Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Clean, wash, and sterilize equipment and cooking area, using water hoses, cleaning or sterilizing solutions, or rinses.91
• Read work orders, recipes, or formulas to determine cooking times and temperatures, and ingredient specifications.90
• Observe gauges, dials, and product characteristics, and adjust controls to maintain appropriate temperature, pressure, and flow of ingredients.89
• Measure or weigh ingredients, using scales or measuring containers.88
• Tend or operate and control equipment, such as kettles, cookers, vats and tanks, and boilers, to cook ingredients or prepare products for further processing.87
• Record production and test data, such as processing steps, temperature and steam readings, cooking time, batches processed, and test results.86
• Set temperature, pressure, and time controls, and start conveyers, machines, or pumps.85
• Activate agitators and paddles to mix or stir ingredients, stopping machines when ingredients are thoroughly mixed.85
• Remove cooked material or products from equipment.84
• Collect and examine product samples during production to test them for quality, color, content, consistency, viscosity, acidity, or specific gravity.84
• Pour, dump, or load prescribed quantities of ingredients or products into cooking equipment, manually or using a hoist.83
• Operate auxiliary machines and equipment, such as grinders, canners, and molding presses, to prepare or further process products.83

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

• Operations Monitoring63

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

• Monitoring53

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

• Operation and Control53

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Reading Comprehension53

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Active Listening50

  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 Thinking50

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

• Complex Problem Solving47

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

• Coordination47

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Judgment and Decision Making44

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

• Quality Control Analysis44

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

• Writing44

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

• Active Learning41

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

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.

• Food Production70

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

• Administration and Management58

  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.

• Education and Training53

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

• Mechanical53

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

• English Language45

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

• Computers and Electronics41

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

• Customer and Personal Service40

  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.

• Personnel and Human Resources38

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

• Chemistry33

  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.

• Mathematics30

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

• Public Safety and Security29

  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.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Problem Sensitivity66

  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.

• Oral Comprehension60

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

• Written Comprehension60

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

• Near Vision56

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

• 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).

• Selective Attention53

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Reaction Time50

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

• Deductive Reasoning47

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

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Documenting/Recording Information80

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

• Controlling Machines and Processes79

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

• Getting Information79

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

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings79

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

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials78

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

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events76

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

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates75

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

• Handling and Moving Objects74

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

• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information71

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

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards66

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

• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People65

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

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems65

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

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

• Dependability71

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

• Attention to Detail67

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

• Cautiousness61

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

• Stress Tolerance39

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

• Self-Control31

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

• Integrity26

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Perseverance21

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

• Achievement Orientation19

  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.

• Cooperation15

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

• Adaptability13

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

• Self-Confidence5

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

• Initiative2

  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.

• Realistic97

  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.

• Conventional61

  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.

• Investigative16

  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.

• Enterprising11

  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.

• Social6

  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.

• Artistic3

  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.

• Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

  • A lot of freedom75%
  • Some freedom24%

• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

  • Every day75%
  • Once a week or more but not every day26%

• Freedom to Make Decisions

  • A lot of freedom75%
  • Limited freedom15%

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

  • More than half the time13%
  • About half the time13%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Extremely important71%
  • Very important13%
  • Important16%

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

  • Every day74%
  • Once a week or more but not every day13%
  • Once a year or more but not every month13%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others71%
  • Contact with others most of the time13%
  • Occasional contact with others15%

• Spend Time Walking or Running

  • Continually or almost continually63%
  • More than half the time21%
  • Less than half the time13%

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

  • Once a week or more but not every day13%
  • Never15%

• Time Pressure

  • Once a week or more but not every day22%
  • Once a month or more but not every week13%
  • Once a year or more but not every month13%

• Spend Time Standing

  • Continually or almost continually60%
  • About half the time15%
  • Less than half the time25%

• Physical Proximity

  • Very close (near touching)25%
  • Moderately close (at arm's length)38%
  • Slightly close (e.g., shared office)25%
  • I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)13%

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

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Post-secondary certificate

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Data base user interface and query software

  Database software

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

• Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union
• International Brotherhood of Teamsters
• The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Food Batchmakers
• Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders
• Chemical Processing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Miscellaneous production workers, including semiconductor processors
• Miscellaneous production workers, including semiconductor processors
• Bakers
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
• Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
• Cooks
• Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products
• Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers, including multiple machine tool setters
• Metal Furnace Operators, Tenders, Pourers, and Casters
• Packers and Packagers, Hand
• Machine Feeders and Offbearers
• Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Cutting Workers
• Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Clean work areas.
• Sterilize food cooking or processing equipment.
• Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
• Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
• Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.
• Monitor instruments to ensure proper production conditions.
• Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
• Operate cooking, baking, or other food preparation equipment.
• Record operational or production data.
• Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
• Operate pumping systems or equipment.
• Operate mixing equipment.