Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Observe, feel, taste, or otherwise examine products during and after processing to ensure conformance to standards.90
• Take product samples during or after processing for laboratory analyses.90
• Set temperature and time controls, light ovens, burners, driers, or roasters, and start equipment, such as conveyors, cylinders, blowers, driers, or pumps.89
• Observe temperature, humidity, pressure gauges, and product samples and adjust controls, such as thermostats and valves, to maintain prescribed operating conditions for specific stages.84
• Observe flow of materials and listen for machine malfunctions, such as jamming or spillage, and notify supervisors if corrective actions fail.84
• Record production data, such as weight and amount of product processed, type of product, and time and temperature of processing.84
• Test products for moisture content, using moisture meters.84
• Weigh or measure products, using scale hoppers or scale conveyors.83
• Clear or dislodge blockages in bins, screens, or other equipment, using poles, brushes, or mallets.81
• Operate or tend equipment that roasts, bakes, dries, or cures food items such as cocoa and coffee beans, grains, nuts, and bakery products.79
• Signal coworkers to synchronize flow of materials.79
• Start conveyors to move roasted grain to cooling pans and agitate grain with rakes as blowers force air through perforated bottoms of pans.78

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

• Operations Monitoring66

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

• Monitoring63

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

• Active Listening53

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Critical Thinking53

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

• Operation and Control53

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Quality Control Analysis53

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

• Reading Comprehension53

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Complex Problem Solving50

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

• Coordination50

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Judgment and Decision Making50

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

• Social Perceptiveness50

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

• Speaking50

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

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

• Production and Processing65

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

• English Language57

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

• Food Production51

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

• Public Safety and Security51

  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.

• Mathematics33

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

• Education and Training32

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

• Mechanical30

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

• Customer and Personal Service27

  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.

• Law and Government24

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

• Engineering and Technology22

  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.

• Administration and Management21

  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.

• Transportation21

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

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Near Vision69

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

• Problem Sensitivity56

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness53

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

• Category Flexibility53

  The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

• Control Precision53

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

• Information Ordering53

  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).

• Oral Comprehension53

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

• 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.

• Selective Attention53

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

• Speech Recognition53

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

• Auditory Attention50

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

• Finger Dexterity50

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

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings79

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

• Getting Information76

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

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems75

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

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates74

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

• Controlling Machines and Processes74

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

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials71

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

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events69

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

• Analyzing Data or Information65

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

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards65

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

• Performing General Physical Activities64

  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.

• Processing Information64

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

• Training and Teaching Others64

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

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

• Attention to Detail72

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

• Dependability72

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

• Cautiousness65

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

• Stress Tolerance32

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

• Perseverance25

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

• Achievement Orientation23

  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.

• Integrity23

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Self-Control21

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

• Self-Confidence14

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

• Cooperation12

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

• Adaptability9

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

• Initiative4

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

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

• Realistic98

  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.

• Conventional53

  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.

• Enterprising14

  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.

• 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.

• Social4

  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.

• Artistic2

  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.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

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

  • Every day85%
  • Once a week or more but not every day11%

• Spend Time Standing

  • Continually or almost continually82%
  • More than half the time14%

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

  • Every day73%
  • Once a month or more but not every week12%
  • Once a year or more but not every month11%

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

  • Every day71%
  • Once a week or more but not every day17%
  • Never12%

• Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

  • Every day75%
  • Once a month or more but not every week11%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important53%
  • Very important27%
  • Important20%

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

  • Continually or almost continually62%
  • About half the time34%

• Time Pressure

  • Every day47%
  • Once a week or more but not every day33%
  • Never11%

• Duration of Typical Work Week

• Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

  • Every day50%
  • Once a week or more but not every day25%
  • Once a month or more but not every week11%
  • Never13%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others32%
  • Contact with others most of the time41%
  • Contact with others about half the time19%

• Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

  • Very important17%
  • Important28%
  • Not important at all11%

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

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

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Electronic mail software

  Email software

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

• National Coffee Association
• The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Food Batchmakers
• Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders
• Chemical Processing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
• Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products
• Miscellaneous production workers, including semiconductor processors
• Miscellaneous production workers, including semiconductor processors
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Bakers
• Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
• Packers and Packagers, Hand
• Machine Feeders and Offbearers
• Miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers, including multiple machine tool setters
• Metal Furnace Operators, Tenders, Pourers, and Casters
• Miscellaneous agricultural workers, including animal breeders
• Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Cutting Workers
• Conveyor operators and tenders, and hoist and winch operators

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Inspect food products.
• Evaluate quality of food ingredients or prepared foods.
• Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
• Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
• Operate pumping systems or equipment.
• Monitor instruments to ensure proper production conditions.
• Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
• Record operational or production data.
• Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
• Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
• Weigh finished products.
• Clear equipment jams.