Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks

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.

Distribute production schedules or work orders to departments.84
Revise production schedules when required due to design changes, labor or material shortages, backlogs, or other interruptions, collaborating with management, marketing, sales, production, or engineering.82
Review documents, such as production schedules, work orders, or staffing tables, to determine personnel or materials requirements or material priorities.79
Arrange for delivery, assembly, or distribution of supplies or parts to expedite flow of materials and meet production schedules.75
Confer with establishment personnel, vendors, or customers to coordinate production or shipping activities and to resolve complaints or eliminate delays.75
Requisition and maintain inventories of materials or supplies necessary to meet production demands.74
Confer with department supervisors or other personnel to assess progress and discuss needed changes.72
Examine documents, materials, or products and monitor work processes to assess completeness, accuracy, and conformance to standards and specifications.71
Plan production commitments or timetables for business units, specific programs, or jobs, using sales forecasts.70
Compile information, such as production rates and progress, materials inventories, materials used, or customer information, so that status reports can be completed.69
Compile and prepare documentation related to production sequences, transportation, personnel schedules, or purchase, maintenance, or repair orders.67
Calculate figures, such as required amounts of labor or materials, manufacturing costs, or wages, using pricing schedules, adding machines, calculators, or computers.67

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Contact suppliers to verify shipment details.66
Record production data, including volume produced, consumption of raw materials, or quality control measures.61
Establish and prepare product construction directions and locations and information on required tools, materials, equipment, numbers of workers needed, and cost projections.59
Maintain files, such as maintenance records, bills of lading, or cost reports.55
Provide documentation and information to account for delays, difficulties, or changes to cost estimates.48

Skills

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

Reading Comprehension66
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking66
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening63
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.
Time Management63
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Critical Thinking60
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving53
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Writing53
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Judgment and Decision Making47
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Social Perceptiveness47
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Systems Analysis47
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

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Active Learning44
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Systems Evaluation44
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Material Resources41
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Mathematics41
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Negotiation41
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion41
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation41
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Management of Personnel Resources38
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Learning Strategies35
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Financial Resources31
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Quality Control Analysis31
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Instructing28
Teaching others how to do something.
Operations Monitoring28
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Troubleshooting25
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Programming22
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design22
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Operations Analysis16
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Operation and Control13
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Selection3
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Science3
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

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

Production and Processing83
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Customer and Personal Service69
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 Language66
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Administrative64
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Administration and Management63
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.
Computers and Electronics57
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics46
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Transportation39
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 Security33
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.
Personnel and Human Resources29
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Education and Training28
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Engineering and Technology27
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.

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Economics and Accounting25
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Mechanical25
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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.
Design18
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Communications and Media12
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Psychology11
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.
Telecommunications11
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Law and Government8
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Foreign Language6
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.
Geography5
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.
Building and Construction4
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Chemistry3
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.
Physics3
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.
Sociology and Anthropology2
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Biology1
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Medicine and Dentistry1
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 Theology1
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 Counseling1
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.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
History and Archeology0
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

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).
Oral Comprehension72
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity69
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.
Near Vision66
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Written Comprehension66
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning63
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Written Expression63
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Speech Recognition60
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Selective Attention56
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

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Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Flexibility of Closure44
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Fluency of Ideas44
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Number Facility44
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Mathematical Reasoning41
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Time Sharing41
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Originality38
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.
Visualization38
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Speed of Closure35
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Finger Dexterity31
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Auditory Attention28
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Hearing Sensitivity28
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Visual Color Discrimination28
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Arm-Hand Steadiness25
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision25
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Depth Perception25
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.
Manual Dexterity25
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Rate Control25
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.
Trunk Strength25
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.
Wrist-Finger Speed22
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dynamic Strength19
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Memorization19
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Reaction Time19
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Extent Flexibility13
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Multilimb Coordination13
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.
Response Orientation13
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.
Speed of Limb Movement13
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina13
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength13
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Gross Body Coordination10
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium10
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Spatial Orientation3
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
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.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Working with Computers84
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates82
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information77
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Processing Information71
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events69
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings69
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems68
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work66
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Analyzing Data or Information64
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Documenting/Recording Information62
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards60
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others59
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

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Scheduling Work and Activities59
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others56
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships54
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge52
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Performing Administrative Activities51
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Thinking Creatively51
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People47
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources47
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information46
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Developing Objectives and Strategies43
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials42
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization41
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 Teams36
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others36
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Training and Teaching Others35
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Coaching and Developing Others33
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates33
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Assisting and Caring for Others32
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Controlling Machines and Processes28
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects28
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment26
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.
Performing General Physical Activities25
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.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment23
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others19
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment17
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.
Selling or Influencing Others17
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public16
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Staffing Organizational Units13
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment9
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.

Dependability87
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Attention to Detail83
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Cooperation59
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Adaptability54
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Achievement Orientation51
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.
Integrity51
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Cautiousness50
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Perseverance48
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Social Orientation46
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Initiative44
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Stress Tolerance37
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Leadership Orientation35
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

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Self-Confidence33
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Self-Control33
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Sincerity23
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Optimism20
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Tolerance for Ambiguity19
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Empathy18
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Intellectual Curiosity15
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Humility14
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Innovation5
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

Conventional82
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.
Enterprising65
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.
Realistic35
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.
Social19
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.
Investigative3
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.
Artistic2
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.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day92%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day86%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important77%
- Very important18%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom66%
- Some freedom26%
Time Pressure
- Every day67%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
E-Mail
- Every day86%
- Never11%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important51%
- Very important44%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours71%
- 40 hours29%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom57%
- Some freedom34%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others65%
- Contact with others most of the time18%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day67%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Never11%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day76%
- Never17%

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Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day73%
- Never13%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually36%
- More than half the time47%
- About half the time14%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results48%
- Important results19%
- Moderate results19%
- Minor results13%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important22%
- Very important43%
- Fairly important27%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day42%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Never25%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important43%
- Fairly important23%
- Not important at all14%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important34%
- Very important17%
- Important24%
- Fairly important13%
- Not important at all12%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important44%
- Important12%
- Fairly important12%
- Not important at all23%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility30%
- Moderate responsibility32%
- Limited responsibility20%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious38%
- Serious17%
- Fairly serious23%
- Not serious at all19%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually39%
- About half the time12%
- Never31%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day40%
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never12%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility20%
- High responsibility26%
- Moderate responsibility21%
- No responsibility25%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day17%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week31%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never20%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week31%
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never15%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually37%
- About half the time12%
- Never45%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)17%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)42%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)41%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive20%
- Moderately competitive19%
- Not at all competitive48%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week29%
- Never45%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day27%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never55%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never37%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time32%
- Less than half the time40%
- Never24%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- About half the time25%
- Less than half the time62%
- Never12%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Never55%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated14%
- Moderately automated17%
- Slightly automated14%
- Not at all automated55%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never57%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Never78%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- About half the time15%
- Less than half the time34%
- Never52%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never77%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never76%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never89%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never74%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
- Never67%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never86%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Never86%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time23%
- Never75%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never85%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time12%
- Never86%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never92%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)95%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never94%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never96%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never98%
Exposed to High Places
- Never98%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never98%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

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

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle PeopleSoft, QAD Adaptive ERP, SAP software
Data base user interface and query software
Airtable, Microsoft Access, Oracle Database, Structured query language SQL
Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
Bill of lading software, Ingenious ProPlan, Oracle Flow Manufacturing, Waterloo Hydrogeologic TACTIC
Medical software
Medical condition coding software, Medical procedure coding software, MEDITECH software
Accounting software
Fund accounting software, Intuit QuickBooks, Sage Peachtree Premium Accounting for Manufacturing
Word processing software
Google Docs, Microsoft OneNote, Microsoft Word
Analytical or scientific software
KAPES, Micro Estimating FabPlan, MTI Systems Costimator JS
Project management software
Microsoft Project, Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management, Oracle Primavera Systems
Inventory management software
Accvision ABMIS, iCode Everest, Rytech Software Small Business Inventory Control
Electronic mail software
IBM Notes, Microsoft Outlook
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop
Data base reporting software
Inetsoft, SAP Crystal Reports
Time accounting software
Work Technology WorkTech Time, Workbrain Time and Attendance
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat
Desktop publishing software
Adobe InDesign
Procurement software
Aestiva Purchase Order
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Cloud-based data access and sharing software
Google Drive
Financial analysis software
Cost estimating software
Human resources software
Questek Humanis
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Calendar and scheduling software
Workbrain Employee Scheduling
Industrial control software
Honeywell Wintress PACNet

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.

Provide information to coworkers.
Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
Schedule operational activities.
Read work orders to determine material or setup requirements.
Coordinate operational activities.
Coordinate shipping activities with external parties.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
Examine documents to verify adherence to requirements.
Inspect items for damage or defects.
Compile data or documentation.
Calculate costs of goods or services.
Record personnel information.

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Record production information.
Prepare informational or reference materials.
Maintain operational records.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Material Coordinator (Alt Titles: Automated Logistical /Unit Supply Specialists )
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk (Nof)
Supercargo (Water Trans)

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