Maintenance Workers, Machinery

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.

Dismantle machines and remove parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.79
Reassemble machines after the completion of repair or maintenance work.78
Record production, repair, and machine maintenance information.78
Lubricate or apply adhesives or other materials to machines, machine parts, or other equipment according to specified procedures.76
Install, replace, or change machine parts and attachments, according to production specifications.76
Set up and operate machines, and adjust controls to regulate operations.76
Collaborate with other workers to repair or move machines, machine parts, or equipment.75
Read work orders and specifications to determine machines and equipment requiring repair or maintenance.75
Inspect or test damaged machine parts, and mark defective areas or advise supervisors of repair needs.75
Start machines and observe mechanical operation to determine efficiency and to detect problems.73
Transport machine parts, tools, equipment, and other material between work areas and storage, using cranes, hoists, or dollies.71
Collect and discard worn machine parts and other refuse to maintain machinery and work areas.71

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Inventory and requisition machine parts, equipment, and other supplies so that stock can be maintained and replenished.70
Remove hardened material from machines or machine parts, using abrasives, power and hand tools, jackhammers, sledgehammers, or other equipment.70
Replace, empty, or replenish machine and equipment containers such as gas tanks or boxes.66
Clean machines and machine parts, using cleaning solvents, cloths, air guns, hoses, vacuums, or other equipment.66
Replace or repair metal, wood, leather, glass, or other lining in machines, or in equipment compartments or containers.62
Measure, mix, prepare, and test chemical solutions used to clean or repair machinery and equipment.60
Troubleshoot electrical, hydraulic, or mechanical equipment and machines.—

Skills

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

Equipment Maintenance69
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Operations Monitoring69
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Repairing69
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting69
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operation and Control66
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis53
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
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.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making50
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension50
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.

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Complex Problem Solving47
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Installation47
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Speaking47
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning44
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Equipment Selection44
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Monitoring44
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Social Perceptiveness41
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing35
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Instructing31
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies28
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources28
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Negotiation28
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion28
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation28
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Systems Analysis28
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Mathematics25
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Systems Evaluation25
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Material Resources22
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Analysis22
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Technology Design22
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Management of Financial Resources19
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Programming19
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Science19
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

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

Mechanical89
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Production and Processing59
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Administration and Management56
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.
Design51
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English Language51
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Education and Training50
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Engineering and Technology48
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.
Mathematics45
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Computers and Electronics39
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Public Safety and Security35
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.
Chemistry32
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.
Physics31
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.

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Administrative27
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Customer and Personal Service26
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.
Building and Construction25
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Law and Government24
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Psychology20
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.
Communications and Media18
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Telecommunications17
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Economics and Accounting16
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Personnel and Human Resources16
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Transportation15
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Geography10
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.
Biology9
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
History and Archeology8
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Sales and Marketing7
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.
Therapy and Counseling7
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Sociology and Anthropology6
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Foreign Language5
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.
Philosophy and Theology5
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.
Medicine and Dentistry3
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.
Food Production2
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Fine Arts1
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Arm-Hand Steadiness75
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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.
Manual Dexterity60
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Near Vision60
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Control Precision56
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Extent Flexibility53
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Multilimb Coordination53
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.
Visualization53
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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.
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.
Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

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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).
Oral Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Perceptual Speed50
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 Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Static Strength50
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Trunk Strength50
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 Discrimination50
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Category Flexibility47
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Oral Comprehension47
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Reaction Time47
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Speech Clarity47
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition47
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Expression47
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Depth Perception44
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.
Fluency of Ideas44
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).
Hearing Sensitivity44
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Time Sharing44
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Written Comprehension44
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Auditory Attention41
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Rate Control38
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.
Originality31
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.
Stamina31
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Wrist-Finger Speed31
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dynamic Strength28
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Coordination28
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium28
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Response Orientation28
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.
Explosive Strength25
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Glare Sensitivity25
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Night Vision25
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Number Facility25
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
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.
Speed of Closure25
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Speed of Limb Movement19
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
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.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment84
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials80
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Controlling Machines and Processes79
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Getting Information77
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events73
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems73
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates69
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Handling and Moving Objects68
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment68
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.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work66
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Performing General Physical Activities66
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Documenting/Recording Information64
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings63
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment63
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge60
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Thinking Creatively58
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards57
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships55
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Training and Teaching Others55
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others54
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Working with Computers51
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Scheduling Work and Activities50
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Analyzing Data or Information49
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Developing Objectives and Strategies47
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment47
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.
Coaching and Developing Others45
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates45
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Processing Information43
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Assisting and Caring for Others42
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others42
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing and Building Teams42
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information40
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others40
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People39
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Performing Administrative Activities37
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others34
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources27
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization24
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 Others23
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Staffing Organizational Units19
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public12
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.

Dependability83
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Attention to Detail73
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Cautiousness63
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Perseverance48
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Stress Tolerance40
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Cooperation31
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Integrity31
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Achievement Orientation27
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.
Self-Control27
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Self-Confidence21
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Adaptability20
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Intellectual Curiosity20
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

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Initiative18
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Sincerity9
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Social Orientation4
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Optimism2
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

Realistic100
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.
Conventional54
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.
Investigative17
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.
Enterprising3
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.
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.
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.

Work Context

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 day97%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom57%
- Some freedom32%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day61%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day60%
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually38%
- More than half the time54%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others39%
- Contact with others most of the time55%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day74%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important40%
- Very important36%
- Important21%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important38%
- Very important35%
- Important26%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually39%
- More than half the time45%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom38%
- Some freedom37%
- Limited freedom13%
- Very little freedom12%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours50%
- 40 hours50%

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Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility34%
- High responsibility47%
- Moderate responsibility11%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious52%
- Serious17%
- Fairly serious22%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day48%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Never14%
E-Mail
- Every day56%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Never24%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day43%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day43%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Never17%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day51%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Never24%
Time Pressure
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week41%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important18%
- Very important46%
- Important18%
- Fairly important14%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually29%
- More than half the time24%
- About half the time24%
- Less than half the time22%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day40%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never12%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility25%
- High responsibility22%
- Moderate responsibility37%
- Limited responsibility16%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day35%
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Never21%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important30%
- Very important17%
- Important31%
- Fairly important15%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day24%
- Once a week or more but not every day37%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Never17%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results20%
- Important results34%
- Moderate results22%
- Minor results21%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day30%
- Once a week or more but not every day35%
- Never25%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important26%
- Very important23%
- Important31%
- Not important at all18%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)13%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)37%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)27%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)13%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually21%
- More than half the time21%
- About half the time22%
- Less than half the time33%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Never38%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually11%
- More than half the time26%
- About half the time15%
- Less than half the time48%
Exposed to High Places
- Every day11%
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Never23%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day15%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Never29%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day23%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Never40%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never12%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- More than half the time21%
- About half the time22%
- Less than half the time50%
Conflict Situations
- Every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never24%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never35%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important23%
- Fairly important14%
- Not important at all50%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never27%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive22%
- Moderately competitive34%
- Not at all competitive37%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never46%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- More than half the time18%
- About half the time24%
- Less than half the time36%
- Never22%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated18%
- Moderately automated28%
- Slightly automated26%
- Not at all automated29%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never33%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Never52%
Spend Time Sitting
- Less than half the time84%
- Never12%
Public Speaking
- Every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never63%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time62%
- Never30%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never57%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never78%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never75%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)12%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)88%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never94%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

Post-secondary certificate
High school diploma or equivalent
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Management information systems MIS, SAP software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Facilities management software
Computerized maintenance management system software CMMS
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Data base user interface and query software
Database software
Calendar and scheduling software
Scheduling 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.

Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
Maintain repair or maintenance records.
Reassemble equipment after repair.
Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Install machine or equipment replacement parts.
Lubricate equipment to allow proper functioning.
Communicate with coworkers to coordinate installations or repairs.
Confer with coworkers to resolve equipment problems.
Inspect mechanical equipment to locate damage, defects, or wear.
Read work orders or descriptions of problems to determine repairs or modifications needed.
Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Observe equipment in operation to detect potential problems.

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Clean work areas.
Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
Position containers to receive materials or workpieces.
Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
Prepare compounds or solutions to be used for repairs.
Test fluids to identify contamination or other problems.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Pinsetter Mech, Automatic

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