Machine Feeders and Offbearers

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Inspect materials and products for defects, and to ensure conformance to specifications.85
• Record production and operational data, such as amount of materials processed.85
• Push dual control buttons and move controls to start, stop, or adjust machinery and equipment.82
• Weigh or measure materials or products to ensure conformance to specifications.81
• Identify and mark materials, products, and samples, following instructions.80
• Clean and maintain machinery, equipment, and work areas to ensure proper functioning and safe working conditions.78
• Load materials and products into machines and equipment, or onto conveyors, using hand tools and moving devices.76
• Remove materials and products from machines and equipment, and place them in boxes, trucks or conveyors, using hand tools and moving devices.76
• Transfer materials and products to and from machinery and equipment, using industrial trucks or hand trucks.74
• Shovel or scoop materials into containers, machines, or equipment for processing, storage, or transport.73
• Open and close gates of belt and pneumatic conveyors on machines that are fed directly from preceding machines.72
• Fasten, package, or stack materials and products, using hand tools and fastening equipment.71

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

• Operations Monitoring60

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

• Monitoring50

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

• Active Listening44

  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.

• Quality Control Analysis44

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

• Reading Comprehension44

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Speaking44

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Troubleshooting44

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

• Operation and Control41

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Coordination38

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Critical Thinking38

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

• Judgment and Decision Making38

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

• Social Perceptiveness38

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

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

• Production and Processing61

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

• Mechanical53

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

• Mathematics51

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

• English Language48

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

• Public Safety and Security43

  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.

• Education and Training42

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

• Administrative39

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

• Administration and Management38

  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.

• Computers and Electronics35

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

• Personnel and Human Resources32

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

• Transportation32

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

• Customer and Personal Service31

  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.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness69

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

• Control Precision63

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

• Rate Control56

  The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

• Reaction Time56

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

• Near Vision53

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

• Oral Expression53

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

• Information Ordering50

  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).

• 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.

• Oral Comprehension50

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

• Problem Sensitivity50

  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.

• Static Strength50

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

• Category Flexibility47

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

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Handling and Moving Objects76

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

• Controlling Machines and Processes72

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

• Getting Information62

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

• Performing General Physical Activities61

  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.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials59

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

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events58

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

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates57

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

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings56

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

• Documenting/Recording Information50

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

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards49

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

• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships48

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

• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information48

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

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

• Dependability66

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

• Attention to Detail60

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

• Cautiousness50

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

• Integrity22

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Stress Tolerance18

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

• Cooperation15

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

• Achievement Orientation14

  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.

• Perseverance12

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

• Self-Control9

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

• Self-Confidence2

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

• Sincerity1

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

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

• Realistic99

  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.

• Conventional58

  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.

• Investigative18

  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.

• Enterprising0

  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.

• Social0

  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.

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 day94%

• Spend Time Standing

  • Continually or almost continually67%
  • More than half the time21%

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

  • Continually or almost continually70%
  • More than half the time11%

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

  • Every day63%
  • Once a week or more but not every day17%
  • Never12%

• Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

  • Extremely important46%
  • Very important27%
  • Important21%

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

  • Every day56%
  • Once a week or more but not every day14%
  • Once a month or more but not every week13%
  • Once a year or more but not every month13%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important35%
  • Very important30%
  • Important36%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others32%
  • Contact with others most of the time38%
  • Contact with others about half the time17%
  • Occasional contact with others13%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Extremely important33%
  • Very important35%
  • Important20%

• Duration of Typical Work Week

  • More than 40 hours39%
  • 40 hours57%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day57%
  • Never25%

• Time Pressure

  • Every day46%
  • Once a week or more but not every day16%
  • Once a month or more but not every week14%
  • Once a year or more but not every month11%
  • Never13%

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

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Less than high school diploma
• Post-secondary certificate

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Electronic mail software

  Microsoft Outlook

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Time accounting software

  Work time tracking software

• Industrial control software

  Machine operation software

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

• MHI
• Warehousing Education and Research Council

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Cutting Workers
• Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
• Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Packers and Packagers, Hand
• Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
• Miscellaneous textile, apparel, and furnishings workers except upholsterers
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Cutting Workers
• Miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers, including multiple machine tool setters
• Industrial and Refractory Machinery Mechanics
• Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Inspect items for damage or defects.
• Inspect work to ensure standards are met.
• Record operational or production data.
• Operate conveyors or other industrial material moving equipment.
• Measure product or material dimensions.
• Weigh materials to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Mark materials or objects for identification.
• Clean facilities or work areas.
• Clean machinery or equipment.
• Load materials into equipment for processing.
• Package materials or products.
• Move materials, equipment, or supplies.