Architects, Except Naval

Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

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.

Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.99
Plan or design structures such as residences, office buildings, theatres, factories, or other structural properties in accordance with environmental, safety, or other regulations.94
Meet with clients to review or discuss architectural drawings.93
Prepare contract documents for building contractors.91
Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details for its construction.88
Conduct periodic on-site observations of construction work to monitor compliance with plans.85
Consult with clients to determine functional or spatial requirements of structures.82
Integrate engineering elements into unified architectural designs.81
Plan layouts of structural architectural projects.80
Direct activities of technicians engaged in preparing drawings or specification documents.76
Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.76
Administer construction contracts.75

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Monitor the work of specialists, such as electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, interior designers, or sound specialists to ensure optimal form or function of designs or final structures.75
Create three-dimensional or interactive representations of designs, using computer-assisted design software.71
Design or plan construction of green building projects to minimize adverse environmental impact or conserve energy.67
Inspect the condition of structures.66
Design environmentally sound structural upgrades to existing buildings, such as natural lighting systems, green roofs, or rainwater collection systems.62
Inspect proposed building sites to determine suitability for construction.62
Design structures that incorporate environmentally friendly building practices or concepts, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.62
Perform predesign services, such as feasibility or environmental impact studies.61
Develop marketing materials, proposals, or presentations to generate new work opportunities.61
Gather information related to projects' environmental sustainability or operational efficiency.58
Represent clients in obtaining bids or awarding construction contracts.56
Prepare operating and maintenance manuals, studies, or reports.55
Calculate potential energy savings by comparing estimated energy consumption of proposed design to baseline standards.53

Skills

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

Critical Thinking81
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Operations Analysis78
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Complex Problem Solving75
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening72
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.
Judgment and Decision Making72
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring72
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Writing72
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning69
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Coordination69
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Systems Analysis66
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

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Systems Evaluation66
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Mathematics63
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Quality Control Analysis56
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Learning Strategies53
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Persuasion53
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Time Management53
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Management of Personnel Resources50
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Negotiation50
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Management of Financial Resources47
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Science47
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Service Orientation47
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Management of Material Resources41
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Monitoring28
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Technology Design25
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Operation and Control22
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Programming16
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Troubleshooting13
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Selection10
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.

Design94
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Building and Construction90
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Engineering and Technology74
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.
Customer and Personal Service73
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.
Public Safety and Security73
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 Language72
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Law and Government70
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Administration and Management68
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.
Computers and Electronics63
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics61
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Sales and Marketing57
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.
Physics54
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.

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Geography52
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.
Administrative51
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Mechanical51
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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.
Psychology49
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.
Fine Arts48
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Economics and Accounting47
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Communications and Media46
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
History and Archeology45
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
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.
Sociology and Anthropology40
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Telecommunications38
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Production and Processing37
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Transportation36
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Chemistry34
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.
Philosophy and Theology29
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.
Biology25
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Foreign Language23
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.
Therapy and Counseling19
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Medicine and Dentistry18
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.
Food Production13
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Deductive Reasoning81
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Visualization81
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Inductive Reasoning78
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension78
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression78
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity78
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.
Written Comprehension78
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression78
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility75
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Information Ordering75
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).
Near Vision75
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Originality75
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.

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Fluency of Ideas72
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).
Far Vision69
The ability to see details at a distance.
Flexibility of Closure66
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Speech Clarity66
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition66
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Mathematical Reasoning60
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility56
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
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.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speed of Closure50
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Memorization47
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Visual Color Discrimination44
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Time Sharing41
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Depth Perception38
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.
Finger Dexterity31
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Spatial Orientation31
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Arm-Hand Steadiness25
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision25
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Manual Dexterity25
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Trunk Strength25
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.
Auditory Attention22
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Wrist-Finger Speed16
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Hearing Sensitivity13
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Multilimb Coordination10
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.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
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 Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
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.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems90
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Thinking Creatively90
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment88
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.
Getting Information88
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers88
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 Organization86
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.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work85
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards84
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates83
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge78
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others75
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing and Building Teams72
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

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Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates71
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others71
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others71
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Scheduling Work and Activities71
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Processing Information70
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Documenting/Recording Information69
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events69
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Coaching and Developing Others68
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information68
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships66
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others66
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People65
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Training and Teaching Others64
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials63
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings63
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Analyzing Data or Information62
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Developing Objectives and Strategies59
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources56
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing Administrative Activities54
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public53
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Selling or Influencing Others51
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Staffing Organizational Units45
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Assisting and Caring for Others31
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Performing General Physical Activities23
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.
Controlling Machines and Processes20
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment20
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.
Handling and Moving Objects19
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment19
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment9
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Work Styles

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

Attention to Detail90
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability85
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Innovation84
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Intellectual Curiosity72
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Achievement Orientation71
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.
Cautiousness62
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Integrity60
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Self-Confidence59
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Perseverance56
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Social Orientation53
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Leadership Orientation51
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Initiative50
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

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Tolerance for Ambiguity50
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Adaptability48
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Cooperation48
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Stress Tolerance48
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Control41
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Sincerity33
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Empathy26
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism23
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Humility15
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

Realistic65
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.
Conventional57
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.
Artistic52
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.
Investigative48
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.
Enterprising44
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.
Social26
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.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day100%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day83%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually65%
- More than half the time35%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day61%
- Once a week or more but not every day39%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day83%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important70%
- Very important22%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others61%
- Contact with others most of the time26%
- Contact with others about half the time13%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important48%
- Very important39%
- Important13%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours57%
- 40 hours43%
Time Pressure
- Every day30%
- Once a week or more but not every day39%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom30%
- Some freedom35%
- Limited freedom26%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day39%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%

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Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results35%
- Important results30%
- Moderate results22%
- Minor results13%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day30%
- Once a week or more but not every day35%
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important32%
- Very important32%
- Important23%
- Fairly important14%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive22%
- Highly competitive48%
- Moderately competitive22%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom26%
- Some freedom26%
- Limited freedom35%
- Very little freedom13%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important27%
- Very important27%
- Important23%
- Fairly important14%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility17%
- High responsibility35%
- Moderate responsibility26%
- Limited responsibility22%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important22%
- Very important26%
- Important17%
- Fairly important26%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually22%
- More than half the time30%
- Less than half the time22%
- Never17%
Conflict Situations
- Every day17%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week35%
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually36%
- Less than half the time27%
- Never23%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)17%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)57%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)17%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious22%
- Serious35%
- Fairly serious26%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility17%
- High responsibility26%
- Limited responsibility26%
- No responsibility22%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week48%
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never13%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month48%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never22%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month61%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never30%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month48%
- Never17%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a month or more but not every week36%
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never27%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
- Never26%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time17%
- Less than half the time70%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
- Never35%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated22%
- Slightly automated48%
- Not at all automated26%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month36%
- Never36%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
- Never39%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time86%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time43%
- Never48%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time48%
- Never48%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never65%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time26%
- Never65%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never73%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never70%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never78%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never71%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never74%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)22%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)78%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never78%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time22%
- Never74%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never77%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all87%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never87%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never87%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

Master’s degree
Bachelor’s degree
Post-baccalaureate certificate

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D, Autodesk Revit, Bentley MicroStation, Trimble SketchUp Pro
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2, Amazon Redshift, Amazon Web Services AWS software, Microsoft SQL Server
Data base management system software
Apache Cassandra, Apache Hive, MongoDB, NoSQL
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, McNeel Rhinoceros 3D
Project management software
Craftsman CD Estimator, Microsoft Project, Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management, Oracle Primavera Systems
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat, Applied Search Technology CADFind, FileNet P8
Development environment software
Apache Maven, Microsoft PowerShell, Verilog
Configuration management software
Chef, Puppet
Accounting software
Intuit QuickBooks, Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal (accounting feature)
Desktop publishing software
Adobe InDesign, Quark enterprise publishing software
Office suite software
BQE Software ArchiOffice, Microsoft Office software
Analytical or scientific software
BeamChek, Quality Plans & Software HVAC Calculator
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Metadata management software
Quest Erwin Data Modeler
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcGIS software
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Object oriented data base management software
PostgreSQL
Procurement software
1ST Pricing Window & Door Toolkit
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Business intelligence and data analysis software
Qlik Tech QlikView
Time accounting software
Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal (time accounting feature)
Internet browser software
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Calendar and scheduling software
Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal (calendar and scheduling feature)

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.

Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes.
Incorporate green features into the design of structures or facilities.
Discuss designs or plans with clients.
Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.
Prepare detailed work plans.
Inspect facilities or sites to determine if they meet specifications or standards.
Design structures or facilities.
Direct design or development activities.
Document technical design details.
Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
Test characteristics of materials or structures.
Verify alignment of structures or equipment.

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Design water conservation systems.
Investigate the environmental impact of projects.
Perform marketing activities.
Prepare procedural documents.
Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects.

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