Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

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.

Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.83
Inspect merchandise or products to determine quality, value, or yield.82
Recommend mark-up rates, mark-down rates, or merchandise selling prices.82
Obtain information about customer needs or preferences by conferring with sales or purchasing personnel.81
Buy merchandise or commodities for resale to wholesale or retail consumers.81
Collaborate with vendors to obtain or develop desired products.80
Authorize payment of invoices or return of merchandise.77
Consult with store or merchandise managers about budgets or goods to be purchased.77
Monitor and analyze sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns, company sales, and needed inventory.75
Examine, select, order, or purchase merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements, or other factors, such as environmental soundness.74
Provide clerks with information to print on price tags, such as price, mark-ups or mark-downs, manufacturer number, season code, or style number.73
Analyze environmental aspects of competing merchandise when making buying decisions.70

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Determine which products should be featured in advertising, the advertising medium to be used, or when the ads should be run.64
Train or supervise sales or clerical staff.59
Conduct sales meetings to introduce new merchandise.56
Monitor competitors' sales activities by following their advertisements in newspapers or other media.45

Skills

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

Critical Thinking75
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Negotiation75
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Active Listening72
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.
Persuasion72
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension66
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Learning60
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making60
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring60
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination56
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Complex Problem Solving53
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Mathematics53
Using mathematics to solve problems.

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Social Perceptiveness53
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing53
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Management of Financial Resources50
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Service Orientation50
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Instructing47
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies47
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Systems Analysis47
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation47
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Time Management47
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Management of Material Resources44
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Management of Personnel Resources41
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Quality Control Analysis38
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operations Analysis19
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Operations Monitoring16
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Technology Design10
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Operation and Control6
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Programming6
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Science6
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Troubleshooting3
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
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.

Knowledge

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

Administration and Management79
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.
English Language71
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service69
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Production and Processing68
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mathematics63
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.
Education and Training55
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Sales and Marketing52
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.
Personnel and Human Resources51
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Communications and Media47
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Computers and Electronics47
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Public Safety and Security47
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.

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Psychology46
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 Accounting45
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Transportation45
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Telecommunications41
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Law and Government33
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Food Production27
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Foreign Language26
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.
Design22
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Geography21
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.
Chemistry20
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.
Mechanical20
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Physics20
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Engineering and Technology18
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 Construction17
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Sociology and Anthropology16
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Fine Arts14
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
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.
History and Archeology10
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Biology9
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Medicine and Dentistry4
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.
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.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Speech Clarity66
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Problem Sensitivity63
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Mathematical Reasoning60
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Speech Recognition60
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Inductive Reasoning56
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Near Vision56
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Fluency of Ideas53
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

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Number Facility53
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
Information Ordering50
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).
Originality50
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Written Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Selective Attention47
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Visual Color Discrimination47
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Speed of Closure44
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Flexibility of Closure41
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Perceptual Speed38
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.
Visualization35
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Trunk Strength25
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
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).
Arm-Hand Steadiness16
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Depth Perception16
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Finger Dexterity16
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Manual Dexterity16
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Wrist-Finger Speed16
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Auditory Attention13
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Dynamic Strength13
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Hearing Sensitivity13
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Rate Control13
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 Time13
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Extent Flexibility6
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Multilimb Coordination6
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.
Stamina6
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength6
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Explosive Strength3
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Spatial Orientation3
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems90
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Processing Information87
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Working with Computers86
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization85
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.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work85
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Getting Information83
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates78
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge78
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Performing Administrative Activities77
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships75
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others71
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings71
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

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Documenting/Recording Information69
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others69
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources67
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Selling or Influencing Others67
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information66
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People65
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Analyzing Data or Information64
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Scheduling Work and Activities64
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Thinking Creatively64
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events63
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards58
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Coaching and Developing Others57
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Developing Objectives and Strategies57
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Assisting and Caring for Others55
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Training and Teaching Others55
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others52
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public51
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 Materials49
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates45
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Developing and Building Teams44
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others41
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Staffing Organizational Units40
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Performing General Physical Activities32
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment28
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Controlling Machines and Processes21
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment20
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 Equipment20
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Handling and Moving Objects18
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment15
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.

Work Styles

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

Attention to Detail76
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability71
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Self-Confidence66
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Achievement Orientation62
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.
Social Orientation61
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Integrity60
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Perseverance59
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Adaptability57
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Initiative51
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Cautiousness50
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Leadership Orientation46
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Stress Tolerance46
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

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Cooperation44
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Self-Control44
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Innovation43
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Intellectual Curiosity41
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Tolerance for Ambiguity41
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Sincerity29
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Optimism25
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.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

Enterprising71
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.
Conventional70
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.
Realistic40
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.
Social24
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.
Investigative15
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.
Artistic9
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 others87%
- Contact with others most of the time13%
E-Mail
- Every day81%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important79%
- Very important13%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Telephone Conversations
Frequency of Decision Making
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom19%
- Some freedom81%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom17%
- Some freedom82%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility12%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Important results17%
- Minor results11%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

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Spend Time Sitting
- About half the time14%
- Less than half the time23%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important27%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)23%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)62%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours21%
- 40 hours66%
- Less than 40 hours13%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually25%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important35%
Time Pressure
- Every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
Level of Competition
- Moderately competitive13%
- Slightly competitive17%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
Conflict Situations
- Every day12%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- High responsibility29%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time17%
- About half the time15%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually25%
- Never63%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- More than half the time16%
- About half the time22%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day19%
- Never60%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day12%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious14%
- Fairly serious14%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Never65%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day20%
- Never73%
Degree of Automation
- Slightly automated13%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Never69%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Never65%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day11%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Never71%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- More than half the time13%
- About half the time16%
- Less than half the time11%
- Never60%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time18%
- Never64%
Public Speaking
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never70%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Never83%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never76%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Every day12%
- Never88%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time11%
- Never82%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never73%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never82%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never90%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never82%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time29%
- Never71%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never81%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)92%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never100%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never100%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

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

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Biztrak Business Solutions Biztrak, JDA Software Group Advanced Warehouse Replenishment by E3, Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, SAP software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Point of sale POS software
Millennium Software Atrex, Plexis Software Plexis POS, Specialized Business Solutions Keystroke POS, Windward Software Windward System Five
Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
Infor Supply Chain Management, Kliger-Weiss Infosystems, Materials requirement planning MRP software, Oracle PeopleSoft Enterprise Supply Planning Multi-Site Material Planner
Procurement software
Oracle Advanced Procurement, Purchasing software, Sourcing Simulator
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Human resources software
Applicant tracking software, Oracle Taleo
Internet browser software
Microsoft Internet Explorer, Web browser software
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access, Oracle Database
Web page creation and editing software
Facebook, LinkedIn
Calendar and scheduling software
Contact management software, Scheduling software
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Risk management data and analysis software
Enterprise risk management software ERMS
Accounting software
Intuit QuickBooks
Graphics or photo imaging software
Graphics software
Document management software
Microsoft SharePoint
Development environment software
Eclipse IDE
Customer relationship management CRM software
Claritas ConsumerPoint
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Business intelligence and data analysis software
Qlik Tech QlikView
Project management software
Microsoft Project
Inventory management software
Inventory control systems

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.

Negotiate contracts with clients or service providers.
Determine the value of goods or services.
Advise others on business or operational matters.
Confer with personnel to coordinate business operations.
Purchase stocks of merchandise or supplies.
Obtain information about goods or services.
Authorize financial actions.
Disburse funds from clients accounts to creditors.
Discuss business strategies, practices, or policies with managers.
Analyze market conditions or trends.
Analyze consumer trends.
Purchase products or services.

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Provide information to coworkers.
Research issues related to the environment or sustainable business practices.
Create marketing materials.
Supervise employees.
Train personnel to enhance job skills.

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