Telephone Operators

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.

Observe signal lights on switchboards, and dial or press buttons to make connections.90
Operate paging systems or other systems of bells or buzzers to notify recipients of incoming calls.89
Operate telephone switchboards and systems to advance and complete connections, including those for local, long distance, pay telephone, mobile, person-to-person, and emergency calls.86
Listen to customer requests, referring to alphabetical or geographical directories to answer questions and provide telephone information.81
Monitor automated systems for placing collect calls and intervene for a callers needing assistance.80
Update directory information.78
Suggest and check alternate spellings, locations, or listing formats to customers lacking details or complete information.78
Perform clerical duties such as typing, proofreading, and sorting mail.76
Offer special assistance to persons such as those who are unable to dial or who are in emergency situations.75
Interrupt busy lines if an emergency warrants.74
Provide assistance for customers with special billing requests.72
Provide relay service for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.71

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Keep records of calls placed and received, and of related toll charges.70
Promote company products, services, and savings plans when appropriate.66

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.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Service Orientation63
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness53
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension50
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Monitoring44
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Complex Problem Solving41
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination38
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Time Management38
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning31
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making31
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

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Writing31
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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.
Persuasion25
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Analysis25
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Mathematics22
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Negotiation22
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Systems Evaluation22
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Operations Monitoring19
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Management of Financial Resources10
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources10
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Programming10
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Operation and Control6
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Technology Design6
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Operations Analysis3
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Quality Control Analysis3
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
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.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Troubleshooting0
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Knowledge

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

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.
Telecommunications69
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Administrative65
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
English Language55
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Computers and Electronics53
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administration and Management40
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.
Public Safety and Security36
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.
Education and Training33
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 Resources31
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Communications and Media28
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Production and Processing20
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Sales and Marketing20
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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Foreign Language18
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.
Mathematics18
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Psychology16
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.
Economics and Accounting15
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Law and Government15
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Medicine and Dentistry15
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.
Geography14
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.
Sociology and Anthropology14
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Philosophy and Theology12
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.
Engineering and Technology11
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.
History and Archeology8
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Transportation8
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Food Production7
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Chemistry6
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.
Design6
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Fine Arts5
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Mechanical4
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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.
Therapy and Counseling4
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Biology3
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Building and Construction3
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Expression78
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Speech Clarity75
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition75
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Near Vision50
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity50
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.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Written Comprehension50
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning47
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning47
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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).
Written Expression44
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

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Finger Dexterity41
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Auditory Attention38
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Category Flexibility38
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Flexibility of Closure38
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
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.
Hearing Sensitivity28
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Arm-Hand Steadiness25
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision25
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Far Vision25
The ability to see details at a distance.
Manual Dexterity25
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Time Sharing25
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
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).
Number Facility22
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
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.
Reaction Time22
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
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.
Visual Color Discrimination22
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Rate Control16
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.
Visualization16
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Wrist-Finger Speed16
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Depth Perception13
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.
Dynamic Strength13
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Response Orientation13
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
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.
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.
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 Information87
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers85
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public78
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Processing Information77
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Documenting/Recording Information76
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates73
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge72
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others64
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships62
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization58
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.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events57
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Training and Teaching Others57
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

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Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People56
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Assisting and Caring for Others55
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards52
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work52
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems47
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings47
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Analyzing Data or Information46
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others46
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Coaching and Developing Others44
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Developing Objectives and Strategies43
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information42
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Scheduling Work and Activities42
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials37
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Performing Administrative Activities37
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Thinking Creatively34
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others33
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing and Building Teams32
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment32
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.
Staffing Organizational Units32
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates29
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Controlling Machines and Processes27
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Performing General Physical Activities25
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others23
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources20
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Handling and Moving Objects19
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment16
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.
Selling or Influencing Others16
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment13
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment9
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Work Styles

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

Dependability76
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cooperation74
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Attention to Detail66
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Self-Control61
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Social Orientation60
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Stress Tolerance59
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Integrity57
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Empathy51
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism46
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Sincerity42
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Humility32
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Adaptability30
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

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Cautiousness21
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Perseverance20
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Confidence15
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Achievement Orientation12
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.
Initiative10
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Tolerance for Ambiguity1
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

Conventional87
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.
Social51
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.
Enterprising39
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.
Realistic37
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.
Investigative2
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.
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.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others100%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day100%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important74%
- Very important22%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important88%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day82%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
E-Mail
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day82%
- Never18%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day68%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Never17%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important32%
- Very important52%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important68%
- Not important at all20%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day40%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%

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Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important18%
- Important25%
Spend Time Sitting
- Less than half the time19%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results31%
- No results17%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom28%
- Some freedom43%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom33%
- Some freedom28%
- Very little freedom14%
Time Pressure
- Every day47%
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Never25%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day28%
- Once a week or more but not every day42%
- Never22%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually61%
- Never36%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility37%
- Moderate responsibility30%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week36%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never17%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility20%
- High responsibility14%
- Moderate responsibility37%
- Limited responsibility14%
- No responsibility14%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day36%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)36%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)20%
- I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)13%
Level of Competition
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important25%
- Very important13%
- Important13%
Public Speaking
- Every day27%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated13%
- Moderately automated39%
- Slightly automated44%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours11%
- Less than 40 hours31%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time11%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious17%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- More than half the time25%
- Less than half the time11%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually11%
- About half the time11%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day14%
- Never75%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
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%
- Never81%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Never75%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Never78%
Exposed to Radiation
- Every day11%
- Never89%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never89%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time13%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)92%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never97%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never92%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never92%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Never99%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never100%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never100%
Exposed to High Places
- Never100%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never100%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

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.

Operating system software
Handheld computer device software, Microsoft Windows
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Helpdesk or call center software
Computer aided dispatch software
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Video conferencing software
Video conference 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

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Operate communications equipment or systems.
Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information.
Assist individuals with paperwork.
Enter information into databases or software programs.
Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.
Sort mail.
Assist disabled or incapacitated individuals.
Discuss account status or activity with customers or patrons.
Maintain call records.
Promote products, services, or programs.

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