Emergency management directors

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.

Consult with officials of local and area governments, schools, hospitals, and other institutions to determine their needs and capabilities in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.91
Develop and maintain liaisons with municipalities, county departments, and similar entities to facilitate plan development, response effort coordination, and exchanges of personnel and equipment.87
Coordinate disaster response or crisis management activities, such as ordering evacuations, opening public shelters, and implementing special needs plans and programs.86
Prepare emergency situation status reports that describe response and recovery efforts, needs, and preliminary damage assessments.84
Maintain and update all resource materials associated with emergency preparedness plans.84
Prepare plans that outline operating procedures to be used in response to disasters or emergencies, such as hurricanes, nuclear accidents, and terrorist attacks, and in recovery from these events.82
Develop and perform tests and evaluations of emergency management plans in accordance with state and federal regulations.79
Collaborate with other officials to prepare and analyze damage assessments following disasters or emergencies.77
Design and administer emergency or disaster preparedness training courses that teach people how to effectively respond to major emergencies and disasters.77
Keep informed of activities or changes that could affect the likelihood of an emergency, response efforts, or plan implementation.76
Inspect facilities and equipment, such as emergency management centers and communications equipment, to determine their operational and functional capabilities in emergency situations.76
Review emergency plans of individual organizations, such as medical facilities, to ensure their adequacy.75

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Keep informed of federal, state, and local regulations affecting emergency plans, and ensure that plans adhere to those regulations.75
Conduct surveys to determine the types of emergency-related needs to be addressed in disaster planning, or provide technical support to others conducting such surveys.73
Attend meetings, conferences, and workshops related to emergency management to learn new information and to develop working relationships with other emergency management specialists.72
Propose alteration of emergency response procedures, based on regulatory changes, technological changes, or knowledge gained from outcomes of previous emergency situations.67
Develop instructional materials for the public and make presentations to citizens' groups to provide information on emergency plans and their implementation processes.64
Apply for federal funding for emergency-management-related needs, and administer and report on the progress of such grants.61
Train local groups in the preparation of long-term plans that are compatible with federal and state plans.60
Provide communities with assistance in applying for federal funding for emergency management facilities, radiological instrumentation, and related items.59
Study emergency plans used elsewhere to gather information for plan development.52
Develop and implement training procedures and strategies for radiological protection, detection, and decontamination.44
Inventory and distribute nuclear, biological, and chemical detection and contamination equipment, providing instruction in its maintenance and use.42

Skills

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

Service Orientation81
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Complex Problem Solving78
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking78
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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.
Coordination75
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking75
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making75
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring75
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Social Perceptiveness75
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing75
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Learning Strategies72
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

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Active Learning69
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Instructing69
Teaching others how to do something.
Time Management69
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Persuasion66
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Analysis66
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Management of Personnel Resources63
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Systems Evaluation63
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Negotiation60
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Operations Analysis53
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Mathematics50
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Management of Material Resources44
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Management of Financial Resources41
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Quality Control Analysis31
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operations Monitoring28
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Science22
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Operation and Control19
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Programming13
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design13
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Troubleshooting13
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.

Public Safety and Security93
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.
Administration and Management81
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.
Law and Government80
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Communications and Media76
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
English Language74
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 Service73
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Telecommunications73
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Education and Training72
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Computers and Electronics63
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Personnel and Human Resources63
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Transportation58
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Geography57
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.

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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.
Economics and Accounting48
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Psychology48
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.
Sociology and Anthropology46
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Mathematics42
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Building and Construction41
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Engineering and Technology40
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.
Sales and Marketing40
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Therapy and Counseling35
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Chemistry32
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.
Foreign Language32
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.
Mechanical32
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Production and Processing32
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Physics30
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.
Design28
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Biology26
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
History and Archeology26
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Medicine and Dentistry26
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Philosophy and Theology23
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.
Food Production19
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
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.

Deductive Reasoning78
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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 Clarity78
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Inductive Reasoning75
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Problem Sensitivity75
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Fluency of Ideas72
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Information Ordering72
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).
Speech Recognition72
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Originality69
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

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Category Flexibility66
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Near Vision66
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Visualization53
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
Flexibility of Closure50
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speed of Closure50
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Time Sharing50
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Mathematical Reasoning47
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Memorization47
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Number Facility47
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Auditory Attention28
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Trunk Strength28
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 Steadiness25
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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.
Spatial Orientation25
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Hearing Sensitivity22
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Manual Dexterity22
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Visual Color Discrimination22
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Finger Dexterity19
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Glare Sensitivity19
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Multilimb Coordination19
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.
Night Vision19
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision19
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Response Orientation19
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Wrist-Finger Speed19
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Extent Flexibility16
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Rate Control16
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 Time16
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Sound Localization16
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Stamina16
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Control Precision13
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Static Strength13
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Dynamic Strength10
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength6
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Gross Body Coordination6
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium6
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates88
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships88
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems87
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Developing and Building Teams86
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Getting Information86
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers84
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work83
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization82
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.
Documenting/Recording Information81
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public81
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Training and Teaching Others81
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others79
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

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Developing Objectives and Strategies79
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates79
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources76
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events75
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge74
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Assisting and Caring for Others73
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others72
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others72
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards70
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Processing Information70
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Analyzing Data or Information69
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Coaching and Developing Others68
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings68
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Performing Administrative Activities68
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others68
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Thinking Creatively66
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Staffing Organizational Units65
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Scheduling Work and Activities64
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People63
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials57
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information54
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Selling or Influencing Others54
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment53
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Performing General Physical Activities43
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 Objects38
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Controlling Machines and Processes33
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment32
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 Equipment30
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 Equipment29
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.

Stress Tolerance100
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Dependability98
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Integrity98
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Adaptability91
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Leadership Orientation89
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Self-Control88
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Attention to Detail83
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Cautiousness82
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Cooperation81
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Initiative78
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Perseverance78
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Confidence77
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

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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.
Intellectual Curiosity72
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Social Orientation71
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity69
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Sincerity60
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Innovation57
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Empathy51
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism34
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Humility18
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.

Enterprising68
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.
Conventional62
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.
Investigative58
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.
Social50
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.
Realistic42
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.
Artistic14
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 day95%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day81%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day67%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others55%
- Contact with others most of the time32%
- Contact with others about half the time14%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important55%
- Very important32%
- Important14%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom45%
- Some freedom45%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom41%
- Some freedom50%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day64%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important32%
- Very important55%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility41%
- High responsibility36%
- Moderate responsibility18%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important27%
- Very important55%
- Important14%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours59%
- 40 hours32%

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Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important23%
- Very important36%
- Important32%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a week or more but not every day52%
- Once a month or more but not every week38%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time64%
- About half the time27%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility50%
- Moderate responsibility36%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results27%
- Important results32%
- Moderate results18%
- Minor results14%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day18%
- Once a week or more but not every day41%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
Time Pressure
- Once a week or more but not every day45%
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day29%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month33%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive36%
- Moderately competitive27%
- Slightly competitive32%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a month or more but not every week41%
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)27%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)41%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)32%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week55%
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week36%
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time55%
- Less than half the time36%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious14%
- Serious36%
- Fairly serious27%
- Not serious at all18%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week41%
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Once a year or more but not every month50%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a month or more but not every week36%
- Once a year or more but not every month45%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Very important14%
- Important32%
- Fairly important23%
- Not important at all27%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a year or more but not every month64%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Once a year or more but not every month64%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- More than half the time14%
- Less than half the time55%
- Never18%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- More than half the time18%
- Less than half the time36%
- Never32%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month62%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month55%
- Never15%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)59%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)41%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- About half the time19%
- Less than half the time76%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month55%
- Never27%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
- Never36%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated27%
- Slightly automated18%
- Not at all automated50%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month55%
- Never32%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
- Never45%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month68%
- Never27%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month55%
- Never36%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month36%
- Never50%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month40%
- Never50%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a year or more but not every month45%
- Never45%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time41%
- Never50%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time45%
- Never50%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time27%
- Never64%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Fairly important14%
- Not important at all76%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time32%
- Never64%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never77%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never91%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Geographic information system
ESRI ArcGIS software, Geographic information system GIS software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Emergency Managers Weather Information Network EMWIN, Federal Emergency Management Information System FEMIS, Relational database software, SoftRisk Technologies SoftRisk SQL
Project management software
Alert Technologies OpsCenter, Emergency Services Integrators ESi WebEOC, National Center for Crisis and Continuity Coordination NC4 E Team
Electronic mail software
IBM Lotus Notes, Microsoft Outlook
Map creation software
Digital Engineering Corporation E-MAPS, MapInfo Professional
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Graphics or photo imaging software
Graphics software
Document management software
Microsoft SharePoint
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Sungard Assurance
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Transaction security and virus protection software
McAfee
Analytical or scientific software
Statistical software
Internet browser software
Web browser software

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.

Communicate with government agencies.
Coordinate operational activities with external stakeholders.
Establish interpersonal business relationships to facilitate work activities.
Coordinate special events or programs.
Maintain operational records.
Prepare reports related to compliance matters.
Develop emergency response plans or procedures.
Evaluate program effectiveness.
Confer with organizational members to accomplish work activities.
Develop training materials.
Maintain knowledge of current developments in area of expertise.
Inspect condition or functioning of facilities or equipment.

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Determine operational compliance with regulations or standards.
Conduct opinion surveys or needs assessments.
Recommend organizational process or policy changes.
Present information to the public.
Prepare operational progress or status reports.
Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding.
Teach safety standards or environmental compliance methods.
Advise others on legal or regulatory compliance matters.
Develop safety standards, policies, or procedures.
Implement organizational process or policy changes.
Communicate organizational policies and procedures.
Manage inventories of products or organizational resources.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Production Controller

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