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Architectural and Engineering Managers

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.

  • Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.82
  • Direct, review, or approve project design changes.75
  • Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.71
  • Prepare budgets, bids, or contracts.62
  • Present and explain proposals, reports, or findings to clients.62
  • Confer with management, production, or marketing staff to discuss project specifications or procedures.60
  • Assess project feasibility by analyzing technology, resource needs, or market demand.60
  • Review, recommend, or approve contracts or cost estimates.60
  • Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for engineering and technical work.58
  • Plan or direct the installation, testing, operation, maintenance, or repair of facilities or equipment.57
  • Identify environmental threats or opportunities associated with the development and launch of new technologies.57
  • Establish scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management.54
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  • Direct recruitment, placement, and evaluation of architecture or engineering project staff.54
  • Perform administrative functions, such as reviewing or writing reports, approving expenditures, enforcing rules, or purchasing of materials or services.54
  • Plan, direct, or coordinate survey work with other project activities.54
  • Develop or implement programs to improve sustainability or reduce the environmental impacts of engineering or architecture activities or operations.53
  • Evaluate the environmental impacts of engineering, architecture, or research and development activities.51
  • Evaluate environmental regulations or social pressures related to environmental issues to inform strategic or operational decision-making.48
  • Solicit project support by conferring with officials or providing information to the public.47

Skills

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

  • Reading Comprehension78

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Active Listening75

    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.

  • Complex Problem Solving75

    Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

  • Speaking75

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Writing75

    Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

  • Active Learning72

    Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

  • Critical Thinking72

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Judgment and Decision Making72

    Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Mathematics72

    Using mathematics to solve problems.

  • Time Management72

    Managing one's own time and the time of others.

  • Coordination69

    Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

  • Monitoring69

    Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

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  • Social Perceptiveness63

    Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

  • Instructing56

    Teaching others how to do something.

  • Learning Strategies56

    Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

  • Management of Personnel Resources56

    Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

  • Service Orientation56

    Actively looking for ways to help people.

  • Negotiation53

    Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

  • Persuasion53

    Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

  • Systems Analysis53

    Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

  • Quality Control Analysis50

    Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

  • Systems Evaluation50

    Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

  • Management of Financial Resources47

    Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

  • Management of Material Resources47

    Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

  • Science41

    Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

  • Operations Monitoring38

    Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • Operations Analysis35

    Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

  • Troubleshooting25

    Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

  • Programming22

    Writing computer programs for various purposes.

  • Technology Design22

    Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

  • Operation and Control13

    Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

  • Equipment Maintenance3

    Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

  • Equipment Selection0

    Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

  • 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.

  • Design83

    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

  • Engineering and Technology82

    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.

  • Mathematics73

    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

  • Administration and Management72

    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.

  • 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.

  • Customer and Personal Service71

    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.

  • Mechanical67

    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • Computers and Electronics60

    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

  • Physics55

    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.

  • Production and Processing55

    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

  • Administrative54

    Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

  • Public Safety and Security52

    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.

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  • Building and Construction51

    Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

  • Law and Government49

    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

  • Economics and Accounting46

    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

  • Sales and Marketing46

    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.

  • Personnel and Human Resources44

    Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

  • Transportation38

    Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

  • Chemistry35

    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.

  • Education and Training35

    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

  • Telecommunications35

    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

  • Communications and Media34

    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

  • Geography32

    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.

  • Psychology22

    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 Arts21

    Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

  • Foreign Language17

    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 Anthropology17

    Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

  • Biology15

    Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

  • Philosophy and Theology15

    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.

  • History and Archeology14

    Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

  • Medicine and Dentistry13

    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.

  • Therapy and Counseling8

    Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

  • Food Production1

    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.

  • Written Comprehension81

    The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

  • 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.

  • Speech Clarity75

    The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

  • 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).

  • Mathematical Reasoning72

    The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

  • Problem Sensitivity72

    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 Expression72

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

  • Fluency of Ideas69

    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).

  • Information Ordering69

    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 Vision69

    The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

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  • Speech Recognition69

    The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

  • Visualization69

    The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

  • Originality66

    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.

  • Number Facility60

    The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

  • Category Flexibility56

    The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

  • Far Vision56

    The ability to see details at a distance.

  • Flexibility of Closure53

    The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

  • Selective Attention53

    The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

  • Visual Color Discrimination50

    The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

  • Perceptual Speed47

    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.

  • Speed of Closure47

    The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

  • Memorization44

    The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

  • Time Sharing38

    The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

  • Finger Dexterity28

    The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

  • 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.

  • Auditory Attention25

    The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

  • Control Precision25

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

  • Depth Perception25

    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.

  • 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.

  • Hearing Sensitivity22

    The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

  • Multilimb Coordination16

    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.

  • Trunk Strength13

    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.

  • Spatial Orientation10

    The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

  • Wrist-Finger Speed6

    The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

  • 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.

  • Getting Information93

    Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates91

    Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others89

    Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

  • Working with Computers89

    Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards87

    Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

  • 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.

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems86

    Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment83

    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.

  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates82

    Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge82

    Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

  • Thinking Creatively81

    Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events80

    Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

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  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work79

    Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information77

    Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

  • Processing Information76

    Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

  • Coaching and Developing Others72

    Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

  • Training and Teaching Others72

    Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

  • Analyzing Data or Information70

    Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships70

    Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

  • Documenting/Recording Information69

    Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings69

    Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People66

    Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials65

    Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

  • Developing and Building Teams64

    Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others63

    Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

  • Scheduling Work and Activities62

    Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others60

    Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others50

    Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

  • Developing Objectives and Strategies49

    Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

  • Staffing Organizational Units49

    Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

  • Selling or Influencing Others45

    Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources44

    Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

  • Performing Administrative Activities41

    Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public36

    Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

  • Assisting and Caring for Others33

    Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes30

    Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

  • Performing General Physical Activities24

    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 Equipment23

    Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment23

    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.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment20

    Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

  • Handling and Moving Objects19

    Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Work Styles

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

  • Leadership Orientation87

    A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

  • Dependability85

    A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

  • Innovation78

    A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

  • Attention to Detail75

    A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

  • Intellectual Curiosity75

    A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

  • Integrity74

    A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

  • Achievement Orientation72

    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.

  • Self-Confidence72

    A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

  • Cautiousness69

    A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

  • Initiative68

    A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

  • Perseverance66

    A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

  • Cooperation61

    A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

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  • Stress Tolerance60

    A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

  • Adaptability58

    A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

  • Social Orientation58

    A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

  • Self-Control57

    A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

  • Tolerance for Ambiguity50

    A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

  • Sincerity33

    A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

  • Optimism30

    A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

  • Empathy29

    A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

  • Humility11

    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.

  • Enterprising90

    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.

  • Investigative59

    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.

  • 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.

  • Realistic33

    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.

  • Social33

    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.

  • Artistic27

    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.

  • E-Mail

    • Every day100%
  • Telephone Conversations

    • Every day92%
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

    • Every day91%
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

    • Extremely important89%
  • Duration of Typical Work Week

    • More than 40 hours84%
    • 40 hours16%
  • Contact With Others

    • Constant contact with others64%
    • Contact with others most of the time27%
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

    • A lot of freedom59%
    • Some freedom33%
  • Freedom to Make Decisions

    • A lot of freedom53%
    • Some freedom47%
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

    • Every day84%
    • Once a year or more but not every month16%
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

    • Extremely important40%
    • Very important44%
    • Important15%
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

    • Extremely important52%
    • Very important28%
    • Important14%
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

    • High responsibility50%
    • Moderate responsibility16%
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  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

    • Very important results27%
    • Important results61%
    • Moderate results12%
  • Frequency of Decision Making

    • Every day35%
    • Once a week or more but not every day35%
    • Once a month or more but not every week26%
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

    • Extremely important31%
    • Very important37%
    • Important32%
  • Spend Time Sitting

    • Continually or almost continually23%
    • More than half the time52%
    • About half the time23%
  • Time Pressure

    • Every day12%
    • Once a week or more but not every day55%
    • Once a month or more but not every week32%
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

    • Extremely important23%
    • Very important30%
    • Important31%
    • Not important at all11%
  • Level of Competition

    • Highly competitive47%
    • Moderately competitive36%
    • Slightly competitive15%
  • Written Letters and Memos

    • Once a week or more but not every day41%
    • Once a month or more but not every week42%
    • Once a year or more but not every month13%
  • Conflict Situations

    • Once a week or more but not every day34%
    • Once a month or more but not every week61%
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers

    • Very high responsibility11%
    • High responsibility34%
    • Moderate responsibility20%
    • Limited responsibility35%
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

    • Every day20%
    • Once a week or more but not every day12%
    • Once a month or more but not every week23%
    • Once a year or more but not every month45%
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

    • Every day12%
    • Once a week or more but not every day39%
    • Once a month or more but not every week11%
    • Once a year or more but not every month19%
    • Never19%
  • Physical Proximity

    • Moderately close (at arm's length)31%
    • Slightly close (e.g., shared office)43%
    • I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)26%
  • Public Speaking

    • Once a week or more but not every day25%
    • Once a month or more but not every week43%
    • Once a year or more but not every month27%
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

    • Continually or almost continually31%
    • Less than half the time29%
    • Never30%
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

    • Once a week or more but not every day21%
    • Once a month or more but not every week20%
    • Once a year or more but not every month58%
  • Consequence of Error

    • Extremely serious11%
    • Fairly serious71%
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

    • Once a week or more but not every day22%
    • Once a month or more but not every week22%
    • Once a year or more but not every month16%
    • Never40%
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

    • More than half the time20%
    • Less than half the time53%
    • Never21%
  • Exposed to Contaminants

    • Once a month or more but not every week21%
    • Once a year or more but not every month43%
    • Never27%
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

    • Never16%
  • Spend Time Standing

    • About half the time14%
    • Less than half the time84%
  • Degree of Automation

    • Highly automated22%
    • Moderately automated11%
    • Slightly automated17%
    • Not at all automated51%
  • Spend Time Walking or Running

    • Less than half the time91%
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

    • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

      • Once a year or more but not every month52%
      • Never39%
    • Outdoors, Under Cover

      • Once a year or more but not every month67%
      • Never32%
    • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

      • Once a week or more but not every day12%
      • Once a year or more but not every month31%
      • Never57%
    • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

      • Once a year or more but not every month40%
      • Never53%
    • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

      • Once a year or more but not every month18%
      • Never72%
    • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

      • Once a year or more but not every month33%
      • Never60%
    • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

      • Less than half the time29%
      • Never71%
    • Exposed to High Places

      • Once a year or more but not every month22%
      • Never78%
    • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

      • Never88%
    • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

      • Not important at all92%
    • Work Schedules

      • Regular (established routine, set schedule)93%
    • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

      • Once a year or more but not every month13%
      • Never87%
    • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

      • Once a year or more but not every month11%
      • Never89%
    • Exposed to Radiation

      • Never93%
    • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

      • Never91%
    • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

      • Never92%
    • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

      • Never94%
    • Exposed to Disease or Infections

      • Never100%
    • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

      • Never100%
    • In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

      • Never100%

    Typical Education Levels Reported

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

    • Bachelor’s degree
    • Master’s degree
    • Post-master’s certificate

    Technology Skills

    Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

    • Data base management system software

      Amazon DynamoDB, Apache Hive, Elasticsearch, MongoDB

    • Presentation software

      Microsoft PowerPoint

    • Computer aided design CAD software

      Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D, Autodesk Revit, Bentley MicroStation, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks

    • Object or component oriented development software

      C#, Perl, Scala, Swift

    • Development environment software

      Apache Kafka, Apache Maven, Go, Ruby

    • Web platform development software

      Django, JavaScript Object Notation JSON, Node.js, React

    • Operating system software

      Apple macOS, Bash, Shell script, UNIX

    • Enterprise resource planning ERP software

      Agile Product Lifecyle Management PLM, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, SAP software

    • Analytical or scientific software

      IBM SPSS Statistics, Minitab, The MathWorks MATLAB, Water surface pressure gradient WSPG software

    • Data base user interface and query software

      Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2, Amazon Redshift, Amazon Web Services AWS software, Microsoft SQL Server

    • Project management software

      Atlassian Confluence, Microsoft Project, Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management, Realization Streamliner

    • Geographic information system

      ESRI ArcGIS software, ESRI ArcView, Geographic information system GIS software

    • Configuration management software

      Chef, Perforce Helix software, Puppet

    • Electronic mail software

      IBM Notes, Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Outlook

    • Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

      Delcam PowerMILL, Geometric CAMWorks, Open Mind hyperMILL

    • Content workflow software

      Atlassian JIRA, Workflow software

    • Application server software

      Docker, GitHub

    • Network monitoring software

      Nagios, Wireshark

    • Document management software

      Adobe Acrobat Pro Extended, Adobe LifeCycle ES

    • Business intelligence and data analysis software

      MicroStrategy, Qlik Tech QlikView

    • Calendar and scheduling software

      Maintenance scheduling software, Scheduling software

    • Industrial control software

      RTA Fleet Management, Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software

    • Spreadsheet software

      Microsoft Excel

    • Accounting software

      Sage 50 Accounting

    • Access software

      Citrix cloud computing software

    • Object oriented data base management software

      PostgreSQL

    • Expert system software

      Ansible software

    • Graphics or photo imaging software

      Trimble SketchUp Pro

    • File versioning software

      Git

    • Enterprise application integration software

      Extensible markup language XML

    • Transaction server software

      Customer information control system CICS

    • Office suite software

      Microsoft Office software

    • Word processing software

      Microsoft Word

    • Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software

      Virtual private networking VPN software

    • Time accounting software

      Kronos Workforce Timekeeper

    • Internet browser software

      Web browser software

    • Program testing software

      Hewlett Packard LoadRunner

    • Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software

      LSA Visual Easy Lean

    • Cloud-based management software

      Splunk Enterprise

    • Process mapping and design software

      Microsoft Visio

    Professional Associations

    Related Occupations

    Detailed Work Activities

    More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

    • Manage construction activities.
    • Analyze data to determine project feasibility.
    • Manage operations, research, or logistics projects.
    • Negotiate project specifications.
    • Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.
    • Communicate organizational information to customers or other stakeholders.
    • Prepare operational budgets.
    • Approve expenditures.
    • Analyze market research data.
    • Confer with organizational members to accomplish work activities.
    • Estimate demand for products or services.
    • Develop operating strategies, plans, or procedures.
    Show all 25
    • Implement organizational process or policy changes.
    • Develop organizational policies or programs.
    • Direct facility maintenance or repair activities.
    • Identify environmental concerns.
    • Develop organizational goals or objectives.
    • Manage human resources activities.
    • Purchase materials, equipment, or other resources.
    • Develop sustainable organizational policies or practices.
    • Evaluate environmental impact of operational or development activities.
    • Analyze impact of legal or regulatory changes.
    • Communicate with government agencies.
    • Present information to the public.
    • Promote products, services, or programs.
    O*NET in-it

    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

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