Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

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.

Attach identification labels to finished packaged items, or cut stencils and stencil information on containers, such as lot numbers or shipping destinations.88
Sort, grade, weigh, and inspect products, verifying and adjusting product weight or measurement to meet specifications.87
Stop or reset machines when malfunctions occur, clear machine jams, and report malfunctions to a supervisor.86
Observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products to standards.86
Remove finished packaged items from machine and separate rejected items.86
Monitor the production line, watching for problems such as pile-ups, jams, or glue that isn't sticking properly.85
Inspect and remove defective products and packaging material.85
Start machine by engaging controls.85
Tend or operate machine that packages product.85
Clean, oil, and make minor adjustments or repairs to machinery and equipment, such as opening valves or setting guides.84
Regulate machine flow, speed, or temperature.84
Adjust machine components and machine tension and pressure according to size or processing angle of product.82

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Supply materials to spindles, conveyors, hoppers, or other feeding devices and unload packaged product.82
Stack finished packaged items, or wrap protective material around each item, and pack the items in cartons or containers.80
Package the product in the form in which it will be sent out, for example, filling bags with flour from a chute or spout.80
Stock and sort product for packaging or filling machine operation, and replenish packaging supplies, such as wrapping paper, plastic sheet, boxes, cartons, glue, ink, or labels.77
Count and record finished and rejected packaged items.76
Clean packaging containers, line and pad crates, or assemble cartons to prepare for product packing.76
Secure finished packaged items by hand tying, sewing, gluing, stapling, or attaching fastener.75
Clean and remove damaged or otherwise inferior materials to prepare raw products for processing.75

Skills

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

Operations Monitoring56
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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.
Operation and Control50
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking47
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Equipment Maintenance47
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Quality Control Analysis47
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Reading Comprehension47
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Social Perceptiveness47
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management47
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Complex Problem Solving44
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

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Judgment and Decision Making44
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking44
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Troubleshooting44
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Instructing41
Teaching others how to do something.
Writing41
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning35
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Repairing35
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Service Orientation35
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Management of Personnel Resources31
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Negotiation31
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion31
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Learning Strategies28
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Mathematics28
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Systems Analysis28
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation28
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Equipment Selection25
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Technology Design10
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Management of Financial Resources6
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources6
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Programming3
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Operations Analysis0
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

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

Production and Processing69
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mechanical63
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Public Safety and Security56
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Education and Training55
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language55
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service52
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.
Mathematics52
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administration and Management44
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.
Personnel and Human Resources40
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Computers and Electronics38
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Food Production35
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Administrative34
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

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Sales and Marketing34
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.
Chemistry31
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.
Design30
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Psychology30
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.
Transportation30
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Engineering and Technology29
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.
Economics and Accounting28
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Law and Government27
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Physics27
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.
Communications and Media26
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Building and Construction23
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Telecommunications21
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Medicine and Dentistry20
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.
Foreign Language18
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 Theology18
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.
Sociology and Anthropology17
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Therapy and Counseling16
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Geography14
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.
Biology13
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Fine Arts10
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
History and Archeology9
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Arm-Hand Steadiness56
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision53
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Manual Dexterity53
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Near Vision53
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension53
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression53
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Perceptual Speed53
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.
Problem Sensitivity53
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.
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.
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).
Multilimb Coordination50
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.

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Rate Control50
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 Time50
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
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.
Visualization50
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Auditory Attention47
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Category Flexibility47
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Deductive Reasoning47
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Hearing Sensitivity47
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Inductive Reasoning47
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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).
Written Comprehension47
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Static Strength44
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Extent Flexibility41
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Written Expression41
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Response Orientation38
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.
Stamina38
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Visual Color Discrimination38
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Wrist-Finger Speed38
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
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.
Fluency of Ideas31
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).
Speed of Limb Movement31
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Dynamic Strength28
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Equilibrium28
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Mathematical Reasoning28
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility28
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Originality28
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.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Gross Body Coordination25
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Night Vision25
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
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.
Glare Sensitivity22
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Explosive Strength16
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
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.

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings74
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials71
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Handling and Moving Objects70
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events70
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Getting Information68
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates66
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards66
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems66
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Processing Information65
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Training and Teaching Others63
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Performing General Physical Activities62
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.
Controlling Machines and Processes61
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

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Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People61
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Analyzing Data or Information60
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge60
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment58
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work58
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Thinking Creatively56
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Documenting/Recording Information53
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information52
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Assisting and Caring for Others51
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 Others51
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Coaching and Developing Others50
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships50
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Scheduling Work and Activities49
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment48
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates47
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Developing Objectives and Strategies46
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Working with Computers46
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others44
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others43
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others43
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Developing and Building Teams41
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Performing Administrative Activities38
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Selling or Influencing Others34
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment32
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 Equipment32
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.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization30
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.
Staffing Organizational Units28
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources24
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
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.

Work Styles

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

Attention to Detail71
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability70
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness50
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Stress Tolerance30
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Integrity23
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Perseverance21
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Achievement Orientation18
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.
Cooperation16
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Self-Control14
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Adaptability7
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Initiative4
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Self-Confidence4
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

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Sincerity3
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

Realistic94
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.
Conventional65
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.
Enterprising14
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.
Investigative6
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
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.

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important69%
- Very important24%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually70%
- More than half the time20%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually74%
- More than half the time11%
- About half the time11%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day72%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
Time Pressure
- Every day63%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others57%
- Contact with others most of the time32%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility59%
- High responsibility24%
- Moderate responsibility15%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important48%
- Very important46%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day81%
- Never19%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day58%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day56%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day73%
- Never20%

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Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually53%
- More than half the time14%
- About half the time25%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day64%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Never17%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important40%
- Very important33%
- Important20%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day56%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Never17%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important35%
- Very important34%
- Important25%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results29%
- Important results43%
- Moderate results20%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually34%
- More than half the time36%
- About half the time18%
- Less than half the time11%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually42%
- More than half the time16%
- About half the time28%
- Less than half the time13%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important32%
- Very important42%
- Not important at all12%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility24%
- High responsibility43%
- Moderate responsibility12%
- Limited responsibility20%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom25%
- Some freedom26%
- Limited freedom32%
- Very little freedom16%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom15%
- Some freedom43%
- Limited freedom29%
- Very little freedom13%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive20%
- Highly competitive28%
- Moderately competitive29%
- Slightly competitive21%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious22%
- Very serious29%
- Serious18%
- Fairly serious26%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours30%
- 40 hours58%
- Less than 40 hours12%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)54%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)30%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)12%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day24%
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day42%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never34%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Every day43%
- Never49%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day30%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never40%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day26%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never41%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated20%
- Moderately automated40%
- Not at all automated30%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Never38%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
- Once a year or more but not every month34%
- Never20%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- More than half the time15%
- Less than half the time40%
- Never32%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- More than half the time22%
- Less than half the time33%
- Never37%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never48%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day16%
- Never66%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time51%
- Never34%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day17%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never57%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Very important12%
- Important21%
- Fairly important12%
- Not important at all54%
E-Mail
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Never68%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never62%
Public Speaking
- Never67%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Never73%
Spend Time Sitting
- Less than half the time34%
- Never58%
Telephone Conversations
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never73%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)28%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)72%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never76%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never75%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never93%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never89%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never96%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never96%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never96%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

High school diploma or equivalent

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Label making software
Label printing software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word

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.

Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
Sort materials or products for processing, storing, shipping, or grading.
Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
Weigh finished products.
Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
Clear equipment jams.
Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.
Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
Package products for storage or shipment.
Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
Clean production equipment.

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Lubricate production equipment.
Repair production equipment or tools.
Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
Stack finished items for further processing or shipment.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Count finished products or workpieces.
Prepare materials for processing.
Record operational or production data.
Clean materials to prepare them for production.
Sew clothing or other articles.

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