Agricultural Inspectors

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Inspect food products and processing procedures to determine whether products are safe to eat.94
Monitor the operations and sanitary conditions of slaughtering or meat processing plants.89
Label and seal graded products and issue official grading certificates.89
Inspect agricultural commodities or related operations, as well as fish or logging operations, for compliance with laws and regulations governing health, quality, and safety.88
Take emergency actions, such as closing production facilities, if product safety is compromised.88
Interpret and enforce government acts and regulations and explain required standards to agricultural workers.87
Inspect the cleanliness and practices of establishment employees.85
Verify that transportation and handling procedures meet regulatory requirements.84
Review and monitor foreign product inspection systems in countries of origin to ensure equivalence to the U.S. system.82
Monitor the grading performed by company employees to verify conformance to standards.81
Inspect or test horticultural products or livestock to detect harmful diseases, chemical residues, or infestations and to determine the quality of products or animals.80
Set standards for the production of meat or poultry products or for food ingredients, additives, or compounds used to prepare or package products.80

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Direct or monitor the quarantine and treatment or destruction of plants or plant products.80
Write reports of findings and recommendations and advise farmers, growers, or processors of corrective action to be taken.79
Inquire about pesticides or chemicals to which animals may have been exposed.79
Collect samples from animals, plants, or products and route them to laboratories for microbiological assessment, ingredient verification, or other testing.78
Set labeling standards and approve labels for meat or poultry products.78
Examine, weigh, and measure commodities, such as poultry, eggs, meat, or seafood to certify qualities, grades, and weights.76
Provide consultative services in areas such as equipment or product evaluation, plant construction or layout, or food safety systems.74
Advise farmers or growers of development programs or new equipment or techniques to aid in quality production.74
Compare product recipes with government-approved formulas or recipes to determine acceptability.—
Testify in legal proceedings.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Quality Control Analysis78
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Active Listening69
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring69
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension69
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking66
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Speaking63
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning56
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making56
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Operations Monitoring56
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Complex Problem Solving53
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination53
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Systems Analysis53
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

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Systems Evaluation53
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Writing53
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies47
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Negotiation47
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion47
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation47
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Time Management47
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Science44
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Social Perceptiveness44
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Management of Personnel Resources41
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics41
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operation and Control38
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Troubleshooting25
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Management of Material Resources19
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Analysis19
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Technology Design19
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Management of Financial Resources16
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Programming13
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Equipment Selection3
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service63
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Administration and Management59
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Administrative58
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Law and Government58
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Mathematics55
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Public Safety and Security55
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language54
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Education and Training49
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Food Production48
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Computers and Electronics47
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Production and Processing46
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Transportation45
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

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Personnel and Human Resources41
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Biology38
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Communications and Media32
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Engineering and Technology32
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mechanical32
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Psychology32
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Chemistry29
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Geography27
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Telecommunications27
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Economics and Accounting23
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Foreign Language19
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Sociology and Anthropology19
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Design18
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Building and Construction17
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Sales and Marketing14
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Therapy and Counseling14
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Medicine and Dentistry11
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Philosophy and Theology11
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Physics10
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
History and Archeology6
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Fine Arts4
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Problem Sensitivity75
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Deductive Reasoning72
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning72
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension72
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension66
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Far Vision63
The ability to see details at a distance.
Flexibility of Closure63
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Speech Clarity63
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Perceptual Speed56
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speech Recognition56
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

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Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Information Ordering53
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Speed of Closure53
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Written Expression53
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Auditory Attention50
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Visual Color Discrimination47
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Fluency of Ideas44
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Time Sharing44
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visualization44
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Arm-Hand Steadiness41
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Finger Dexterity41
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Originality41
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Manual Dexterity38
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Mathematical Reasoning38
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Multilimb Coordination38
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Control Precision35
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Hearing Sensitivity35
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Number Facility35
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Depth Perception31
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Trunk Strength31
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Extent Flexibility28
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Memorization28
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Rate Control28
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time28
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Dynamic Strength25
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Coordination25
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Spatial Orientation25
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement25
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina25
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength25
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Gross Body Equilibrium22
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Peripheral Vision22
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Response Orientation22
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Wrist-Finger Speed22
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Glare Sensitivity19
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Sound Localization19
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Night Vision16
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Documenting/Recording Information87
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates86
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards86
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Getting Information83
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events81
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships76
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems74
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials73
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work73
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Working with Computers73
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization71
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People70
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge70
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings69
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Processing Information67
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others65
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Training and Teaching Others65
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others64
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Performing General Physical Activities61
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment59
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public57
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Analyzing Data or Information54
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Performing Administrative Activities52
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information51
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Handling and Moving Objects50
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Scheduling Work and Activities50
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others47
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others46
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing and Building Teams45
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Coaching and Developing Others42
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Thinking Creatively42
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Assisting and Caring for Others38
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates37
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Controlling Machines and Processes34
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Selling or Influencing Others31
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Developing Objectives and Strategies28
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment28
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources27
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Staffing Organizational Units24
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment23
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment11
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail92
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Integrity85
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Cautiousness75
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Self-Control55
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Perseverance51
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Sincerity49
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Achievement Orientation47
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Stress Tolerance43
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Confidence41
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Leadership Orientation40
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Cooperation36
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

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Intellectual Curiosity36
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Adaptability30
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Initiative27
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Social Orientation26
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Humility7
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Optimism7
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Empathy4
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic73
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional70
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative51
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Enterprising35
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social15
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important76%
- Very important13%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others76%
- Contact with others most of the time17%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day69%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important59%
- Very important26%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results47%
- Important results30%
- Moderate results18%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom65%
- Very little freedom16%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day60%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Never13%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day67%
- Never20%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom51%
- Some freedom17%
- Limited freedom13%
- Very little freedom16%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day45%
- Once a week or more but not every day30%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important49%
- Very important23%
- Important13%
- Not important at all11%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day54%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%

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Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important40%
- Very important26%
- Important20%
- Fairly important13%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day61%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Never21%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day47%
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Never11%
Time Pressure
- Every day53%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never12%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day59%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Never21%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day25%
- Once a week or more but not every day46%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Never11%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)11%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)56%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)24%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day50%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Never15%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually24%
- More than half the time29%
- About half the time31%
- Less than half the time15%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually50%
- More than half the time11%
- Less than half the time27%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important33%
- Very important31%
- Important14%
- Not important at all14%
E-Mail
- Every day45%
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Never28%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility30%
- High responsibility20%
- Moderate responsibility23%
- Limited responsibility16%
- No responsibility11%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually42%
- More than half the time12%
- Less than half the time34%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility32%
- High responsibility24%
- Moderate responsibility19%
- No responsibility22%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours40%
- 40 hours38%
- Less than 40 hours22%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day27%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Never23%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually20%
- More than half the time22%
- About half the time23%
- Less than half the time35%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day17%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week31%
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious17%
- Very serious28%
- Serious16%
- Fairly serious30%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually23%
- More than half the time15%
- About half the time17%
- Less than half the time38%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day18%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never28%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important12%
- Very important31%
- Important18%
- Not important at all37%
Conflict Situations
- Every day11%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month33%
- Never16%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually15%
- About half the time18%
- Less than half the time50%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day18%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never29%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day35%
- Never50%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive24%
- Moderately competitive20%
- Slightly competitive24%
- Not at all competitive28%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never40%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never39%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated19%
- Moderately automated13%
- Slightly automated14%
- Not at all automated44%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never49%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day16%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never49%
Exposed to High Places
- Every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never54%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time28%
- Never50%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time52%
- Never39%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day15%
- Never73%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never66%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month46%
- Never44%
Public Speaking
- Once a year or more but not every month49%
- Never46%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time31%
- Never54%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)24%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)72%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never96%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never95%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never91%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Graphics or photo imaging software
Image processing software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access, Operational databases

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Inspect products or operations to ensure that standards are met.
Mark agricultural or forestry products for identification.
Package agricultural products for shipment or further processing.
Warn individuals about rule violations or safety concerns.
Advise others on farming or forestry operations, regulations, or equipment.
Inspect equipment or systems.
Inspect operational processes.
Monitor operational activities to ensure compliance with regulations or standard operating procedures.
Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures.
Prepare meat products for sale or consumption.
Care for plants or animals.
Coordinate safety or regulatory compliance activities.

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Develop safety standards, policies, or procedures.
Dispose of trash or waste materials.
Examine animals to detect illness, injury or other problems.
Monitor processes for compliance with standards.
Maintain operational records.
Care for animals.
Provide care for animals.
Collect biological specimens.
Send information, materials or documentation.
Measure physical characteristics of forestry or agricultural products.
Advise others on career or personal development.
Advise others on issues related to repairs, installation, or equipment design.
Advise others on the development or use of new technologies.
Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Agricultural Commodity Grader

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology