Summary for:
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Description:
Set up, operate, or tend machines to mix or blend materials, such as chemicals, tobacco, liquids, color pigments, or explosive ingredients.
Sample of reported job titles:
Sample of reported job titles: Ink Blender, Issuing Operator, Mixer Operator, Coater Operator, Mixer, Stock Preparation Operator, Ink Maker, Machine Operator, Coater Associate, Compound Specialist
Tasks:
- Weigh or measure materials, ingredients, and products to ensure conformance to requirements.
- Test samples of materials or products to ensure compliance with specifications, using test equipment.
- Start machines to mix or blend ingredients; then allow them to mix for specified times.
- Operate or tend machines to mix or blend any of a wide variety of materials such as spices, dough batter, tobacco, fruit juices, chemicals, livestock feed, food products, color pigments, or explosive ingredients.
- Dump or pour specified amounts of materials into machinery and equipment.
- Observe production and monitor equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
- Stop mixing or blending machines when specified product qualities are obtained, and open valves and start pumps to transfer mixtures.
- Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory testing.
- Add or mix chemicals and ingredients for processing, using hand tools or other devices.
- Examine materials, ingredients, or products visually or with hands, in order to ensure conformance to established standards.
Knowledge:
| Production and Processing ó Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. |
| Mathematics ó Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
| Education and Training ó Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
| Chemistry ó 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. |
| Mechanical ó Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. |
Skills:
| Operation and Control ó Controlling operations of equipment or systems. |
| Equipment Maintenance ó Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed. |
| Operation Monitoring ó Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. |
| Active Listening ó 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. |
| Troubleshooting ó Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it. |
| Active Learning ó Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
| Equipment Selection ó Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job. |
| Quality Control Analysis ó Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. |
| Reading Comprehension ó Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. |
| Critical Thinking ó Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. |
Abilities:
| Arm-Hand Steadiness ó The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position. |
| Manual Dexterity ó The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. |
| Near Vision ó The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
| Problem Sensitivity ó The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. |
| Control Precision ó The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. |
| Finger Dexterity ó The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects. |
| Information Ordering ó 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). |
| Perceptual Speed ó 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. |
| Multilimb Coordination ó 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. |
| Rate Control ó 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. |
Work Activities:
| Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material ó Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
| Controlling Machines and Processes ó Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
| Documenting/Recording Information ó Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
| Handling and Moving Objects ó Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
| Getting Information ó Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates ó Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards ó Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
| identifying Objects, Actions, and Events ó identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| Making Decisions and Solving Problems ó Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings ó Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
Work Experience:
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a teller might benefit from experience working directly with the public, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be a teller with little difficulty.
Work Examples:
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include sheet metal workers, forest fire fighters, customer service representatives, pharmacy technicians, salespersons (retail), and tellers.
Education Requirements:
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.
Work Style:
| Attention to Detail ó Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
| Dependability ó Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
| Cooperation ó Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
| Integrity ó Job requires being honest and ethical. |
| Concern for Others ó Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
| Analytical Thinking ó Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
| Self Control ó Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
| Adaptability/Flexibility ó Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
| Independence ó Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
| Initiative ó Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
Work Values:
| Support ó 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 ó 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 ó Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
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Median Wage 2008:
$15.04 hourly, $31,280 annual
Estimated Employment Total 2008:
143,000 employees
Projected Growth 2008:
Decline slowly or moderately (-3% to -9%)
Projected Need 2008:
23,000 additional employees
