Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood

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.

Inspect and measure workpieces to mark for cuts and to verify the accuracy of cuts, using rulers, squares, or caliper rules.91
Adjust saw blades, using wrenches and rulers, or by turning handwheels or pressing pedals, levers, or panel buttons.89
Mount and bolt sawing blades or attachments to machine shafts.88
Adjust bolts, clamps, stops, guides, or table angles or heights, using hand tools.87
Set up, operate, or tend saws or machines that cut or trim wood to specified dimensions, such as circular saws, band saws, multiple-blade sawing machines, scroll saws, ripsaws, or crozer machines.86
Examine logs or lumber to plan the best cuts.86
Inspect stock for imperfections or to estimate grades or qualities of stock or workpieces.84
Trim lumber to straighten rough edges or remove defects, using circular saws.84
Monitor sawing machines, adjusting speed and tension and clearing jams to ensure proper operation.83
Sharpen blades, or replace defective or worn blades or bands, using hand tools.83
Guide workpieces against saws, saw over workpieces by hand, or operate automatic feeding devices to guide cuts.82
Count, sort, or stack finished workpieces.82

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Position and clamp stock on tables, conveyors, or carriages, using hoists, guides, stops, dogs, wedges, or wrenches.79
Measure and mark stock for cuts.77
Operate panelboards of saw or conveyor systems to move stock through processes or to cut stock to specified dimensions.77
Clear machine jams, using hand tools.76
Examine blueprints, drawings, work orders, or patterns to determine equipment set-up or selection details, procedures to be used, or dimensions of final products.76
Select saw blades, types or grades of stock, or cutting procedures to be used, according to work orders or supervisors' instructions.76
Cut grooves, bevels, or miters, saw curved or irregular designs, and sever or shape metals, according to specifications or work orders.75
Unclamp and remove finished workpieces from tables.73
Lubricate or clean machines, using wrenches, grease guns, or solvents.70
Dispose of waste material after completing work assignments.64

Skills

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

Operation and Control53
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring53
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Quality Control Analysis50
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Troubleshooting50
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Active Listening44
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.
Equipment Maintenance44
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Judgment and Decision Making44
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Time Management44
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Complex Problem Solving41
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination41
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

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Repairing41
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Speaking41
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness38
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Reading Comprehension35
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Learning28
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Equipment Selection25
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Instructing25
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies25
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources25
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics25
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Systems Analysis25
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation25
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Negotiation22
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Operations Analysis22
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Persuasion22
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation22
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Management of Material Resources19
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Writing19
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Installation13
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Management of Financial Resources13
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Technology Design10
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Science6
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Programming3
Writing computer programs for various purposes.

Knowledge

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

Production and Processing56
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mechanical55
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Public Safety and Security41
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.
Mathematics40
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training32
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language31
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Design28
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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.
Building and Construction22
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Psychology20
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.
Computers and Electronics19
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Telecommunications17
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

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Transportation17
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Administration and Management14
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 Service11
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.
Sociology and Anthropology10
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Communications and Media8
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Medicine and Dentistry8
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.
Law and Government7
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Chemistry5
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.
Foreign Language5
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.
Sales and Marketing5
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.
Administrative4
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Physics4
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.
Biology3
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Economics and Accounting3
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Geography3
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.
Personnel and Human Resources3
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
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.
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.
Therapy and Counseling0
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Control Precision66
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Arm-Hand Steadiness60
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Manual Dexterity60
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Near Vision60
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Finger Dexterity56
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Problem Sensitivity56
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Rate Control56
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 Time56
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Multilimb Coordination53
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.
Selective Attention53
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Stamina53
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Trunk Strength53
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.

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Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Depth Perception50
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.
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Static Strength50
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Auditory Attention47
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Category Flexibility47
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Oral Comprehension47
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression47
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Perceptual Speed47
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 Clarity47
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Visualization47
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
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.
Information Ordering44
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).
Visual Color Discrimination44
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Speech Recognition41
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Extent Flexibility38
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Response Orientation38
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Written Comprehension38
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Hearing Sensitivity31
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Dynamic Strength28
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Coordination28
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Number Facility28
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Wrist-Finger Speed28
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Written Expression28
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Peripheral Vision25
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Speed of Limb Movement25
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Fluency of Ideas22
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).
Gross Body Equilibrium22
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Memorization22
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Originality22
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.
Spatial Orientation22
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Closure22
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Time Sharing22
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Sound Localization19
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Glare Sensitivity16
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision16
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Dynamic Flexibility10
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength10
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Controlling Machines and Processes78
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects78
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing General Physical Activities68
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.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials66
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events61
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates60
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information60
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment57
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment57
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Training and Teaching Others54
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings53
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information52
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

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Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People47
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships44
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems44
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards42
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Developing and Building Teams41
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work39
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Scheduling Work and Activities39
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge38
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates37
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Thinking Creatively37
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Coaching and Developing Others36
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Processing Information34
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others34
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others33
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others31
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others31
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Documenting/Recording Information30
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Assisting and Caring for Others29
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Developing Objectives and Strategies29
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources28
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment25
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.
Working with Computers25
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Analyzing Data or Information23
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment23
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.
Performing Administrative Activities19
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization17
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Staffing Organizational Units14
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Selling or Influencing Others12
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public10
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Work Styles

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

Attention to Detail78
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability70
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness65
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Stress Tolerance39
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Perseverance26
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Integrity24
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Achievement Orientation23
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.
Self-Control22
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Self-Confidence16
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Cooperation9
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Adaptability4
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Initiative3
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

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Sincerity2
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

Realistic100
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.
Conventional48
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.
Investigative23
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.
Social3
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.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Enterprising0
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.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day100%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day98%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day89%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day89%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important60%
- Very important40%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day76%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually64%
- More than half the time22%
- About half the time11%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually61%
- More than half the time26%
- About half the time11%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day72%
- Never11%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom33%
- Some freedom56%
- Limited freedom11%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important46%
- Very important44%
Time Pressure
- Every day56%
- Once a week or more but not every day31%
- Never13%

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Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom37%
- Some freedom46%
- Very little freedom15%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others50%
- Contact with others most of the time17%
- Contact with others about half the time11%
- Occasional contact with others19%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually30%
- More than half the time47%
- Less than half the time13%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually51%
- About half the time29%
- Never13%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day45%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never11%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important31%
- Very important38%
- Important15%
- Not important at all11%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility31%
- High responsibility13%
- Moderate responsibility40%
- Limited responsibility16%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility16%
- High responsibility47%
- Moderate responsibility14%
- Limited responsibility23%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours37%
- 40 hours47%
- Less than 40 hours15%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results27%
- Important results27%
- Moderate results23%
- No results13%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)15%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)43%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)14%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)12%
- I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)17%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day39%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Never36%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important13%
- Very important31%
- Important16%
- Fairly important40%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually20%
- More than half the time36%
- Less than half the time16%
- Never26%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day30%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
- Never28%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important26%
- Very important18%
- Fairly important29%
- Not important at all27%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive37%
- Slightly competitive21%
- Not at all competitive25%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious22%
- Serious13%
- Fairly serious31%
- Not serious at all28%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated22%
- Moderately automated39%
- Not at all automated31%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Never45%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- More than half the time26%
- About half the time11%
- Less than half the time34%
- Never30%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day20%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Never63%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never37%
Telephone Conversations
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Never53%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month34%
- Never39%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day11%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never60%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never57%
Exposed to High Places
- Every day17%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never61%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day24%
- Never74%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)43%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)57%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day11%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Never76%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Never73%
E-Mail
- Every day14%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never74%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day11%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never73%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time36%
- Never59%
Spend Time Sitting
- Less than half the time44%
- Never53%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Every day12%
- Never86%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Never85%
Public Speaking
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never68%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time28%
- Never72%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never87%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Not important at all88%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never94%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never95%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

High school diploma or equivalent
Less than high school diploma
Post-secondary certificate

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat
Industrial control software
Computerized numerical control CNC software
Inventory management software
Automated inventory software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word

Professional Associations

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

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.
Inspect lumber or raw woodstock.
Trim excess material from workpieces.
Clear equipment jams.
Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
Replace worn equipment components.
Sharpen cutting or grinding tools.
Maneuver workpieces in equipment during production.
Operate cutting equipment.

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Count finished products or workpieces.
Sort materials or products for processing, storing, shipping, or grading.
Stack finished items for further processing or shipment.
Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
Position raw materials on processing or production equipment.
Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators.
Operate woodworking equipment.
Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
Select production equipment according to product specifications.
Select production input materials.
Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.
Shape metal workpieces with hammers or other small hand tools.
Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
Clean production equipment.
Lubricate production equipment.
Dispose of trash or waste materials.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Head Sawyer
Pony Edger (Sawmill)

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