Paper Goods Machine Setters, 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.

Examine completed work to detect defects and verify conformance to work orders, and adjust machinery as necessary to correct production problems.92
Observe operation of various machines to detect and correct machine malfunctions such as improper forming, glue flow, or pasteboard tension.86
Install attachments to machines for gluing, folding, printing, or cutting.85
Cut products to specified dimensions, using hand or power cutters.84
Place rolls of paper or cardboard on machine feed tracks, and thread paper through gluing, coating, and slitting rollers.83
Monitor finished cartons as they drop from forming machines into rotating hoppers and into gravity feed chutes to prevent jamming.81
Adjust guide assemblies, forming bars, and folding mechanisms according to specifications, using hand tools.80
Start machines and move controls to regulate tension on pressure rolls, to synchronize speed of machine components, and to adjust temperatures of glue or paraffin.79
Measure, space, and set saw blades, cutters, and perforators, according to product specifications.77
Fill glue and paraffin reservoirs, and position rollers to dispense glue onto paperboard.77
Disassemble machines to maintain, repair, or replace broken or worn parts, using hand or power tools.75
Stamp products with information such as dates, using hand stamps or automatic stamping devices.74

Show all 14 →

Remove finished cores, and stack or place them on conveyors for transfer to other work areas.73
Lift tote boxes of finished cartons, and dump cartons into feed hoppers.73

Skills

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

Operations Monitoring66
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control56
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis53
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Active Listening50
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking50
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning47
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving47
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination47
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Equipment Maintenance47
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Show all 35 →

Social Perceptiveness47
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Judgment and Decision Making44
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension44
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Troubleshooting44
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Persuasion35
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation35
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Equipment Selection31
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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.
Repairing31
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Systems Analysis31
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation31
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Writing31
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Instructing28
Teaching others how to do something.
Mathematics28
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Learning Strategies25
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Operations Analysis25
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Management of Material Resources22
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Technology Design22
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Management of Financial Resources16
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Installation10
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Programming0
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

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

Production and Processing67
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mechanical65
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics63
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Customer and Personal Service56
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 Language56
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Education and Training43
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Public Safety and Security42
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.
Engineering and Technology34
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.
Computers and Electronics33
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administration and Management32
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.
Transportation28
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Design27
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Show all 33 →

Administrative25
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Communications and Media20
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Personnel and Human Resources20
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Sales and Marketing17
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.
Chemistry16
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.
Food Production16
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Law and Government15
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Physics15
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.
Psychology13
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.
Telecommunications13
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Economics and Accounting12
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Sociology and Anthropology10
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Foreign Language8
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.
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.
Geography7
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.
Medicine and Dentistry7
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.
Philosophy and Theology5
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Biology3
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
History and Archeology3
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Therapy and Counseling3
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Fine Arts0
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Near Vision60
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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 Precision56
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Problem Sensitivity56
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 Dexterity53
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Information Ordering53
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Manual Dexterity53
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Selective Attention53
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Oral Comprehension50
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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.

Show all 52 →

Reaction Time50
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
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.
Extent Flexibility47
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Flexibility of Closure47
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
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).
Speech Recognition47
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Trunk Strength47
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.
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.
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.
Speech Clarity44
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Time Sharing44
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visualization44
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Written Comprehension44
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Depth Perception41
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.
Visual Color Discrimination41
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Static Strength38
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Written Expression38
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Far Vision35
The ability to see details at a distance.
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).
Originality31
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Dynamic Strength28
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Number Facility28
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Stamina28
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
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.
Gross Body Equilibrium25
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Speed of Closure25
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Explosive Strength22
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Glare Sensitivity22
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Response Orientation22
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 Localization19
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement19
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Spatial Orientation16
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Peripheral Vision13
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Night Vision10
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Dynamic Flexibility6
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.

Controlling Machines and Processes86
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects83
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials81
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings80
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Getting Information75
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates74
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships71
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events67
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People67
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems67
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Documenting/Recording Information65
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Performing General Physical Activities65
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.

Show all 41 →

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work64
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Developing and Building Teams63
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Training and Teaching Others63
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Assisting and Caring for Others57
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information57
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment57
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Coaching and Developing Others56
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge56
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards55
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Processing Information54
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Thinking Creatively53
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others52
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing Objectives and Strategies51
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others50
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates48
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others46
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Performing Administrative Activities44
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others41
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Scheduling Work and Activities41
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources37
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment37
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.
Analyzing Data or Information34
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment34
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.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment34
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Working with Computers33
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Staffing Organizational Units30
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization27
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Selling or Influencing Others21
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public19
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 Detail73
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability71
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness59
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Achievement Orientation32
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.
Stress Tolerance32
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Perseverance27
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Control26
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Adaptability23
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Integrity23
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Cooperation16
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Initiative16
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Self-Confidence14
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

Show all 15 →

Intellectual Curiosity5
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Optimism1
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Sincerity1
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.

Realistic92
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.
Conventional59
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.
Investigative12
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.
Enterprising8
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.
Artistic4
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.

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day96%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day94%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day79%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
Spend Time Standing
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others71%
- Contact with others most of the time14%
- Occasional contact with others14%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day66%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility43%
- High responsibility47%
Time Pressure
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results36%
- Important results45%
- Moderate results18%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Very important42%
- Fairly important12%

Show all 57 →

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Important15%
- Fairly important12%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never15%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never15%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually35%
- More than half the time26%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours30%
- 40 hours70%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day63%
- Never35%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important24%
- Important14%
- Not important at all22%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive24%
- Highly competitive13%
- Moderately competitive58%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually15%
- About half the time24%
- Never11%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility23%
- High responsibility39%
- Moderate responsibility13%
- Limited responsibility14%
- No responsibility11%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never25%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom19%
- Limited freedom36%
- Very little freedom12%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Important12%
- Fairly important14%
- Not important at all22%
Physical Proximity
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)25%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)18%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day36%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Never24%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Some freedom31%
- Limited freedom50%
- Very little freedom16%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Spend Time Walking or Running
- More than half the time19%
- Less than half the time28%
- Never22%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious33%
- Serious13%
- Fairly serious25%
- Not serious at all26%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week36%
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never17%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day38%
- Never53%
Public Speaking
- Every day34%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Never50%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week35%
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never17%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month38%
- Never22%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated22%
- Slightly automated13%
- Not at all automated39%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Continually or almost continually11%
- About half the time19%
- Less than half the time49%
- Never20%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Fairly important13%
Exposed to High Places
- Every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Never41%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- About half the time12%
- Never37%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- About half the time16%
- Less than half the time38%
- Never45%
E-Mail
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Never80%
Telephone Conversations
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never70%
Spend Time Sitting
- Less than half the time42%
- Never56%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)19%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)81%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Never87%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never91%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never86%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never87%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never89%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never95%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never97%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never94%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

High school diploma or equivalent
Less than high school diploma
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop
Desktop publishing software
Adobe InDesign, Quark enterprise publishing software
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat
Customer relationship management CRM software
Virtual Systems Mail-Shop
Electronic mail software
Objectif Lune PrintShop Mail
Word processing software
Microsoft Word

Professional Associations

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

NPTA

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Inspect finished products to locate flaws.
Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.
Load materials into production equipment.
Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.
Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.

Show all 14 →

Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
Stack finished items for further processing or shipment.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Envelope-Fold-Mach Adjuster
Machine Set-Up Oper, Paper

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