Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Rinse objects and place them on drying racks or use cloth, squeegees, or air compressors to dry surfaces.75
• Apply paints, dyes, polishes, reconditioners, waxes, or masking materials to vehicles to preserve, protect, or restore color or condition.74
• Clean and polish vehicle windows.74
• Drive vehicles to or from workshops or customers' workplaces or homes.73
• Scrub, scrape, or spray machine parts, equipment, or vehicles, using scrapers, brushes, clothes, cleaners, disinfectants, insecticides, acid, abrasives, vacuums, or hoses.73
• Clean the plastic work inside cars, using paintbrushes.73
• Inspect parts, equipment, or vehicles for cleanliness, damage, and compliance with standards or regulations.72
• Mix cleaning solutions, abrasive compositions, or other compounds, according to formulas.69
• Maintain inventories of supplies.68
• Disassemble and reassemble machines or equipment or remove and reattach vehicle parts or trim, using hand tools.68
• Pre-soak or rinse machine parts, equipment, or vehicles by immersing objects in cleaning solutions or water, manually or using hoists.67
• Turn valves or disconnect hoses to eliminate water, cleaning solutions, or vapors from machinery or tanks.66

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

• Operation and Control50

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Quality Control Analysis50

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

• Operations Monitoring47

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

• Monitoring44

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

• Time Management44

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

• Speaking41

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Active Listening38

  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.

• Service Orientation35

  Actively looking for ways to help people.

• Coordination31

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Critical Thinking31

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

• Equipment Maintenance31

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

• Equipment Selection31

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

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

• Customer and Personal Service64

  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.

• English Language58

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Transportation54

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

• Administration and Management48

  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.

• Public Safety and Security47

  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.

• Production and Processing46

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

• Mechanical41

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

• Education and Training39

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

• Mathematics37

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

• 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.

• Personnel and Human Resources35

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

• Administrative34

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

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Near Vision66

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

• Extent Flexibility56

  The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

• Manual Dexterity56

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Multilimb Coordination53

  The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

• Control Precision50

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

• Finger Dexterity50

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

• Problem Sensitivity50

  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.

• Stamina50

  The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

• Trunk Strength50

  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.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness47

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Deductive Reasoning47

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Oral Comprehension47

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Performing General Physical Activities72

  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.

• Handling and Moving Objects70

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

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates66

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

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials65

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

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems65

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

• Getting Information63

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

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment63

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

• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships61

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

• Training and Teaching Others60

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

• Processing Information58

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

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events57

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

• Developing and Building Teams56

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

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

• Dependability63

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

• Attention to Detail59

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

• Cautiousness29

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

• Integrity26

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Achievement Orientation15

  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.

• Perseverance13

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

• Optimism12

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

• Self-Control12

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

• Stress Tolerance12

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

• Cooperation11

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

• Initiative5

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

• Adaptability2

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

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

• Realistic100

  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.

• Conventional51

  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.

• Investigative3

  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.

• Social1

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

• Artistic0

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Enterprising0

  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.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

  • Every day95%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day89%
  • Once a month or more but not every week11%

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day74%
  • Once a week or more but not every day23%

• Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

  • About half the time12%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

• Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

• Freedom to Make Decisions

  • Some freedom42%
  • Limited freedom13%

• Spend Time Standing

  • Continually or almost continually41%
  • More than half the time42%

• Time Pressure

• Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

  • A lot of freedom20%
  • Some freedom70%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Once a month or more but not every week13%

• Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

  • Every day49%
  • Once a week or more but not every day32%
  • Never13%

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

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Less than high school diploma

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Operating system software

  Microsoft Windows

• Data base user interface and query software

  Bella FSM Auto Detailing Service Software, Green Cloud KleanTRAC

• Calendar and scheduling software

  BookFresh, Thoughtful Systems Scheduling Manager for Auto Detailing

• Inventory management software

  Inventory tracking software

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

• Cleaning Equipment Trade Association
• International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
• MHI
• Warehousing Education and Research Council

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
• Miscellaneous production workers, including semiconductor processors
• Janitors and Building Cleaners
• Miscellaneous construction workers, including solar photovoltaic installers, septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners
• Maintenance Workers, Machinery
• Painting Workers
• Machine Feeders and Offbearers
• Chemical Processing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Home Appliance Repairers
• Dishwashers
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
• Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Pumping Station Operators
• Industrial and Refractory Machinery Mechanics
• Miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers, including multiple machine tool setters
• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers
• Metal Furnace Operators, Tenders, Pourers, and Casters
• Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Clean vehicles or vehicle components.
• Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.
• Clean machinery or equipment.
• Drive passenger vehicles.
• Inspect motor vehicles.
• Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities.
• Install parts, assemblies, or attachments in transportation or material handling equipment.
• Acquire supplies or equipment.
• Control pumps or pumping equipment.
• Clean facilities or work areas.
• Monitor engine operation or functioning.
• Remove debris or damaged materials.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Hydro Blaster/Vacuum Technician