Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do 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.

Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations.96
Purchase the highest quality merchandise at the lowest possible price and in correct amounts.89
Formulate policies and procedures for bid proposals and procurement of goods and services.85
Prepare purchase orders, solicit bid proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services.85
Write and review product specifications, maintaining a working technical knowledge of the goods or services to be purchased.81
Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data and information to determine reasonable prices.80
Hire, train, or supervise purchasing clerks, buyers, and expediters.79
Research and evaluate suppliers, based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history.79
Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to determine need for changes.76
Negotiate, renegotiate, and administer contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives.76
Study sales records and inventory levels of current stock to develop strategic purchasing programs that facilitate employee access to supplies.71
Confer with staff, users, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action.69

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Maintain and review computerized or manual records of purchased items, costs, deliveries, product performance, and inventories.69
Monitor changes affecting supply and demand, tracking market conditions, price trends, or futures markets.67
Monitor shipments to ensure that goods come in on time, and resolve problems related to undelivered goods.65
Review catalogs, industry periodicals, directories, trade journals, and Internet sites and consult with other department personnel to locate necessary goods and services.61
Attend meetings, trade shows, conferences, conventions, and seminars to network with people in other purchasing departments.61
Arrange the payment of duty and freight charges.50
Interview vendors and visit suppliers' plants and distribution centers to examine and learn about products, services, and prices.49

Skills

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

Negotiation81
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Reading Comprehension78
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening75
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving75
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing75
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning72
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Critical Thinking72
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making72
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Management of Financial Resources69
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Monitoring69
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Persuasion69
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

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Instructing56
Teaching others how to do something.
Management of Material Resources56
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Social Perceptiveness56
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management56
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Management of Personnel Resources53
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Service Orientation53
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Learning Strategies50
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Mathematics50
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Systems Evaluation50
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Systems Analysis47
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Operations Analysis38
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Quality Control Analysis35
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operations Monitoring25
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Technology Design19
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Troubleshooting16
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Programming13
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
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.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Operation and Control0
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

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

English Language89
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Law and Government82
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Customer and Personal Service81
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.
Administration and Management76
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.
Administrative66
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Mathematics59
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Computers and Electronics58
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Economics and Accounting57
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Education and Training46
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Personnel and Human Resources46
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Public Safety and Security44
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.
Communications and Media42
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

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Transportation38
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Production and Processing37
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Telecommunications36
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
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.
Psychology33
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.
Building and Construction32
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Design29
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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.
Mechanical28
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Geography25
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.
Food Production22
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Physics20
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Sociology and Anthropology17
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Chemistry15
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.
Therapy and Counseling15
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Foreign Language14
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.
Biology13
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Medicine and Dentistry13
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.
History and Archeology9
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Philosophy and Theology9
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.
Fine Arts7
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.

Written Comprehension78
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Inductive Reasoning75
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning72
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Recognition69
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Information Ordering66
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).
Speech Clarity66
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Problem Sensitivity63
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.
Category Flexibility60
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

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Number Facility56
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Fluency of Ideas53
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Mathematical Reasoning50
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Originality50
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Selective Attention47
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Flexibility of Closure41
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Memorization41
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
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).
Speed of Closure38
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Far Vision31
The ability to see details at a distance.
Perceptual Speed31
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.
Visual Color Discrimination28
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization28
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Trunk Strength22
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.
Auditory Attention19
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Hearing Sensitivity19
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Wrist-Finger Speed13
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Depth Perception10
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.
Finger Dexterity10
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Dynamic Strength6
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Arm-Hand Steadiness3
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Manual Dexterity0
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Multilimb Coordination0
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information90
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization87
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.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates86
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Working with Computers83
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships80
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work79
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Documenting/Recording Information78
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems78
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Analyzing Data or Information77
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards76
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Processing Information76
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events72
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

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Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others72
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Coaching and Developing Others71
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People70
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates67
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others67
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge67
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Training and Teaching Others66
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Developing and Building Teams65
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Developing Objectives and Strategies65
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others63
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings61
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Performing Administrative Activities61
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Scheduling Work and Activities60
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Thinking Creatively58
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others57
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information55
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources53
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public50
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Staffing Organizational Units49
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials42
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Selling or Influencing Others32
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Assisting and Caring for Others29
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment28
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.
Handling and Moving Objects20
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing General Physical Activities19
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 Processes15
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment13
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment11
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
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.

Dependability86
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Attention to Detail79
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Integrity76
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Self-Confidence67
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Achievement Orientation59
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.
Perseverance58
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Cooperation54
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Initiative53
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Cautiousness52
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Intellectual Curiosity47
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Social Orientation47
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Adaptability45
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

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Self-Control44
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Stress Tolerance44
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Leadership Orientation42
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity37
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Sincerity29
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Innovation27
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Empathy21
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Humility17
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Optimism17
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

Conventional78
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.
Enterprising68
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.
Realistic42
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.
Social16
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.
Investigative14
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.
Artistic3
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.

E-Mail
- Every day100%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day95%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day79%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others63%
- Contact with others most of the time32%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day58%
- Once a week or more but not every day37%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually65%
- More than half the time25%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important55%
- Very important30%
- Important15%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom45%
- Some freedom40%
- Limited freedom15%
Time Pressure
- Every day40%
- Once a week or more but not every day50%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important47%
- Very important42%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important25%
- Very important65%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day32%
- Once a week or more but not every day47%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%

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Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom40%
- Some freedom35%
- Limited freedom15%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day53%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results20%
- Important results65%
- Moderate results15%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important37%
- Very important37%
- Important21%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours50%
- 40 hours50%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important32%
- Very important32%
- Important32%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility17%
- High responsibility28%
- Moderate responsibility28%
- Limited responsibility22%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive11%
- Highly competitive11%
- Moderately competitive74%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a month or more but not every week47%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week60%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
Conflict Situations
- Every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week40%
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated22%
- Moderately automated33%
- Slightly automated33%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious11%
- Very serious21%
- Serious16%
- Fairly serious37%
- Not serious at all16%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually16%
- More than half the time16%
- About half the time11%
- Less than half the time37%
- Never21%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Moderate responsibility40%
- Limited responsibility25%
- No responsibility20%
Physical Proximity
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)32%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)58%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually21%
- Less than half the time26%
- Never47%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time11%
- Less than half the time68%
- Never16%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Never55%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never50%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never50%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never53%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never58%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Never68%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never65%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time63%
- Never37%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never65%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never80%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never76%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time40%
- Never60%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never74%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time32%
- Never68%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never89%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never79%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all94%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time21%
- Never79%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never90%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never90%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)95%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never95%
Exposed to High Places
- Never95%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never95%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never95%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

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

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Infor ERP SyteLine, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle PeopleSoft, SAP software
Word processing software
Google Docs, Microsoft Word
Data base user interface and query software
Assured Software JPP, Database software, Microsoft Access, Oracle Database
Financial analysis software
Cost estimating software, IBM Costimater, Oracle E-Business Suite Financials, Softstar Costar COCOMO II
Spreadsheet software
Apple AppleWorks, Corel QuattroPro, IBM Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel
Accounting software
Choice Job Cost, Cost accounting software, CPR International GeneralCOST Estimator, Intuit QuickBooks
Analytical or scientific software
Construction Management Software ProEst, QSM SLIM Suite, Resources Calculations Incorporated SoftCost, WinEstimator WinEst
Project management software
Dexter + Cheney Spectrum Construction Software, Galorath SEER-SEM, Microsoft Project, Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Data base reporting software
Database reporting software, SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports, Software AG enterprise software
Electronic mail software
IBM Notes, Microsoft Outlook
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft SharePoint
Business intelligence and data analysis software
IBM Cognos Impromptu, MicroStrategy
Enterprise system management software
IBM Power Systems software
Graphics or photo imaging software
SmugMug Flickr
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Sales and marketing software
Google Ads
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Inventory management software
Inventory management systems
Process mapping and design software
Microsoft Visio

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.

Evaluate applicable laws and regulations to determine impact on organizational activities.
Purchase products or services.
Establish organizational guidelines or policies.
Execute sales or other financial transactions.
Develop technical specifications for systems or equipment.
Analyze business or financial data.
Obtain information about goods or services.
Supervise employees.
Train personnel to enhance job skills.
Monitor organizational processes.
Negotiate contracts with clients or service providers.
Monitor inventories of products or materials.

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Confer with personnel to coordinate business operations.
Maintain data in information systems or databases.
Analyze market conditions or trends.
Estimate demand for products or services.
Develop business relationships.
Pay charges, fees, or taxes.
Conduct eligibility or selection interviews.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Purchasing Agent
Subcontract Administrator
Subcontract Administrator Assoc.

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