Conveyor Operators and Tenders
Control or tend conveyors or conveyor systems that move materials or products to and from stockpiles, processing stations, departments, or vehicles. May control speed and routing of materials or products.
Sample of reported job titles:
Chipper Operator, Debarker Operator, Flumer, Line Operator, Machine Operator, Package Line Operator, Packaging Line Operator, Packing Line Operator, Process Operator, Strapper Operator
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- Position deflector bars, gates, chutes, or spouts to divert flow of materials from one conveyor onto another conveyor.
- Weigh or measure materials and products, using scales or other measuring instruments, or read scales on conveyors that continually weigh products, to verify specified tonnages and prevent overloads.
- Manipulate controls, levers, and valves to start pumps, auxiliary equipment, or conveyors, and to adjust equipment positions, speeds, timing, and material flows.
- Record production data such as weights, types, quantities, and storage locations of materials, as well as equipment performance problems and downtime.
- Inform supervisors of equipment malfunctions that need to be addressed.
Technology Skills
- Industrial control software:Control system software,Conveyor control software,Sortation software
- Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software:Intelligrated InControlWare
- Operating system software:Microsoft Windows
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- Getting Information:Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events:Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials:Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings:Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Controlling Machines and Processes:Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Detailed Work Activities
- Clean facilities or work areas.
- Clean machinery or equipment.
- Collect samples for analysis or testing.
- Communicate with others to coordinate material handling or movement.
- Connect cables or electrical lines.
Work Context
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets:100% responded"Every day"
- Exposed to Contaminants:80% responded"Every day"
- Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment:79% responded"Extremely important"
- Time Pressure:68% responded"Every day"
- Outdoors, Exposed to Weather:66% responded"Every day"
Worker Requirements
Skills
- Operation and Control:Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- Operations Monitoring:Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Monitoring:Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Active Listening: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.
Knowledge
- English Language:Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Mechanical:Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Public Safety and Security: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.
- Production and Processing:Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
- 70%Less than a High School Diploma
- 24%High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Worker Characteristics
Abilities
- Control Precision:The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
- Oral Comprehension:The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Problem Sensitivity: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.
- Deductive Reasoning:The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Oral Expression:The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Interests
- Realistic:Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
- Conventional:Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
- Support:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
- Relationships:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
- Independence:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Work Styles
- Dependability:Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Self-Control:Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Concern for Others:Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
- Cooperation:Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Get yourself a new skill