny Sanchez can explain how he fits inside of his.)

Cox’s The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is looking for the second half of a two-headed CAR duo. Five or more years of journalism experience, the usual suspects of software, deep knowledge of public records. Contact is Newsroom Recruiter Rana Cash. No cracking wise about this one because … well, you know what I like best about working for a Cox newspaper? I mean, aside from the obvious benefits inherent in working for a privately owned, diversified media company with over 80,000 employees and 2006 revenue in excess of $13 billion? Continuing to receive paychecks from that company, that’s what.

Finally, Tribune’s The Morning Call of Allentown, Pennsylvania is looking for a database editor. Their wish list: “Knowledge of computer platforms, PC applications, Excel and Access and an understanding of networking are required, as is familiarity with ASP.net and SQL Server. Knowledge of HTML and XML is required. Experience with PHP/MySQL is preferred. A bachelor’s degree, not necessarily in computer science, is required, a master’s would be a plus.” Specific enough for ya?