Purchasing Managers

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.

Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.89
Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales.88
Prepare bid awards requiring board approval.81
Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in buying, selling, and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies.80
Review purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to company policy.80
Review, evaluate, and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids.80
Administer online purchasing systems.78
Prepare and process requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment.78
Interview and hire staff, and oversee staff training.78
Develop cost reduction strategies and savings plans.78
Control purchasing department budgets.78
Resolve vendor or contractor grievances and claims against suppliers.77

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Analyze market and delivery systems to assess present and future material availability.76
Participate in the development of specifications for equipment, products, or substitute materials.75
Maintain records of goods ordered and received.75
Represent companies in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers.75
Prepare reports regarding market conditions and merchandise costs.56
Arrange for disposal of surplus materials.53

Skills

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

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.
Management of Personnel Resources75
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring72
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Negotiation72
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Reading Comprehension72
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Social Perceptiveness72
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management72
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Writing72
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Coordination69
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking69
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making69
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

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Persuasion66
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Complex Problem Solving63
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Service Orientation63
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Systems Analysis63
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Instructing60
Teaching others how to do something.
Active Learning56
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Management of Financial Resources56
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources56
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Mathematics53
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Systems Evaluation53
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Learning Strategies50
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Operations Analysis41
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Quality Control Analysis28
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.
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.
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.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

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

Administration and Management82
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.
Customer and Personal Service75
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 Language74
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 Government71
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Economics and Accounting69
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Computers and Electronics63
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics62
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administrative60
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Personnel and Human Resources59
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Education and Training50
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Communications and Media46
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Sales and Marketing46
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.

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Production and Processing45
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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.
Telecommunications40
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Building and Construction38
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Transportation37
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
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.
Design29
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Psychology25
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.
Geography22
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.
Mechanical22
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Sociology and Anthropology20
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Chemistry17
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.
Philosophy and Theology16
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.
Food Production15
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
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 Archeology12
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Foreign Language11
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.
Physics11
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.
Biology9
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Therapy and Counseling9
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
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.

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.
Deductive Reasoning72
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Fluency of Ideas72
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).
Speech Clarity72
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition72
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension72
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Information Ordering69
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).
Written Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Inductive Reasoning66
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Problem Sensitivity66
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.
Originality63
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.

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Near Vision56
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Number Facility56
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
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.
Mathematical Reasoning53
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
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.
Perceptual Speed44
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speed of Closure44
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Far Vision41
The ability to see details at a distance.
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).
Auditory Attention31
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Visualization31
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Visual Color Discrimination28
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
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.
Hearing Sensitivity25
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Trunk Strength19
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Dynamic Strength13
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Wrist-Finger Speed10
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Arm-Hand Steadiness0
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
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.
Finger Dexterity0
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
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.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems91
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates88
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization86
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.
Getting Information86
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers84
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 Relationships83
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work83
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge82
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Coaching and Developing Others79
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates78
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Training and Teaching Others78
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Analyzing Data or Information76
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

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Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others76
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Processing Information76
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others76
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Developing and Building Teams75
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Documenting/Recording Information75
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards75
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Developing Objectives and Strategies74
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Thinking Creatively70
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others66
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Scheduling Work and Activities64
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others63
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources63
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing Administrative Activities62
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events59
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Staffing Organizational Units58
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
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.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings57
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People54
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public53
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials46
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Assisting and Caring for Others40
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Selling or Influencing Others38
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment36
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 Activities22
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.
Handling and Moving Objects19
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Controlling Machines and Processes18
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment16
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment8
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 Equipment7
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.

Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Attention to Detail81
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Integrity80
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Leadership Orientation79
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Self-Confidence71
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Cautiousness69
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Achievement Orientation66
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.
Cooperation61
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Perseverance58
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Control57
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Initiative55
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Social Orientation55
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

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Adaptability49
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Stress Tolerance45
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Intellectual Curiosity40
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Tolerance for Ambiguity40
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Innovation34
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Sincerity31
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Optimism22
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Empathy21
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Humility8
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

Enterprising100
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.
Conventional83
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.
Social28
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.
Realistic25
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.
Investigative13
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%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others63%
- Contact with others most of the time32%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day72%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually58%
- More than half the time37%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important58%
- Very important37%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day79%
- Never11%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom42%
- Some freedom53%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important53%
- Very important21%
- Important26%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom32%
- Some freedom58%
- Limited freedom11%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day42%
- Once a week or more but not every day42%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important37%
- Very important53%

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Time Pressure
- Every day47%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility32%
- High responsibility58%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important21%
- Very important58%
- Important21%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours47%
- 40 hours47%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results26%
- Important results47%
- Moderate results16%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day32%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important22%
- Very important44%
- Important11%
- Not important at all17%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive50%
- Moderately competitive39%
- Slightly competitive11%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day37%
- Once a month or more but not every week58%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week47%
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated21%
- Moderately automated47%
- Slightly automated21%
- Not at all automated11%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- High responsibility26%
- Moderate responsibility32%
- Limited responsibility37%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a month or more but not every week42%
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually16%
- More than half the time16%
- About half the time11%
- Less than half the time26%
- Never32%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)11%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)16%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)74%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
- Never39%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious16%
- Serious11%
- Fairly serious26%
- Not serious at all42%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never53%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never53%
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time84%
- Never16%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day11%
- Once a year or more but not every month42%
- Never47%
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 month21%
- Never58%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never63%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- More than half the time11%
- Less than half the time32%
- Never58%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time53%
- Never42%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never58%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never63%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never74%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never63%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Never83%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Fairly important11%
- Not important at all79%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never78%
Exposed to High Places
- Never84%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time33%
- Never67%
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%
- Never84%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never89%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time26%
- Never74%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)11%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)89%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time21%
- Never79%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never95%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never95%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never95%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never95%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never94%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never95%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

Bachelor’s degree
Post-secondary certificate
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
Bowen & Groves M1 ERP, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle PeopleSoft, SAP software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Procurement software
Automated purchase order software, Purchasing software, PurchasingNet eProcurement, SAP Ariba
Data base user interface and query software
Corel Paradox, Database software, Microsoft Access, Oracle Database
Electronic mail software
IBM Lotus Notes, Microsoft Outlook
Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
Infor Lawson Supply Chain Management, Materials requirement planning MRP software
Project management software
Microsoft Project, Oracle Primavera P6 Enterprise Portfolio Project Management
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Document management software
Microsoft SharePoint
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Financial analysis software
Oracle PeopleSoft Enterprise Financial Management Solutions
Business intelligence and data analysis software
Qlik Tech QlikView
Data base reporting software
SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Calendar and scheduling software
Scheduling software
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.

Develop operating strategies, plans, or procedures.
Develop organizational policies or programs.
Implement organizational process or policy changes.
Interview employees, customers, or others to collect information.
Coordinate with external parties to exchange information.
Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.
Approve expenditures.
Examine financial records to ensure compliance with policies or regulations.
Supervise employees.
Verify information or specifications.
Analyze data to assess operational or project effectiveness.
Conduct employee training programs.

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Direct financial operations.
Hire personnel.
Prepare forms or applications.
Prepare operational budgets.
Resolve employee or contractor problems.
Analyze data to inform operational decisions or activities.
Implement transportation changes to reduce environmental impact.
Develop specifications for new products or processes.
Maintain operational records.
Negotiate sales or lease agreements for products or services.
Schedule product or material transportation.

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