First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers

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.

Enforce safety and sanitation regulations.87
Keep records of employees' attendance and hours worked.81
Inspect materials, products, or equipment to detect defects or malfunctions.81
Read and analyze charts, work orders, production schedules, and other records and reports to determine production requirements and to evaluate current production estimates and outputs.81
Plan and establish work schedules, assignments, and production sequences to meet production goals.80
Confer with other supervisors to coordinate operations and activities within or between departments.79
Interpret specifications, blueprints, job orders, and company policies and procedures for workers.76
Observe work and monitor gauges, dials, and other indicators to ensure that operators conform to production or processing standards.76
Direct and coordinate the activities of employees engaged in the production or processing of goods, such as inspectors, machine setters, or fabricators.76
Conduct employee training in equipment operations or work and safety procedures, or assign employee training to experienced workers.75
Evaluate employee performance.75
Confer with management or subordinates to resolve worker problems, complaints, or grievances.75

Show all 20 →

Determine standards, budgets, production goals, and rates, based on company policies, equipment and labor availability, and workloads.72
Calculate labor and equipment requirements and production specifications, using standard formulas.72
Recommend or implement measures to motivate employees and to improve production methods, equipment performance, product quality, or efficiency.71
Maintain operations data, such as time, production, and cost records, and prepare management reports of production results.71
Requisition materials, supplies, equipment parts, or repair services.68
Set up and adjust machines and equipment.66
Recommend or execute personnel actions, such as hirings, evaluations, or promotions.66
Plan and develop new products and production processes.53

Skills

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

Active Listening72
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Management of Personnel Resources72
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management72
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Coordination69
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking69
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring69
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Social Perceptiveness69
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Judgment and Decision Making66
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension63
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Learning53
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving53
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Show all 35 →

Learning Strategies53
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Operations Monitoring53
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Systems Analysis53
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Writing53
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Negotiation50
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion50
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Quality Control Analysis50
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
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.
Operations Analysis47
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Operation and Control44
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Mathematics35
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Equipment Selection31
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Management of Financial Resources31
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Repairing31
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting31
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance28
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Management of Material Resources28
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Technology Design25
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Science13
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Programming6
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Installation3
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

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

Production and Processing84
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Administration and Management78
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.
Personnel and Human Resources65
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
English Language63
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Administrative56
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 Electronics56
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics56
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training54
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Mechanical54
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Engineering and Technology52
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.
Customer and Personal Service49
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.
Public Safety and Security49
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.

Show all 33 →

Design47
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Building and Construction39
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Psychology39
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.
Transportation32
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Sales and Marketing31
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Economics and Accounting30
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Communications and Media29
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Chemistry28
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.
Physics26
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.
Sociology and Anthropology26
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Law and Government25
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Philosophy and Theology20
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.
Therapy and Counseling17
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Telecommunications15
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Geography12
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.
Biology11
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Foreign Language11
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Medicine and Dentistry11
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.
History and Archeology8
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Fine Arts2
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral 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.
Deductive Reasoning69
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Speech Clarity69
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition69
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension69
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Inductive Reasoning66
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Written Expression66
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility56
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Information Ordering56
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision56
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Show all 52 →

Fluency of Ideas53
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).
Originality53
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.
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.
Visualization53
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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.
Manual Dexterity50
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Mathematical Reasoning50
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Control Precision47
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Finger Dexterity47
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Number Facility47
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Time Sharing47
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Speed of Closure44
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Multilimb Coordination41
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.
Auditory Attention38
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Reaction Time38
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Rate Control31
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.
Response Orientation31
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.
Trunk Strength31
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.
Visual Color Discrimination31
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Depth Perception28
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.
Hearing Sensitivity28
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Memorization28
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Static Strength28
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Dynamic Strength25
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Extent Flexibility25
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Gross Body Coordination25
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium25
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Peripheral Vision25
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization25
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation25
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Stamina25
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Glare Sensitivity22
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision16
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Speed of Limb Movement16
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Explosive Strength10
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Dynamic Flexibility0
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.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems87
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Getting Information86
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates84
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials80
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings80
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates79
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Coaching and Developing Others74
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards74
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events74
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Processing Information74
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work72
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Training and Teaching Others72
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Show all 41 →

Controlling Machines and Processes71
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People69
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Scheduling Work and Activities69
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Working with Computers68
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others67
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing and Building Teams67
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources67
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge67
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Analyzing Data or Information66
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships66
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Thinking Creatively66
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Documenting/Recording Information64
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others63
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Performing Administrative Activities59
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others57
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Handling and Moving Objects56
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment56
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Developing Objectives and Strategies55
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Staffing Organizational Units53
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information52
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others52
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Performing General Physical Activities52
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment52
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.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment50
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment48
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.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization47
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.
Selling or Influencing Others40
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Assisting and Caring for Others39
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public24
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Work Styles

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

Leadership Orientation92
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Attention to Detail71
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Achievement Orientation66
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.
Perseverance65
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Cautiousness64
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Integrity64
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Cooperation61
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Self-Control61
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Stress Tolerance60
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Confidence59
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Social Orientation58
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

Show all 21 →

Initiative52
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Adaptability47
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Innovation41
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Empathy36
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism33
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Sincerity32
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Humility31
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity31
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Intellectual Curiosity29
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.

Enterprising88
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.
Realistic55
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.
Social31
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.
Investigative10
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.

Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others90%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day92%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day88%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours83%
- 40 hours17%
Time Pressure
- Every day69%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important66%
- Very important21%
- Important13%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day73%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day72%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
E-Mail
- Every day85%
- Never15%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility51%
- High responsibility41%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility54%
- High responsibility32%
- Moderate responsibility14%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom51%
- Some freedom39%

Show all 57 →

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day59%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important41%
- Very important41%
- Important17%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom41%
- Some freedom49%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results50%
- Important results35%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important54%
- Very important21%
- Important11%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day63%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Never13%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually36%
- More than half the time34%
- About half the time23%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day67%
- Never15%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important41%
- Very important22%
- Important21%
Conflict Situations
- Every day29%
- Once a week or more but not every day34%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day55%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Never28%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day32%
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Never14%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day29%
- Once a week or more but not every day35%
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)24%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)28%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)38%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually31%
- More than half the time14%
- About half the time33%
- Less than half the time22%
Public Speaking
- Every day34%
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Never25%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important24%
- Very important26%
- Important25%
- Not important at all15%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day50%
- Never39%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day40%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never29%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious27%
- Serious25%
- Fairly serious23%
- Not serious at all14%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day21%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Never27%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive40%
- Moderately competitive33%
- Slightly competitive16%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually21%
- More than half the time17%
- About half the time19%
- Less than half the time25%
- Never18%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important26%
- Very important17%
- Important12%
- Fairly important14%
- Not important at all31%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a week or more but not every day34%
- Once a month or more but not every week32%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never21%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- More than half the time24%
- About half the time16%
- Less than half the time37%
- Never14%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month33%
- Never20%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day18%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never38%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never32%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- More than half the time13%
- About half the time28%
- Less than half the time46%
- Never11%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never34%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated17%
- Moderately automated34%
- Not at all automated38%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day18%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never52%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
- Never36%
Spend Time Sitting
- About half the time21%
- Less than half the time59%
- Never12%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never52%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Never59%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time62%
- Never25%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time59%
- Never28%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month52%
- Never39%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time39%
- Never50%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)26%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)73%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never90%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never79%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never82%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Less than high school diploma

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Epicor Vantage ERP, Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, SAP software, Technology Group International Enterprise 21 ERP
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Electronic mail software
Email software, IBM Notes, Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Outlook
Internet browser software
Apple Safari, Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox
Data base user interface and query software
Database software, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Total Quality Control Management, Operational databases
Time accounting software
Kronos Workforce Timekeeper, Timekeeping software, Work Technology WorkTech Time
Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
Integrated materials management systems, Materials management software, QA Software QMS Materials Management
Project management software
HCSS HeavyJob, Microsoft Project, Total quality management TQM software
Word processing software
Apple iWork Pages, Microsoft Word
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Document management software
Microsoft SharePoint
Enterprise application integration software
Extensible markup language XML
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Financial analysis software
Delphi Technology
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Human resources software
GHG Clockwise
Analytical or scientific software
Minitab
Industrial control software
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA 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.

Enforce rules or regulations.
Record operational or production data.
Inspect production equipment.
Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
Exchange information with colleagues.
Instruct workers to use equipment or perform technical procedures.
Direct operational or production activities.
Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
Confer with others to resolve production problems or equipment malfunctions.
Evaluate employee performance.
Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production.

Show all 18 →

Advise others on ways to improve processes or products.
Determine metal or plastic production methods.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Install equipment attachments or components.
Perform human resources activities.

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