Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers

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.

O’NET publishes details below this occupation’s level. Showing Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders — one of 3 occupations here: Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand, Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Observe operation of equipment to ensure continuity of flow, safety, and efficient operation, and to detect malfunctions.84
Clean, adjust, and maintain equipment, using hand tools.78
Tend accessory equipment, such as pumps and conveyors, to move materials or ingredients through production processes.77
Move controls to start, stop, or adjust machinery and equipment that crushes, grinds, polishes, or blends materials.76
Notify supervisors of needed repairs.76
Weigh or measure materials, ingredients, or products at specified intervals to ensure conformance to requirements.76
Test samples of materials or products to ensure compliance with specifications, using test equipment.73
Mark bins as to types of mixtures stored.72
Transfer materials, supplies, and products between work areas, using moving equipment and hand tools.71
Add or mix chemicals and ingredients for processing, using hand tools or other devices.70
Record data from operations, testing, and production on specified forms.69
Reject defective products and readjust equipment to eliminate problems.69

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Inspect chains, belts, or scrolls for signs of wear.69
Clean work areas.69
Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory testing.69
Load materials into machinery and equipment, using hand tools.67
Turn valves to regulate the moisture contents of materials.67
Examine materials, ingredients, or products, visually or with hands, to ensure conformance to established standards.66
Set mill gauges to specified fineness of grind.65
Read work orders to determine production specifications and information.64
Dislodge and clear jammed materials or other items from machinery and equipment, using hand tools.61

Skills

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

Operation and Control72
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring72
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Quality Control Analysis53
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Active Listening50
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.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Judgment and Decision Making50
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension50
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking50
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Complex Problem Solving47
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking47
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

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Equipment Maintenance47
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Instructing47
Teaching others how to do something.
Systems Analysis47
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Troubleshooting47
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Writing47
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning44
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Repairing44
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Social Perceptiveness44
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Systems Evaluation41
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Learning Strategies38
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Persuasion38
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Management of Personnel Resources35
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics35
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Service Orientation35
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Equipment Selection28
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Negotiation25
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Management of Material Resources22
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Science22
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Management of Financial Resources16
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Operations Analysis6
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Programming6
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design6
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Installation3
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

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

Administration and Management61
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.
Production and Processing60
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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.
Education and Training54
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Public Safety and Security51
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.
Mathematics49
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Mechanical48
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Administrative41
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Computers and Electronics38
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Customer and Personal Service38
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.
Personnel and Human Resources34
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Economics and Accounting33
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

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Food Production28
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Law and Government27
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Engineering and Technology26
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.
Sales and Marketing26
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.
Psychology25
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Transportation24
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Building and Construction23
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Foreign Language20
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.
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.
Biology18
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Chemistry17
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Design14
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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 Anthropology11
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Telecommunications7
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Communications and Media5
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
History and Archeology2
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Philosophy and Theology2
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.
Medicine and Dentistry1
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 Counseling0
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Fine Arts—
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Control Precision66
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Manual Dexterity66
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Arm-Hand Steadiness63
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Multilimb Coordination63
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.
Near Vision63
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Rate Control63
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 Time63
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
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.
Auditory Attention53
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Finger Dexterity53
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Flexibility of Closure53
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Perceptual Speed53
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.

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Static Strength53
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
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.
Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Extent Flexibility50
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Hearing Sensitivity50
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension50
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Response Orientation50
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.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Visual Color Discrimination50
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization50
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Written Comprehension50
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Information Ordering47
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).
Depth Perception44
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.
Stamina44
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Dynamic Strength41
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Speed of Closure41
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Time Sharing41
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Wrist-Finger Speed41
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Written Expression41
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Gross Body Coordination38
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Number Facility35
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Gross Body Equilibrium31
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Mathematical Reasoning31
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Spatial Orientation31
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Explosive Strength25
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Peripheral Vision25
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization25
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
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).
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.
Speed of Limb Movement22
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Dynamic Flexibility19
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity19
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision19
The ability to see under low-light conditions.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings74
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates70
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information69
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Controlling Machines and Processes68
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects66
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials64
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Documenting/Recording Information62
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems60
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards59
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events59
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Performing General Physical Activities56
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.
Processing Information55
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work54
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge54
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships53
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Working with Computers51
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment49
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment47
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 Others47
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information45
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others45
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others43
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Analyzing Data or Information41
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Assisting and Caring for Others41
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources41
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others41
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing and Building Teams40
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People40
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Performing Administrative Activities39
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Coaching and Developing Others37
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Scheduling Work and Activities37
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment31
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.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others28
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Developing Objectives and Strategies27
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Thinking Creatively27
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates24
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
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.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization13
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.
Selling or Influencing Others13
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Staffing Organizational Units13
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public4
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.

Dependability70
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness69
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Attention to Detail67
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Stress Tolerance36
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 Orientation21
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-Control18
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Cooperation10
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Self-Confidence10
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Adaptability7
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Initiative6
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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Sincerity1
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.

Realistic97
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.
Conventional60
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.
Investigative19
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.
Enterprising7
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.
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.
Social0
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.

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%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day85%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours65%
- 40 hours35%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually66%
- More than half the time12%
- Less than half the time16%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom37%
- Some freedom33%
- Limited freedom29%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility46%
- High responsibility37%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Important22%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom52%
- Some freedom18%
- Very little freedom23%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious22%
- Serious13%
- Fairly serious17%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time41%
- About half the time15%
- Less than half the time12%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Never13%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day37%
- Once a week or more but not every day39%
- Never13%

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Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important26%
- Very important29%
- Important35%
Time Pressure
- Every day41%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility48%
- High responsibility19%
- Limited responsibility16%
- No responsibility15%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Important results54%
- No results19%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day30%
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- More than half the time21%
- About half the time21%
- Less than half the time26%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important26%
- Not important at all17%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others36%
- Contact with others most of the time24%
- Occasional contact with others12%
- No contact with others19%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day41%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never22%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day51%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never30%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day42%
- Never34%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day36%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never22%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important12%
- Very important40%
- Important28%
- Not important at all16%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Never33%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important13%
- Very important17%
- Important55%
- Fairly important15%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually31%
- More than half the time12%
- About half the time15%
- Less than half the time29%
- Never13%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day19%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Never25%
Level of Competition
- Moderately competitive15%
- Slightly competitive13%
- Not at all competitive21%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)39%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)21%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)34%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week32%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never22%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day22%
- Once a week or more but not every day31%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated28%
- Moderately automated36%
- Slightly automated11%
- Not at all automated25%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never32%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day23%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Never50%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day22%
- 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 month14%
- Never40%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Never47%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually13%
- Less than half the time79%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important13%
- Important16%
- Fairly important17%
- Not important at all47%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time18%
- About half the time14%
- Less than half the time42%
E-Mail
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never60%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- About half the time29%
- Less than half the time62%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
- Never53%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never43%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Never58%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Never70%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never54%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time50%
- Never32%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time77%
- Never22%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never59%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never69%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)90%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never93%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never96%
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

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Email software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP 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.

Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
Clean production equipment.
Maintain production or processing equipment.
Operate pumping systems or equipment.
Operate grinding equipment.
Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
Weigh finished products.
Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products.
Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
Move products, materials, or equipment between work areas.

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Mix substances to create chemical solutions.
Clean work areas.
Evaluate quality of materials or products.
Inspect production equipment.
Record operational or production data.
Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of water, cleaning solutions, or other liquids.
Load materials into production equipment.
Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
Clear equipment jams.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Miller, Wet Process
Plant Operator
Surface-Plate Finisher

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