Operations Research Analysts

Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law 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.

Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.91
Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.89
Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.88
Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.88
Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.86
Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.85
Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.85
Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.83
Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.82
Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.81
Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.76
Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.74

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Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects.70
Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.68
Educate staff in the use of mathematical models.66
Develop business methods and procedures, including accounting systems, file systems, office systems, logistics systems, and production schedules.64
Review research literature.63

Skills

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

Mathematics88
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Complex Problem Solving78
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Active Listening75
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking75
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing75
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning72
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making72
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Systems Analysis72
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation72
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Operations Analysis69
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

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Science56
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Coordination53
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Time Management53
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies50
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Monitoring47
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Persuasion47
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Social Perceptiveness47
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Service Orientation44
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Management of Personnel Resources41
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Programming41
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Negotiation28
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Management of Financial Resources22
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources22
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Monitoring22
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis22
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Technology Design19
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Troubleshooting6
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operation and Control3
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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.

Mathematics93
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Computers and Electronics78
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Engineering and Technology74
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.
Production and Processing68
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
English Language64
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Design53
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Education and Training51
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Administration and Management45
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.
Economics and Accounting41
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Customer and Personal Service38
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Personnel and Human Resources32
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Communications and Media29
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

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Law and Government28
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Transportation26
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Public Safety and Security25
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 Marketing25
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.
Sociology and Anthropology22
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Physics20
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.
Psychology19
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.
Geography18
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.
Telecommunications18
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Mechanical16
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Administrative14
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Chemistry10
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.
Foreign Language10
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.
Food Production8
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Building and Construction7
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Biology6
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
History and Archeology6
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Philosophy and Theology6
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.
Therapy and Counseling5
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Fine Arts1
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Medicine and Dentistry0
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.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Mathematical Reasoning88
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Deductive Reasoning78
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning78
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Number Facility75
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity75
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.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Information Ordering72
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 Vision69
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Category Flexibility66
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

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Fluency of Ideas66
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).
Originality66
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.
Speech Clarity56
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Flexibility of Closure53
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Speech Recognition53
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Memorization47
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Far Vision44
The ability to see details at a distance.
Perceptual Speed44
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.
Speed of Closure38
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Visualization28
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Time Sharing25
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Auditory Attention19
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Trunk Strength19
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 Discrimination19
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Hearing Sensitivity16
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Finger Dexterity10
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Wrist-Finger Speed10
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Depth Perception6
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.
Arm-Hand Steadiness0
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Manual Dexterity0
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Multilimb Coordination0
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.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
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 Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
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.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information95
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Analyzing Data or Information92
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems92
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Working with Computers92
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Processing Information87
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events83
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others81
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge81
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Thinking Creatively78
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates76
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Developing Objectives and Strategies73
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others72
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work70
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information69
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Scheduling Work and Activities68
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings63
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships62
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Documenting/Recording Information61
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization59
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.
Developing and Building Teams58
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People58
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Training and Teaching Others53
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
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.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates47
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Selling or Influencing Others47
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others46
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Coaching and Developing Others45
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others45
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources41
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Assisting and Caring for Others36
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Performing Administrative Activities32
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials28
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Staffing Organizational Units26
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public23
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment20
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.
Controlling Machines and Processes13
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment13
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Handling and Moving Objects11
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment11
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.
Performing General Physical Activities10
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.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment10
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Work Styles

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

Intellectual Curiosity88
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Attention to Detail86
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Achievement Orientation72
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.
Dependability72
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Innovation72
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Cautiousness69
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Integrity69
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity60
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Adaptability57
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Perseverance53
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Confidence53
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Initiative46
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

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Stress Tolerance41
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Cooperation35
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Leadership Orientation33
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Self-Control32
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Social Orientation26
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Humility19
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Sincerity19
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Optimism10
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Empathy8
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

Investigative88
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.
Conventional79
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.
Enterprising36
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.
Artistic20
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.
Social17
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.
Realistic15
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.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day86%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
E-Mail
- Every day90%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually71%
- More than half the time19%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important48%
- Very important43%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day38%
- Once a week or more but not every day52%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important43%
- Very important43%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours57%
- 40 hours43%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day29%
- Once a week or more but not every day57%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom29%
- Some freedom57%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom14%
- Some freedom62%
- Limited freedom14%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others24%
- Contact with others most of the time24%
- Contact with others about half the time43%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive20%
- Highly competitive35%
- Moderately competitive35%

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Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results24%
- Important results43%
- Minor results14%
Time Pressure
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Once a month or more but not every week38%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important52%
- Important24%
- Fairly important19%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week52%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility29%
- Moderate responsibility38%
- Limited responsibility14%
- No responsibility14%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week38%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never14%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
- Once a year or more but not every month57%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Important24%
- Fairly important38%
- Not important at all24%
Consequence of Error
- Serious30%
- Fairly serious25%
- Not serious at all30%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)14%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)33%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)24%
- I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)29%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week38%
- Once a year or more but not every month38%
- Never19%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated29%
- Slightly automated43%
- Not at all automated19%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Moderate responsibility24%
- Limited responsibility38%
- No responsibility29%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Very important19%
- Important14%
- Not important at all57%
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time71%
- Never19%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month38%
- Never43%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never57%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never67%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- About half the time15%
- Less than half the time15%
- Never65%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Never75%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never71%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never71%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never71%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time38%
- Never62%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Never81%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all86%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never80%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never81%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never85%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never86%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never86%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)90%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never86%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never90%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never90%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time15%
- Never85%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never95%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never90%
Exposed to High Places
- Never90%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never95%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never95%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Never95%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never95%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never95%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

Master’s degree
Bachelor’s degree
Doctoral degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics, ILOG OPL-CPLEX Development System, Minitab, The MathWorks MATLAB
Word processing software
Google Docs, Microsoft Word
Operating system software
Apple macOS, Bash, Shell script, UNIX Shell
Object or component oriented development software
Perl, R, Scala, Swift
Data base user interface and query software
Amazon Redshift, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Structured query language SQL
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle PeopleSoft, SAP Business Objects, SAP software
Business intelligence and data analysis software
IBM Cognos Impromptu, Microsoft Power BI, Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition, Tableau
Development environment software
C, Microsoft Visual Basic, Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA, National Instruments LabVIEW
Data base management system software
Apache Hadoop, Apache Hive, Apache Pig, Teradata Database
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcExplorer, ESRI ArcGIS software, Geographic information system GIS software
Electronic mail software
IBM Notes, Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Outlook
Customer relationship management CRM software
Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge, Oracle Eloqua, Salesforce software
Data base reporting software
Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS, SAP Crystal Reports, Strategic Reporting Systems ReportSmith
Financial analysis software
Business Forecast Systems Forecast Pro, Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
Computer aided design CAD software
Dassault Systemes CATIA, Mathsoft Mathcad
Human resources software
Human resource management software HRMS, Oracle Taleo
Presentation software
Google Slides, Microsoft PowerPoint
Process mapping and design software
Microsoft Visio, ProModel
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Risk management data and analysis software
iGrafx
Accounting software
Fund accounting software
Application server software
GitHub
Enterprise system management software
IBM Power Systems software
Network monitoring software
Wireshark
Access software
Citrix cloud computing software
Document management software
Microsoft SharePoint
Desktop communications software
Eko
Communications server software
IBM Domino
Enterprise application integration software
Extensible markup language XML
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Cloud-based data access and sharing software
Google Drive
Sales and marketing software
Marketo Marketing Automation
Transaction security and virus protection software
McAfee
Backup or archival software
Veritas NetBackup
Map creation software
Microsoft MapPoint
Cloud-based management software
Splunk Enterprise
Project management software
Microsoft Project
Information retrieval or search software
LexisNexis

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.

Present research results to others.
Apply mathematical principles or statistical approaches to solve problems in scientific or applied fields.
Determine appropriate methods for data analysis.
Evaluate data quality.
Develop scientific or mathematical models.
Document operational activities.
Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.
Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.
Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements.
Design computer modeling or simulation programs.

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Develop detailed project plans.
Manage budgets for appropriate resource allocation.
Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables.
Train others on work processes.
Apply information technology to solve business or other applied problems.
Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.

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