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Morticians, undertakers, and funeral directors

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.

  • Oversee the preparation and care of the remains of people who have died.96
  • Obtain information needed to complete legal documents, such as death certificates or burial permits.96
  • Perform embalming duties, as necessary.95
  • Consult with families or friends of the deceased to arrange funeral details, such as obituary notice wording, casket selection, or plans for services.95
  • Remove deceased remains from place of death.93
  • Contact cemeteries to schedule the opening and closing of graves.92
  • Plan, schedule, or coordinate funerals, burials, or cremations, arranging details such as floral delivery or the time and place of services.90
  • Close caskets and lead funeral corteges to churches or burial sites.87
  • Provide information on funeral service options, products, or merchandise, and maintain a casket display area.87
  • Offer counsel and comfort to bereaved families or friends.86
  • Direct preparations and shipment of bodies for out-of-state burial.82
  • Discuss and negotiate prearranged funerals with clients.80
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  • Maintain financial records, order merchandise, or prepare accounts.79
  • Provide or arrange transportation between sites for the remains, mourners, pallbearers, clergy, or flowers.78
  • Arrange for clergy members to perform needed services.78
  • Plan placement of caskets at funeral sites or place or adjust lights, fixtures, or floral displays.77
  • Clean funeral home facilities and grounds.72
  • Manage funeral home operations, including the hiring, training, or supervision of embalmers, funeral attendants, or other staff.71
  • Inform survivors of benefits for which they may be eligible.70
  • Arrange for pallbearers or inform pallbearers or honorary groups of their duties.69
  • Receive or usher people to their seats for services.67
  • Participate in community activities for funeral home promotion or other purposes.67

Skills

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

  • Active Listening78

    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.

  • Social Perceptiveness78

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

  • Service Orientation72

    Actively looking for ways to help people.

  • Coordination69

    Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

  • Speaking69

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Time Management60

    Managing one's own time and the time of others.

  • Reading Comprehension56

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Writing56

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

  • Critical Thinking53

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

  • Judgment and Decision Making53

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

  • Negotiation53

    Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

  • Persuasion53

    Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

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  • Active Learning50

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

  • Complex Problem Solving50

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

  • Instructing50

    Teaching others how to do something.

  • Management of Personnel Resources50

    Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

  • Monitoring50

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

  • Systems Analysis50

    Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

  • Systems Evaluation47

    Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

  • Learning Strategies44

    Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

  • Mathematics44

    Using mathematics to solve problems.

  • Operations Monitoring44

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

  • Management of Financial Resources41

    Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

  • Operation and Control41

    Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

  • Management of Material Resources38

    Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

  • Quality Control Analysis38

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

  • Operations Analysis35

    Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

  • Science19

    Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

  • Troubleshooting19

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

  • Technology Design16

    Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

  • Programming10

    Writing computer programs for various purposes.

  • Equipment Selection6

    Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

  • Equipment Maintenance0

    Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

  • Installation0

    Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

  • Repairing0

    Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

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

  • Customer and Personal Service93

    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.

  • English Language71

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

  • Administrative68

    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 Management66

    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.

  • Psychology60

    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.

  • Computers and Electronics55

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

  • Personnel and Human Resources55

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

  • Biology52

    Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

  • Philosophy and Theology52

    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.

  • Public Safety and Security52

    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.

  • Sales and Marketing52

    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 Counseling49

    Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

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  • Law and Government47

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

  • Transportation47

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

  • Mathematics46

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

  • Economics and Accounting44

    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

  • Education and Training44

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

  • Chemistry40

    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.

  • Communications and Media40

    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

  • Sociology and Anthropology40

    Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

  • Telecommunications31

    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

  • Production and Processing26

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

  • Medicine and Dentistry23

    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.

  • 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.

  • Geography19

    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.

  • History and Archeology18

    Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

  • Design17

    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

  • Physics17

    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.

  • Foreign Language16

    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.

  • Mechanical12

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

  • Fine Arts9

    Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

  • Building and Construction8

    Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

  • Food Production2

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

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

  • Oral Expression75

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

  • Oral Comprehension69

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

  • Speech Clarity69

    The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

  • Speech Recognition69

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

  • 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.

  • Information Ordering56

    The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

  • Near Vision56

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

  • Deductive Reasoning53

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

  • Fluency of Ideas53

    The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

  • Selective Attention53

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

  • Written Comprehension53

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

  • Written Expression53

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

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  • Category Flexibility50

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

  • Inductive Reasoning50

    The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

  • Originality50

    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.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness47

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

  • Control Precision47

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

  • Manual Dexterity47

    The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

  • Time Sharing47

    The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

  • Far Vision44

    The ability to see details at a distance.

  • Flexibility of Closure44

    The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

  • Multilimb Coordination44

    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.

  • Visualization44

    The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

  • Finger Dexterity41

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

  • Mathematical Reasoning41

    The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

  • Number Facility41

    The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

  • Static Strength41

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

  • Auditory Attention35

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

  • Trunk Strength35

    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.

  • Depth Perception31

    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.

  • Extent Flexibility31

    The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Memorization31

    The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

  • Dynamic Strength28

    The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

  • Hearing Sensitivity28

    The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

  • Perceptual Speed28

    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.

  • Spatial Orientation28

    The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

  • Speed of Closure28

    The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

  • Stamina28

    The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

  • Visual Color Discrimination28

    The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

  • Wrist-Finger Speed28

    The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

  • Gross Body Coordination25

    The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

  • Peripheral Vision25

    The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.

  • Response Orientation25

    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.

  • Rate Control22

    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 Time22

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

  • Explosive Strength19

    The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

  • Glare Sensitivity19

    The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.

  • Gross Body Equilibrium19

    The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

  • Night Vision19

    The ability to see under low-light conditions.

  • Sound Localization19

    The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

  • Speed of Limb Movement10

    The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

  • Dynamic Flexibility3

    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.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public92

    Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

  • Getting Information89

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

  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships88

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

  • Documenting/Recording Information87

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

  • Assisting and Caring for Others86

    Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems84

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

  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work84

    Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

  • Scheduling Work and Activities84

    Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates83

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

  • Handling and Moving Objects81

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

  • Performing Administrative Activities78

    Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization77

    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.

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  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others74

    Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge74

    Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others73

    Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

  • Performing General Physical Activities72

    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.

  • Thinking Creatively71

    Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

  • Processing Information69

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

  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others68

    Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

  • Developing and Building Teams68

    Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards68

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

  • Working with Computers68

    Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People66

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

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment65

    Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

  • Selling or Influencing Others65

    Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events63

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

  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates62

    Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others59

    Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials58

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

  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources52

    Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes51

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

  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings49

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

  • Developing Objectives and Strategies48

    Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

  • 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.

  • Coaching and Developing Others45

    Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

  • Staffing Organizational Units45

    Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

  • Training and Teaching Others44

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

  • Analyzing Data or Information43

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

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment32

    Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment25

    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.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment23

    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.

Work Styles

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

  • Attention to Detail89

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

  • Dependability88

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

  • Empathy87

    A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

  • Integrity84

    A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

  • Self-Control83

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

  • Cooperation77

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

  • Sincerity77

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

  • Social Orientation75

    A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

  • Stress Tolerance75

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

  • Cautiousness68

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

  • Leadership Orientation60

    A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

  • Humility59

    A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

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  • Perseverance56

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

  • Self-Confidence50

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

  • Initiative49

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

  • Adaptability45

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

  • Achievement Orientation39

    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.

  • Tolerance for Ambiguity32

    A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

  • Optimism25

    A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

  • Intellectual Curiosity17

    A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

  • Innovation5

    A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

  • 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.

  • Enterprising61

    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.

  • Social57

    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.

  • Realistic43

    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.

  • Artistic13

    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.

  • Investigative7

    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.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

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

    • Telephone Conversations

      • Contact With Others

        • Constant contact with others77%
        • Contact with others most of the time20%
      • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

        • Very important results74%
        • Important results20%
      • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

        • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

          • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

            • Frequency of Decision Making

              • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

                • Some freedom30%
              • Freedom to Make Decisions

                • A lot of freedom65%
                • Limited freedom12%
              • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

                • Extremely important74%
              • Duration of Typical Work Week

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                • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

                  • Every day13%
                  • Once a week or more but not every day81%
                • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

                  • Extremely important33%
                  • Very important47%
                • Exposed to Contaminants

                  • Every day42%
                • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

                  • Very high responsibility21%
                  • Moderate responsibility34%
                • Health and Safety of Other Workers

                  • High responsibility19%
                  • Moderate responsibility30%
                  • Limited responsibility16%
                • Physical Proximity

                  • Very close (near touching)19%
                  • Moderately close (at arm's length)48%
                  • Slightly close (e.g., shared office)24%
                • Time Pressure

                  • Every day28%
                  • Once a year or more but not every month20%
                • Written Letters and Memos

                  • Once a week or more but not every day77%
                  • Once a month or more but not every week16%
                • E-Mail

                  • Once a week or more but not every day12%
                • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

                  • Once a month or more but not every week16%
                  • Once a year or more but not every month18%
                • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

                  • Extremely important19%
                  • Very important35%
                  • Important17%
                  • Fairly important26%
                • Consequence of Error

                  • Extremely serious23%
                  • Very serious31%
                  • Fairly serious41%
                • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

                  • Once a year or more but not every month18%
                • Exposed to Disease or Infections

                  • Every day13%
                  • Once a month or more but not every week18%
                  • Once a year or more but not every month16%
                • Spend Time Standing

                  • More than half the time21%
                  • About half the time64%
                  • Less than half the time13%
                • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

                  • More than half the time42%
                  • About half the time20%
                  • Never25%
                • Public Speaking

                  • Once a week or more but not every day46%
                  • Once a month or more but not every week17%
                  • Never31%
                • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

                  • Once a week or more but not every day32%
                  • Once a month or more but not every week34%
                  • Once a year or more but not every month18%
                • Conflict Situations

                  • Every day16%
                  • Once a week or more but not every day15%
                  • Once a month or more but not every week20%
                • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

                  • Once a year or more but not every month14%
                • Spend Time Sitting

                  • More than half the time15%
                • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

                  • Once a week or more but not every day17%
                  • Once a year or more but not every month29%
                  • Never15%
                • Level of Competition

                  • Moderately competitive21%
                  • Slightly competitive22%
                  • Not at all competitive27%
                • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

                  • Once a week or more but not every day44%
                  • Never50%
                • Outdoors, Under Cover

                  • Once a year or more but not every month17%
                  • Never22%
                • Spend Time Walking or Running

                  • More than half the time19%
                  • About half the time22%
                  • Less than half the time31%
                • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

                  • More than half the time17%
                • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

                  • Once a month or more but not every week28%
                  • Once a year or more but not every month11%
                  • Never51%
                • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

                  • Once a week or more but not every day20%
                  • Once a year or more but not every month18%
                  • Never59%
                • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

                  • About half the time16%
                  • Less than half the time34%
                  • Never45%
                • Work Schedules

                  • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

                    • Once a month or more but not every week16%
                    • Once a year or more but not every month18%
                    • Never61%
                  • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

                    • Once a month or more but not every week13%
                  • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

                    • About half the time14%
                    • Less than half the time36%
                    • Never50%
                  • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

                    • Once a month or more but not every week17%
                    • Once a year or more but not every month17%
                    • Never64%
                  • Degree of Automation

                    • Slightly automated12%
                    • Not at all automated81%
                  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

                    • Never90%
                  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

                    • Never88%
                  • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

                    • Less than half the time14%
                    • Never86%
                  • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

                    • Never91%
                  • Exposed to High Places

                    • Never96%
                  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

                    • Not important at all97%
                  • In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

                    • Never97%
                  • Exposed to Radiation

                    • Never99%
                  • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

                    • Never99%

                  Typical Education Levels Reported

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

                  • Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
                  • High school diploma or equivalent
                  • Bachelor’s degree

                  Technology Skills

                  Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

                  • Data base user interface and query software

                    Belmar & Associates Mortware, HMIS Advantage, Microsoft Access, Twin Tier Technologies MIMS

                  • Presentation software

                    Microsoft PowerPoint

                  • Office suite software

                    Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Microsoft Office software

                  • Spreadsheet software

                    Microsoft Excel

                  • Electronic mail software

                    Microsoft Outlook

                  • Customer relationship management CRM software

                    Salesforce software

                  • Word processing software

                    Microsoft Word

                  • Human resources software

                    iCIMS Talent Cloud software

                  • Internet browser software

                    Web browser software

                  • Project management software

                    FuneralKiosk

                  Professional Associations

                  Related Occupations

                  Detailed Work Activities

                  More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

                  • Direct funeral or mortuary activities.
                  • Gather information in order to provide services to clients.
                  • Discuss service options or needs with clients.
                  • Embalm corpses.
                  • Transport biological or other medical materials.
                  • Arrange facility schedules.
                  • Handle caskets.
                  • Provide counsel, comfort, or encouragement to individuals or families.
                  • Maintain financial or account records.
                  • Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
                  • Provide escort or transportation.
                  • Arrange items for use or display.
                  Show all 18
                  • Clean facilities or work areas.
                  • Perform human resources activities.
                  • Supervise service workers.
                  • Train service staff.
                  • Promote products, services, or programs.
                  • Usher patrons to seats or exits.
                  O*NET in-it

                  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

                  Limited time offer