The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed many logistical problems in supply chains throughout the United States and worldwide. It will be up to the next generation of workers—from truck drivers to mechanics to logistics coordinators—to solve these problems and ensure that goods are delivered efficiently, safely, and on time.
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Top jobs that Require Community College Credentials
How much will I make per hour?
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Job openings per year:
2,374How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $20.48/hr.
- Median: $25.16/hr.
- Experienced: $30.25/hr.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Job openings per year:
760How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $18.77/hr.
- Median: $27.92/hr.
- Experienced: $31.57/hr.
First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
Job openings per year:
555How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $22.56/hr.
- Median: $28.15/hr.
- Experienced: $35.93/hr.
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Job openings per year:
502How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $28.63/hr.
- Median: $37.06/hr.
- Experienced: $48.42/hr.
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
Job openings per year:
334How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $21.35/hr.
- Median: $26.10/hr.
- Experienced: $32.20/hr.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Job openings per year:
199How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $23.02/hr.
- Median: $29.61/hr.
- Experienced: $36.37/hr.
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Job openings per year:
163How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $36.11/hr.
- Median: $46.54/hr.
- Experienced: $61.07/hr.
Logisticians
Job openings per year:
153How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $31.08/hr.
- Median: $39.15/hr.
- Experienced: $50.54/hr.
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Job openings per year:
142How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $28.86/hr.
- Median: $32/hr.
- Experienced: $36.68/hr.
Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Job openings per year:
133How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $21.16/hr.
- Median: $28.71/hr.
- Experienced: $35.97/hr.
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Job openings per year:
106How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $31.03/hr.
- Median: $38.42/hr.
- Experienced: $43.21/hr.
Commercial Pilots
Job openings per year:
52How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $38.33/hr.
- Median: $57.80/hr.
- Experienced: $105.73/hr.
Cargo and Freight Agents
Job openings per year:
50How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $16.83/hr.
- Median: $19.93/hr.
- Experienced: $27.06/hr.
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
Job openings per year:
33How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $17.77/hr.
- Median: $21.18/hr.
- Experienced: $25.81/hr.
Crane and Tower Operators
Job openings per year:
24How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $25.83/hr.
- Median: $30.24/hr.
- Experienced: $39.73/hr.
Top Employers & Skills
Employers
- State of California
- Amazon
- Reach Air Medical Services
- CarMax
- Sysco
- Carvana
- Taylor Truck Line
- AAA
- Penske Automotive Group
- Hendrickson
- Les Schwab Tire Center
- Med-Trans Corporation
- University of California
- Caliber Collision
- Updike Distribution Logistics
- Ryder
- Star Freight Services
- Pep Boys
- New Legend Logistics
- US Foods Holding
Specialized skills
- Commercial Truck Driving
- Warehousing
- HVAC
- Automotive Services
- Forklift Truck
- Hand Tools
- Suspension (Vehicle)
- Mechanics
- Machinery
- Vehicle Inspection
Technology & software skills
- Microsoft Office (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word)
- Spreadsheets
- SAP Applications
- Inventory Control Systems
- Warehouse Management Systems
- Epic EMR
- Inventory Management System
- Operating Systems
- Google Workspace
- Disassembler
Employability skills
- Communications
- Customer Service
- Management
- Operations
- Good Driving Record
- Lifting Ability
- Leadership
- Planning
- Sales
- Detail Oriented
Source: Lightcast 2023.3; QCEW, non-QCEW, Self-Employed. Compiled by the North/Far North Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers’ license. Includes tow truck drivers.
Sample of reported job titles:
CDL Driver (Commercial Driver’s License Driver), Driver, Line Haul Driver, Log Truck Driver, Over the Road Driver (OTR Driver), Production Truck Driver, Road Driver, Semi Truck Driver, Tractor Trailer Driver, Truck Driver
Tasks:
- Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
- Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
- Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
- Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles.
- Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Secure cargo.
- Follow safety procedures for vehicle operation.
- Inspect cargo to ensure it is properly loaded or secured.
- Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations.
- Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment.
Work Context:
- In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment – 96% responded “Every day”
- Outdoors, Exposed to Weather – 76% responded “Every day”
- Frequency of Decision Making – 76% responded “Every day”
- Duration of Typical Work Week – 80% responded “More than 40 hours”
- Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results – 58% responded “Very important results”
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
Sample of reported job titles:
Automotive Drivability Technician (Auto Drivability Tech), Automotive Mechanic (Auto Mechanic), Automotive Service Technician (Auto Service Tech), Automotive Technician (Auto Tech), Diagnostic Technician (Diagnostic Tech), Heavy Line Technician (Heavy Line Tech), Lube Tech (Lubrication Technician), Mechanic, Quick Service Technician (Quick Service Tech), Service Technician (Service Tech)
Tasks:
- Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
- Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
- Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers’ performance specifications.
- Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
- Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Inspect vehicles to determine overall condition.
- Record information about parts, materials or repair procedures.
- Operate transportation equipment to demonstrate function or malfunction.
- Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Test mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning.
Work Context:
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls – 96% responded “Continually or almost continually”
- Exposed to Contaminants – 91% responded “Every day”
- In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment – 94% responded “Every day”
- Frequency of Decision Making – 78% responded “Every day”
- Face-to-Face Discussions – 84% responded “Every day”
First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of material-moving machine and vehicle operators and helpers.
Sample of reported job titles:
Cargo Manager, DC Supervisor (Distribution Center Supervisor), Dock Supervisor, Driver Manager, Fleet Manager, Shipping Manager, Street Supervisor, Trainmaster, Transportation Supervisor, Warehouse Supervisor
Tasks:
-
Enforce safety rules and regulations.
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Interpret transportation or tariff regulations, shipping orders, safety regulations, or company policies and procedures for workers.
-
Resolve worker problems or collaborate with employees to assist in problem resolution.
-
Confer with customers, supervisors, contractors, or other personnel to exchange information or to resolve problems.
-
Plan work assignments and equipment allocations to meet transportation, operations or production goals.
Detailed Work Activities:
-
Direct material handling or moving activities.
-
Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
-
Resolve personnel problems.
-
Plan work operations.
-
Resolve issues affecting transportation operations.
Work Context:
-
Electronic Mail — 100% responded “Every day.”
-
Face-to-Face Discussions — 96% responded “Every day.”
-
Contact With Others — 92% responded “Constant contact with others.”
-
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 86% responded “Very important results.”
-
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 72% responded “Very high responsibility.”
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.
Sample of reported job titles:
Electrical and Instrumentation Supervisor (E and I Supervisor), Facilities Maintenance Supervisor, Facility Maintenance Supervisor, Maintenance Coordinator, Maintenance Foreman, Maintenance Manager, Maintenance Planner, Maintenance Superintendent, Maintenance Supervisor, Service Manager
Tasks:
- Inspect, test, and measure completed work, using devices such as hand tools or gauges to verify conformance to standards or repair requirements.
- Inspect and monitor work areas, examine tools and equipment, and provide employee safety training to prevent, detect, and correct unsafe conditions or violations of procedures and safety rules.
- Interpret specifications, blueprints, or job orders to construct templates and lay out reference points for workers.
- Monitor employees’ work levels and review work performance.
- Perform skilled repair or maintenance operations, using equipment such as hand or power tools, hydraulic presses or shears, or welding equipment.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Supervise employees.
- Train others in operational procedures.
- Inspect completed work to ensure proper functioning.
- Interpret blueprints, specifications, or diagrams to inform installation, development or operation activities.
- Measure distances or dimensions.
Work Context:
- Telephone – 86% responded “Every day”
- Contact With Others – 90% responded “Constant contact with others”
- Face-to-Face Discussions – 81% responded “Every day”
- Structured versus Unstructured Work – 66% responded “A lot of freedom”
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 58% responded “Extremely important”
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
Coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule. Duties include reviewing and distributing production, work, and shipment schedules; conferring with department supervisors to determine progress of work and completion dates; and compiling reports on progress of work, inventory levels, costs, and production problems.
Sample of reported job titles:
Expeditor, Inventory Control Specialist, Material Requirements Planner (MRP), Materials Coordinator, Materials Planner, Production Assistant, Production Clerk, Production Controller, Production Planner, Production Scheduler
Tasks:
- Distribute production schedules or work orders to departments.
- Revise production schedules when required due to design changes, labor or material shortages, backlogs, or other interruptions, collaborating with management, marketing, sales, production, or engineering.
- Review documents, such as production schedules, work orders, or staffing tables, to determine personnel or materials requirements or material priorities.
- Arrange for delivery, assembly, or distribution of supplies or parts to expedite flow of materials and meet production schedules.
- Confer with establishment personnel, vendors, or customers to coordinate production or shipping activities and to resolve complaints or eliminate delays.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Provide information to coworkers.
- Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
- Schedule operational activities.
- Read work orders to determine material or setup requirements.
- Coordinate operational activities.
Work Context:
- Face-to-Face Discussions – 92% responded “Every day”
- Telephone – 86% responded “Every day”
- Work With Work Group or Team – 77% responded “Extremely important”
- Freedom to Make Decisions – 66% responded “A lot of freedom”
- Time Pressure – 67% responded “Every day”
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
Sample of reported job titles:
Bus Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic, Diesel Technician (Diesel Tech), Fleet Mechanic, General Repair Mechanic, Heavy Truck Mechanic, Service Technician, Trailer Mechanic, Transit Mechanic, Truck Mechanic
Tasks:
- Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as well as power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, or jacks and hoists.
- Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
- Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
- Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
- Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects.
- Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems.
- Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
- Adjust vehicle components according to specifications.
- Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Work Context:
- Exposed to Contaminants – 85% responded “Every day”
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls – 80% responded “Continually or almost continually”
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets – 78% responded “Every day”
- Face-to-Face Discussions – 90% responded “Every day”
- In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment – 68% responded “Every day”
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.
Sample of reported job titles:
Distribution Center Manager, Distribution Manager, Fleet Manager, Global Transportation Manager, Logistics Director, Logistics Operations Manager, Shipping Manager, Supply Chain Logistics Manager, Transportation Manager, Warehouse Supervisor
Tasks:
- Supervise the activities of workers engaged in receiving, storing, testing, and shipping products or materials.
- Supervise the activities of workers engaged in receiving, storing, testing, and shipping products or materials.
- Plan, develop, or implement warehouse safety and security programs and activities.
- Plan, develop, or implement warehouse safety and security programs and activities.
- Inspect physical conditions of warehouses, vehicle fleets, or equipment and order testing, maintenance, repairs, or replacements.
- Inspect physical conditions of warehouses, vehicle fleets, or equipment and order testing, maintenance, repairs, or replacements.
- Plan, organize, or manage the work of subordinate staff to ensure that the work is accomplished in a manner consistent with organizational requirements.
- Plan, organize, or manage the work of subordinate staff to ensure that the work is accomplished in a manner consistent with organizational requirements.
- Collaborate with other departments to integrate logistics with business systems or processes, such as customer sales, order management, accounting, or shipping.
- Collaborate with other departments to integrate logistics with business systems or processes, such as customer sales, order management, accounting, or shipping.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Supervise employees.
- Implement organizational process or policy changes.
- Develop safety standards, policies, or procedures.
- Inspect condition or functioning of facilities or equipment.
- Purchase materials, equipment, or other resources.
Logisticians
Analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources.
Sample of reported job titles:
Client Services Administrator, Logistician, Production Planner, Supply Management Specialist
Tasks:
- Maintain and develop positive business relationships with a customer’s key personnel involved in, or directly relevant to, a logistics activity.
- Develop an understanding of customers’ needs and take actions to ensure that such needs are met.
- Manage subcontractor activities, reviewing proposals, developing performance specifications, and serving as liaisons between subcontractors and organizations.
- Develop proposals that include documentation for estimates.
- Review logistics performance with customers against targets, benchmarks, and service agreements.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Develop business relationships.
- Collect data about customer needs.
- Gather customer or product information to determine customer needs.
- Supervise employees.
- Allocate physical resources within organizations.
Work Context:
- Telephone – 100% responded “Every day”
- Electronic Mail – 96% responded “Every day”
- Face-to-Face Discussions – 70% responded “Every day”
- Work With Work Group or Team – 58% responded “Extremely important”
- Contact With Others – 67% responded “Constant contact with others”
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.
Sample of reported job titles:
Construction Equipment Mechanic, Equipment Mechanic, Equipment Technician, Field Mechanic, Field Service Technician, Field Technician, Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Heavy Equipment Technician, Mechanic, Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Tasks:
- Repair and replace damaged or worn parts.
- Test mechanical products and equipment after repair or assembly to ensure proper performance and compliance with manufacturers’ specifications.
- Operate and inspect machines or heavy equipment to diagnose defects.
- Read and understand operating manuals, blueprints, and technical drawings.
- Dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment using hoists and hand tools.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
- Inspect completed work to ensure proper functioning.
- Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
- Inspect mechanical equipment to locate damage, defects, or wear.
- Operate transportation equipment to demonstrate function or malfunction.
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 – 78% responded “Every day”
- Face-to-Face Discussions – 83% responded “Every day”
- Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled – 80% responded “Every day”
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls – 88% responded “Continually or almost continually”
Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
Sample of reported job titles:
Auto Body Man, Auto Body Repair Technician (Auto Body Repair Tech), Auto Body Repairman, Automotive Body Technician (Auto Body Tech), Body Man, Body Technician (Body Tech), Collision Repair Technician (Collision Repair Tech), Collision Technician (Collision Tech), Frame Man, Refinish Technician (Refinish Tech)
Tasks:
- File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.
- Inspect repaired vehicles for proper functioning, completion of work, dimensional accuracy, and overall appearance of paint job, and test-drive vehicles to ensure proper alignment and handling.
- Fit and weld replacement parts into place, using wrenches and welding equipment, and grind down welds to smooth them, using power grinders and other tools.
- Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorized sanders.
- Follow supervisors’ instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Smooth surfaces of objects or equipment.
- Inspect completed work to ensure proper functioning.
- Install vehicle parts or accessories.
- Operate welding equipment.
- Paint surfaces or equipment.
Work Context:
- Exposed to Contaminants – 100% responded “Every day”
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls – 95% responded “Continually or almost continually”
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets – 88% responded “Every day”
- Time Pressure – 53% responded “Every day”
- Exposed to Hazardous Conditions – 81% responded “Every day”
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Sample of reported job titles:
Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Maintenance Tech), Aircraft Mechanic, Aircraft Restorer, Aircraft Technician, Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A and P Mechanic), Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT), Aviation Mechanic, Helicopter Mechanic
Tasks:
- Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
- Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
- Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
- Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
- Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems.
- Interpret blueprints, specifications, or diagrams to inform installation, development or operation activities.
- Inspect completed work to ensure proper functioning.
- Maintain repair or maintenance records.
- Read technical information needed to perform maintenance or repairs.
Work Context:
- Frequency of Decision Making – 75% responded “Every day”
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 66% responded “Extremely important”
- Consequence of Error – 72% responded “Extremely serious”
- Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results – 73% responded “Very important results”
- Exposed to Contaminants – 37% responded “Every day”
Commercial Pilots
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
Sample of reported job titles:
Captain, Charter Pilot, Check Airman, Commercial Pilot, EMS Helicopter Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Pilot), First Officer, Helicopter Pilot, Line Pilot, Pilot
Tasks:
- Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
- Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight according to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
- Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
- Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Pilot aircraft.
- Inspect aircraft or aircraft components.
- Monitor engine operation or functioning.
- Choose optimal transportation routes or speeds.
- Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.
Work Context:
- Contact With Others – 69% responded “Constant contact with others”
- Face-to-Face Discussions – 76% responded “Every day”
- Telephone – 74% responded “Every day”
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 71% responded “Extremely important”
- Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results – 65% responded “Very important results”
Cargo and Freight Agents
Expedite and route movement of incoming and outgoing cargo and freight shipments in airline, train, and trucking terminals and shipping docks. Take orders from customers and arrange pickup of freight and cargo for delivery to loading platform. Prepare and examine bills of lading to determine shipping charges and tariffs.
Sample of reported job titles:
Air Export Specialist, Drop Shipment Clerk, Freight Broker, Intermodal Dispatcher, International Coordinator, Load Planner, Logistics Coordinator, Logistics Service Representative, Ship Broker, Traffic and Documentation Clerk
Tasks:
- Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.
- Determine method of shipment and prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents.
- Track delivery progress of shipments.
- Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.
- Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Coordinate operational activities.
- Negotiate financial arrangements.
- Analyze shipping information to make routing decisions.
- Track goods or materials.
- Maintain operational records.
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment.
Sample of reported job titles:
Chainsaw Technician, Golf Cart Mechanic, Lawnmower Repair Mechanic, Mechanic, Outdoor Power Equipment Service Technician, Service Technician (Service Tech), Shop Mechanic, Small Engine Mechanic, Small Engine Technician (Small Engine Tech)
Tasks:
- Record repairs made, time spent, and parts used.
- Test and inspect engines to determine malfunctions, to locate missing and broken parts, and to verify repairs, using diagnostic instruments.
- Dismantle engines, using hand tools, and examine parts for defects.
- Repair and maintain gasoline engines used to power equipment such as portable saws, lawn mowers, generators, and compressors.
- Adjust points, valves, carburetors, distributors, and spark plug gaps, using feeler gauges.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Maintain repair or maintenance records.
- Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems.
- Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
- Adjust vehicle components according to specifications.
- Disassemble equipment to inspect for deficiencies.
Work Context:
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls – 77% responded “Continually or almost continually”
- Spend Time Standing – 61% responded “Continually or almost continually”
- Contact With Others – 76% responded “Constant contact with others”
- Freedom to Make Decisions – 32% responded “Some freedom”
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets – 25% responded “Once a week or more but not every day”
Crane and Tower Operators
Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.
Sample of reported job titles:
Crane Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator, Machine Operator, Mobile Crane Operator, Overhead Crane Operator, Port Crane Operator, Scrap Crane Operator, Winchman, Woodyard Crane Operator
Tasks:
- Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload.
- Move levers, depress foot pedals, or turn dials to operate cranes, cherry pickers, electromagnets, or other moving equipment for lifting, moving, or placing loads.
- Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.
- Inspect cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.
- Direct helpers engaged in placing blocking or outrigging under cranes.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Weigh materials to ensure compliance with specifications.
- Verify information or specifications.
- Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
- Inspect material-moving equipment to detect problems.
- Maintain material moving equipment in good working condition.
The North region encompasses seven counties (El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba).
The Far North region encompasses 15 counties (Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity).
Specialized skills are specific to the occupation, or group of occupations, and represent job-specific competencies.
Technical skills refer to the specific software and technology regularly encountered on the job.
Employability skills (sometimes referred to as “common skills”) are foundational skills that cross occupations and industries. Many common skills, like, communication and team work, are also considered soft skills.