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First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers

Job Zone
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

  • Take, receive, or check periodic inmate counts.94
  • Maintain order, discipline, and security within assigned areas in accordance with relevant rules, regulations, policies, and laws.93
  • Maintain knowledge of, comply with, and enforce all institutional policies, rules, procedures, and regulations.93
  • Respond to emergencies, such as escapes.90
  • Supervise and direct the work of correctional officers to ensure the safe custody, discipline, and welfare of inmates.89
  • Supervise or perform searches of inmates or their quarters to locate contraband items.89
  • Monitor behavior of subordinates to ensure alert, courteous, and professional behavior toward inmates, parolees, fellow employees, visitors, and the public.87
  • Restrain, secure, or control offenders, using chemical agents, firearms, or other weapons of force as necessary.87
  • Carry injured offenders or employees to safety and provide emergency first aid when necessary.86
  • Complete administrative paperwork or supervise the preparation or maintenance of records, forms, or reports.84
  • Supervise activities, such as searches, shakedowns, riot control, or institutional tours.82
  • Conduct roll calls of correctional officers.82
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  • Instruct employees or provide on-the-job training.82
  • Resolve problems between inmates.81
  • Set up employee work schedules.80
  • Examine incoming or outgoing mail to ensure conformance with regulations.80
  • Transfer or transport offenders on foot or by driving vehicles, such as trailers, vans, or buses.78
  • Review offender information to identify issues that require special attention.76
  • Develop work or security procedures.76
  • Convey correctional officers' or inmates' complaints to superiors.75
  • Supervise or provide security for offenders performing tasks, such as construction, maintenance, laundry, food service, or other industrial or agricultural operations.75
  • Conduct evaluations of employees' performance.70
  • Rate behavior of inmates, promoting acceptable attitudes and behaviors to those with low ratings.69

Skills

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

  • 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.

  • Monitoring75

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

  • Social Perceptiveness75

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

  • Speaking72

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Management of Personnel Resources69

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

  • Reading Comprehension69

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Negotiation63

    Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

  • Persuasion63

    Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

  • Writing63

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

  • Active Learning56

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

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  • Complex Problem Solving56

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

  • Time Management56

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

  • Instructing53

    Teaching others how to do something.

  • Judgment and Decision Making53

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

  • Learning Strategies53

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

  • Systems Analysis53

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

  • Service Orientation50

    Actively looking for ways to help people.

  • Systems Evaluation50

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

  • Mathematics28

    Using mathematics to solve problems.

  • Operations Analysis28

    Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

  • Operations Monitoring28

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

  • Management of Material Resources25

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

  • Operation and Control25

    Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

  • Quality Control Analysis25

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

  • Management of Financial Resources22

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

  • Troubleshooting19

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

  • Technology Design16

    Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

  • Programming13

    Writing computer programs for various purposes.

  • Science13

    Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

  • 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 Security95

    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 Government85

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

  • Administration and Management79

    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.

  • Psychology78

    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.

  • English Language76

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

  • Administrative67

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

  • Computers and Electronics66

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

  • Education and Training66

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

  • Personnel and Human Resources64

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

  • Customer and Personal Service56

    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.

  • Sociology and Anthropology56

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

  • Therapy and Counseling55

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

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  • Communications and Media44

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

  • Telecommunications44

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

  • Transportation44

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

  • Philosophy and Theology43

    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.

  • Mathematics42

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

  • Foreign Language30

    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.

  • Production and Processing30

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

  • Food Production26

    Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

  • Medicine and Dentistry24

    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.

  • Economics and Accounting22

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

  • Mechanical21

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

  • Design18

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

  • Chemistry15

    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.

  • Engineering and Technology14

    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.

  • Building and Construction13

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

  • Biology11

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

  • Geography11

    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.

  • History and Archeology11

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

  • Sales and Marketing11

    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.

  • Physics6

    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.

  • Fine Arts1

    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 Reasoning75

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

  • Oral Comprehension75

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

  • Oral Expression75

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

  • 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 Comprehension72

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

  • Inductive Reasoning69

    The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

  • Written Expression69

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

  • Speech Clarity66

    The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

  • Near Vision63

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

  • Speech Recognition63

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

  • Far Vision60

    The ability to see details at a distance.

  • Information Ordering60

    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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  • Auditory Attention53

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

  • Explosive Strength53

    The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

  • Flexibility of Closure53

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

  • Perceptual Speed53

    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.

  • Reaction Time53

    The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

  • Selective Attention53

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

  • Static Strength53

    The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

  • Trunk Strength53

    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.

  • Category Flexibility50

    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).

  • Gross Body Equilibrium50

    The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

  • Response Orientation50

    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.

  • Stamina50

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

  • 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).

  • Gross Body Coordination44

    The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

  • Multilimb Coordination44

    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.

  • Originality44

    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.

  • Speed of Closure44

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

  • Memorization41

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

  • Dynamic Strength38

    The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness35

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

  • Depth Perception35

    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 Dexterity35

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

  • Manual Dexterity35

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

  • Number Facility35

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

  • Extent Flexibility31

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

  • Visual Color Discrimination31

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

  • Visualization31

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

  • Control Precision28

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

  • Hearing Sensitivity28

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

  • Mathematical Reasoning28

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

  • Peripheral Vision28

    The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.

  • Spatial Orientation28

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

  • Sound Localization25

    The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

  • Speed of Limb Movement25

    The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

  • Glare Sensitivity22

    The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.

  • Rate Control22

    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.

  • Night Vision19

    The ability to see under low-light conditions.

  • Wrist-Finger Speed16

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

  • Dynamic Flexibility10

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

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

  • Documenting/Recording Information93

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

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates90

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

  • Getting Information88

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

  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others88

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

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards86

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

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems84

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

  • Training and Teaching Others82

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

  • Coaching and Developing Others81

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

  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates81

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

  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings80

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

  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others79

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

  • Processing Information79

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

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  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events77

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

  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work77

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

  • Working with Computers77

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

  • Assisting and Caring for Others76

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

  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships76

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

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials74

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

  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People74

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

  • Scheduling Work and Activities74

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

  • Developing and Building Teams71

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

  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others71

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

  • Performing Administrative Activities71

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

  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge68

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

  • Performing General Physical Activities66

    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.

  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others65

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

  • Staffing Organizational Units65

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

  • Analyzing Data or Information62

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

  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization61

    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.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public59

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

  • Developing Objectives and Strategies57

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

  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information56

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

  • Thinking Creatively54

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

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment52

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

  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources50

    Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

  • Selling or Influencing Others49

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

  • Handling and Moving Objects45

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

  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment38

    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.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes36

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

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment35

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

  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment34

    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.

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.

  • Self-Control88

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

  • Cautiousness87

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

  • Leadership Orientation85

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

  • Attention to Detail73

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

  • Perseverance68

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

  • Self-Confidence68

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

  • Achievement Orientation48

    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.

  • Adaptability44

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

  • Social Orientation38

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

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  • Cooperation36

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

  • Initiative32

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

  • Empathy31

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

  • Sincerity30

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

  • Tolerance for Ambiguity30

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

  • Optimism25

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

  • Humility16

    A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

  • Intellectual Curiosity14

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

Interests (RIASEC)

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

  • Enterprising89

    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.

  • Conventional68

    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.

  • Social59

    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.

  • Realistic43

    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.

  • Investigative13

    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.

  • 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.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

  • E-Mail

    • Every day95%
  • Telephone Conversations

    • Every day92%
  • Contact With Others

    • Constant contact with others84%
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers

    • Very high responsibility77%
    • High responsibility23%
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

    • Every day86%
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

    • Every day86%
    • Once a month or more but not every week14%
  • Frequency of Decision Making

    • Every day74%
    • Once a week or more but not every day22%
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

    • Extremely important81%
    • Important14%
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

    • Every day70%
    • Once a week or more but not every day18%
    • Once a month or more but not every week13%
  • Conflict Situations

    • Every day66%
    • Once a week or more but not every day19%
    • Once a month or more but not every week15%
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

    • Very high responsibility66%
    • High responsibility14%
    • Moderate responsibility20%
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

    • Very important results56%
    • Important results33%
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  • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

    • Every day57%
    • Once a week or more but not every day23%
    • Once a month or more but not every week15%
  • Time Pressure

    • Every day42%
    • Once a week or more but not every day36%
    • Once a month or more but not every week18%
  • Freedom to Make Decisions

    • A lot of freedom47%
    • Some freedom26%
    • Limited freedom23%
  • Written Letters and Memos

    • Every day39%
    • Once a week or more but not every day36%
    • Once a month or more but not every week18%
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

    • Extremely important45%
    • Very important25%
    • Important21%
  • Physical Proximity

    • Very close (near touching)42%
    • Moderately close (at arm's length)34%
    • Slightly close (e.g., shared office)11%
    • I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)14%
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

    • Every day53%
    • Once a week or more but not every day15%
    • Once a month or more but not every week20%
  • Duration of Typical Work Week

    • More than 40 hours47%
    • 40 hours53%
  • Public Speaking

    • Every day39%
    • Once a week or more but not every day28%
    • Once a month or more but not every week23%
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

    • A lot of freedom40%
    • Some freedom20%
    • Limited freedom32%
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections

    • Every day53%
    • Once a week or more but not every day12%
    • Once a year or more but not every month19%
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

    • Extremely important37%
    • Very important32%
    • Fairly important20%
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

    • Extremely important26%
    • Very important29%
    • Important31%
    • Fairly important14%
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

    • Every day37%
    • Once a week or more but not every day23%
    • Once a month or more but not every week12%
    • Once a year or more but not every month17%
  • Spend Time Walking or Running

    • Continually or almost continually15%
    • More than half the time38%
    • About half the time29%
    • Less than half the time18%
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

    • Extremely important19%
    • Very important37%
    • Important23%
    • Not important at all17%
  • Spend Time Standing

    • Continually or almost continually14%
    • More than half the time22%
    • About half the time47%
    • Less than half the time17%
  • Consequence of Error

    • Extremely serious30%
    • Very serious22%
    • Serious18%
    • Not serious at all25%
  • Exposed to Contaminants

    • Every day33%
    • Once a week or more but not every day11%
    • Once a month or more but not every week12%
    • Once a year or more but not every month31%
    • Never14%
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

    • Every day36%
    • Once a week or more but not every day13%
    • Once a year or more but not every month18%
    • Never24%
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

    • Every day32%
    • Once a month or more but not every week18%
    • Once a year or more but not every month21%
    • Never22%
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

    • Every day22%
    • Once a week or more but not every day18%
    • Once a month or more but not every week22%
    • Once a year or more but not every month16%
    • Never22%
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

    • Once a week or more but not every day29%
    • Once a month or more but not every week24%
    • Once a year or more but not every month24%
    • Never14%
  • Level of Competition

    • Extremely competitive16%
    • Highly competitive12%
    • Moderately competitive32%
    • Slightly competitive34%
  • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

    • Every day27%
    • Once a month or more but not every week16%
    • Once a year or more but not every month30%
    • Never25%
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

    • Every day11%
    • Once a month or more but not every week32%
    • Once a year or more but not every month26%
    • Never20%
  • Spend Time Sitting

    • About half the time37%
    • Less than half the time52%
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

    • More than half the time18%
    • Less than half the time41%
    • Never25%
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

    • Continually or almost continually14%
    • About half the time13%
    • Less than half the time50%
    • Never20%
  • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

    • More than half the time14%
    • Less than half the time51%
    • Never21%
  • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

    • Every day13%
    • Once a year or more but not every month30%
    • Never40%
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

    • Once a week or more but not every day15%
    • Once a year or more but not every month21%
    • Never49%
  • Outdoors, Under Cover

    • Once a month or more but not every week19%
    • Once a year or more but not every month22%
    • Never49%
  • Degree of Automation

    • Moderately automated26%
    • Slightly automated19%
    • Not at all automated49%
  • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

    • Less than half the time60%
    • Never31%
  • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

    • Less than half the time33%
    • Never53%
  • Exposed to High Places

    • Once a year or more but not every month25%
    • Never61%
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

    • Once a week or more but not every day15%
    • Once a year or more but not every month11%
    • Never71%
  • Exposed to Radiation

    • Once a year or more but not every month13%
    • Never73%
  • 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 month43%
    • Never53%
  • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

    • Less than half the time21%
    • Never73%
  • In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

    • Once a year or more but not every month17%
    • Never79%
  • Work Schedules

    • Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)13%
    • Regular (established routine, set schedule)87%
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

    • Not important at all92%
  • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

    • Never95%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
  • Bachelor’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

  • Data base user interface and query software

    3M Electronic Monitoring, Guardian RFID, Jail management software, Microsoft Access

  • Presentation software

    Microsoft PowerPoint

  • Electronic mail software

    Email software, Microsoft Outlook

  • Spreadsheet software

    Microsoft Excel

  • Office suite software

    Microsoft Office software

  • Word processing software

    Microsoft Word

Professional Associations

Related Occupations

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

  • Count prison inmates or personnel.
  • Use weapons or physical force to maintain security.
  • Maintain professional knowledge or certifications.
  • Respond to emergencies to provide assistance.
  • Direct operations of correctional facilities.
  • Locate suspicious objects or vehicles.
  • Search individuals for illegal or dangerous items.
  • Evaluate employee performance.
  • Administer first aid.
  • Rescue people from hazardous situations.
  • Maintain operational records.
  • Write operational reports.
Show all 22
  • Train employees in proper work procedures.
  • Resolve interpersonal conflicts.
  • Prepare activity or work schedules.
  • Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations.
  • Drive vehicles to transport individuals or equipment.
  • Escort prisoners to courtrooms, prisons, or other facilities.
  • Determine operational procedures.
  • Read materials to determine needed actions.
  • Supervise inmate activities.
  • Discuss performance, complaints, or violations with supervisors.
O*NET in-it

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology

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