What You'll Do

  • Weigh or measure specified amounts of ingredients or materials for processing, using devices such as scales and calipers.
  • Press and adjust controls to activate, set, and regulate equipment according to specifications.
  • Monitor equipment operation, gauges, and panel lights to detect deviations from standards.
  • Read and interpret work orders and instructions to determine work assignments, process specifications, and production schedules.
  • Record gauge readings, test results, and shift production in log books.
  • Confer with supervisors or other equipment operators to report equipment malfunctions or to resolve production problems.
  • Examine or test samples of processed substances, or collect samples for laboratory testing, to ensure conformance to specifications.
  • Clean, lubricate, and adjust equipment, using scrapers, solvents, air hoses, oil, and hand tools.
  • Transport materials and products to and from work areas, manually or using carts, handtrucks, or hoists.
  • Stop equipment and clear blockages or jams, using fingers, wire, or hand tools.

Essential Skills

Operations Monitoring 3.88/5
Reading Comprehension 3.12/5
Active Listening 3.12/5
Speaking 3.12/5
Critical Thinking 3.12/5
Monitoring 3.12/5
Operation and Control 3.12/5
Quality Control Analysis 3.0/5
Writing 2.62/5
Coordination 2.5/5
Active Learning 2.38/5
Complex Problem Solving 2.38/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Self-Control, Initiative, Stress Tolerance

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Problem Sensitivity 3.62/5
Control Precision 3.5/5
Oral Comprehension 3.38/5
Written Comprehension 3.38/5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.25/5
Near Vision 3.25/5
Speech Recognition 3.25/5
Oral Expression 3.12/5

Technologies & Tools

Inventory tracking software Machine operation software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Word

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.1/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 3.87/5)
  • Self-Control (High importance: 3.81/5)
  • Initiative (High importance: 3.68/5)
  • Stress Tolerance (High importance: 3.68/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

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