Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do 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.

Purchase, for further processing or for resale, farm products, such as milk, grains, or Christmas trees.88
Negotiate contracts with farmers for the production or purchase of farm products.82
Maintain records of business transactions and product inventories, reporting data to companies or government agencies as necessary.78
Review orders to determine product types and quantities required to meet demand.71
Arrange for transportation or storage of purchased products.66
Arrange for processing or resale of purchased products.66
Coordinate or direct activities of workers engaged in cutting, transporting, storing, or milling products and maintaining records.62
Examine or test crops or products to estimate their value, determine their grade, or locate any evidence of disease or insect damage.55
Estimate land production possibilities, surveying property and studying factors such as crop rotation history, soil fertility, or irrigation facilities.31

Skills

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

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.
Critical Thinking72
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Speaking69
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Negotiation66
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Reading Comprehension63
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Judgment and Decision Making56
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Writing56
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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.
Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Active Learning50
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Persuasion50
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

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Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Management of Material Resources47
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Management of Personnel Resources47
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics47
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Service Orientation47
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Systems Analysis47
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Time Management47
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Management of Financial Resources44
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Systems Evaluation44
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Learning Strategies38
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Instructing35
Teaching others how to do something.
Quality Control Analysis31
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operations Monitoring22
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control19
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Analysis16
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Science13
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Technology Design13
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Programming6
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Troubleshooting6
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance0
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.

Customer and Personal Service85
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.
Food Production77
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Sales and Marketing74
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.
Economics and Accounting70
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Transportation69
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
English Language64
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Mathematics63
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Production and Processing55
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Public Safety and Security54
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.
Law and Government48
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Administration and Management47
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 Electronics44
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

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Psychology43
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.
Biology42
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Geography42
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.
Education and Training38
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Administrative35
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Communications and Media28
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Chemistry26
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.
Physics23
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.
Personnel and Human Resources22
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Sociology and Anthropology22
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Telecommunications22
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Engineering and Technology19
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.
Mechanical18
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Design14
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Philosophy and Theology14
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.
Building and Construction9
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
History and Archeology9
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Foreign Language7
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.
Medicine and Dentistry7
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 Counseling7
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Fine Arts6
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.

Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension72
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension72
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Near Vision66
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Clarity66
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Deductive Reasoning60
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Problem Sensitivity56
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 Expression56
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Fluency of Ideas50
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).
Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering50
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).

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Originality50
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.
Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Mathematical Reasoning47
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility47
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Perceptual Speed41
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 Attention41
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Flexibility of Closure38
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Visual Color Discrimination38
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Time Sharing35
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Memorization28
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Auditory Attention25
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Speed of Closure25
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Visualization25
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Trunk Strength22
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.
Hearing Sensitivity16
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Depth Perception13
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 Dexterity13
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Wrist-Finger Speed13
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Arm-Hand Steadiness10
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision6
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Manual Dexterity6
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Spatial Orientation6
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Stamina6
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength6
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Dynamic Strength3
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Extent Flexibility3
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Gross Body Coordination3
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium3
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Multilimb Coordination3
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.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
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.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Working with Computers100
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information89
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Processing Information87
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Documenting/Recording Information84
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Analyzing Data or Information79
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates75
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships74
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events74
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems74
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People72
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
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.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others71
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work69
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards67
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public67
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Performing Administrative Activities66
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge66
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Developing Objectives and Strategies65
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings64
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others63
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others63
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information61
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Scheduling Work and Activities60
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others56
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Training and Teaching Others55
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Selling or Influencing Others54
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates50
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Developing and Building Teams47
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Coaching and Developing Others46
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Thinking Creatively44
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials37
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Assisting and Caring for Others21
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources19
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Staffing Organizational Units19
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Controlling Machines and Processes16
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects14
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment13
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Performing General Physical Activities13
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.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment8
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 Equipment4
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 Equipment0
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.

Dependability80
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Attention to Detail74
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Integrity68
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Self-Confidence65
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Achievement Orientation56
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.
Perseverance55
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.
Cautiousness52
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Initiative48
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Self-Control45
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity45
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Leadership Orientation43
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

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Adaptability42
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Stress Tolerance39
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Cooperation36
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Sincerity34
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Intellectual Curiosity28
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Humility23
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Innovation22
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Optimism22
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Empathy16
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.

Enterprising65
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.
Conventional63
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.
Realistic59
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.
Investigative14
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.
Social12
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.
Artistic1
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.

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom98%
E-Mail
- Every day100%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day100%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day84%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually76%
- More than half the time22%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours84%
- 40 hours16%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important71%
- Very important24%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important62%
- Very important38%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others78%
- Contact with others about half the time22%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results57%
- Important results43%
Freedom to Make Decisions
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day82%
- Never18%

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Time Pressure
- Every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important23%
- Fairly important16%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important61%
- Fairly important38%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important38%
- Very important40%
- Not important at all17%
Conflict Situations
- Every day40%
- Never22%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- More than half the time16%
- Less than half the time18%
- Never17%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day38%
- Once a month or more but not every week45%
- Never17%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day16%
- Once a week or more but not every day41%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Never22%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day17%
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never16%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility19%
- Moderate responsibility38%
- Limited responsibility38%
Public Speaking
- Every day22%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Never27%
Degree of Automation
- Completely automated22%
- Highly automated16%
- Slightly automated62%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive18%
- Moderately competitive59%
- Slightly competitive23%
Physical Proximity
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)80%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)17%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a year or more but not every month43%
- Never22%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day18%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- High responsibility22%
- Moderate responsibility16%
- No responsibility16%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious23%
- Not serious at all22%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day22%
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day40%
- Never60%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day22%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never60%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time82%
- Never16%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time82%
- Never16%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Never76%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Never75%
Outdoors, Under Cover
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time40%
- Never60%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- About half the time16%
- Never76%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Never82%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never82%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never82%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Fairly important24%
- Not important at all76%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time18%
- Never82%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time18%
- Never82%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never91%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Never93%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never92%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)97%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never98%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never98%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never100%
Exposed to Radiation
Telephone Conversations

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

Bachelor’s degree
High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Data base user interface and query software
Amazon Web Services AWS software, Microsoft Access, Oracle Database, Product producer databases
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Enterprise resource planning ERP system, Microsoft Dynamics GP, SAP software
Electronic mail software
IBM Lotus Notes, Microsoft Outlook
Project management software
Atlassian JIRA, Microsoft Project
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Accounting software
Deltek Costpoint
Customer relationship management CRM software
Salesforce software
Procurement software
Purchasing software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Web platform development software
Google Angular
Inventory management software
Inventory management systems

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.

Purchase products or services.
Negotiate contracts with clients or service providers.
Communicate with government agencies.
Maintain data in information systems or databases.
Calculate data to inform organizational operations.
Coordinate logistics or other business operations.
Execute sales or other financial transactions.
Supervise employees.
Determine the value of goods or services.
Evaluate condition of properties.

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