Mixed Livestock Farm Workers
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Mixed Livestock Farm Workers perform routine tasks on mixed livestock farms, such as moving, feeding and counting livestock, and assisting with animal husbandry.
Tasks
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Patrolling, inspecting and reporting on the condition of livestock.
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Providing livestock with feed and water.
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Assisting with maintaining the health and welfare of livestock.
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Mustering and droving livestock to milking and shearing sheds and between paddocks to ensure sufficient feed is available.
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Washing and cleaning udders, and attaching milking machines to udders and milking cows.
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Collecting eggs and placing in incubators.
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Herding sheep for shearing and keeping mobs separate during shearing.
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Spreading fleeces on skirting tables for classing, pressing wool and branding bales.
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Exercising horses by walking, riding, leading and swimming, and attending to horses at track work, barrier trials and races.
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Cleaning stables and hatcheries, storing bedding and performing minor repairs on fixtures, buildings and fences.
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Assembling, preparing and storing horse gear.
Characteristics
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Informal or on-the-job
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Practical
-
Heavy
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. Employment projections data are only produced for occupations at the broad four digit Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) level. While data are not available for this occupation, projections data are available for the parent occupation, Livestock Farm Workers, under the outlook section.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 71% of people employed as Mixed Livestock Farm Workers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 5 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 47 hours per week in their main job. This is 3 hours more than the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
Sources:Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average.
Industries
Main industries
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Most Mixed Livestock Farm Workers work in the Agriculture, forestry and fishing industry.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Mixed Livestock Farm Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 48.2 | 31.6 |
VIC | 19.7 | 25.6 |
QLD | 9.0 | 20.0 |
SA | 12.3 | 7.0 |
WA | 5.2 | 10.8 |
TAS | 5.2 | 2.0 |
NT | 0.2 | 1.0 |
ACT | 0.2 | 1.9 |
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Around 97% of Mixed Livestock Farm Workers live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania have a large share of employment relative to their population size.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
- New England and North West
- Far West and Orana
- South Australia - South East
- Capital Region
- Central West (NSW).
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Mixed Livestock Farm Workers is 40 years. This is the same as the all jobs average.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 24% of the workforce. This is 24 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Mixed Livestock Farm Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 9.4 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 13.6 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 18.8 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 14.3 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 14.8 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 10.1 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 7.5 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 11.4 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 40 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
Formal qualifications are not usually required to work as a Mixed Livestock Farm Worker. Some workers have a certificate II or III in agriculture.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation & Land Management VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Mixed Livestock Farm Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.3 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 6.0 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 7.1 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 25.6 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 18.6 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 7.8 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 34.6 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Livestock Farm Workers who are trustworthy, responsible and have an enthusiastic attitude.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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45%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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45%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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45%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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43%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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41%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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39%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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39%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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37%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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37%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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37%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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37%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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37%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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36%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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36%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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34%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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34%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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34%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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34%
Serving othersLooking for ways to help people.
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34%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
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32%
Management of personnel resourcesMotivating, developing, and directing people as they work, and choosing the best people for the job.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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46%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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45%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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40%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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40%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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38%
BiologyPlant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, how they rely on and work with each other and the environment.
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38%
Food productionPlanting, growing, and harvesting food (both plant and animal), including storage and handling.
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36%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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34%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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34%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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31%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
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30%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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28%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
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27%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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27%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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26%
Sales and marketingShowing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
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24%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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24%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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23%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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19%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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17%
Economics and accountingEconomics and accounting, the financial markets, banking and checking and reporting of financial data.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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50%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
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50%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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50%
Static strengthLift, push, pull, or carry things.
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48%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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48%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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48%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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46%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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46%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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45%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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45%
Trunk strengthUse your abdominal and lower back muscles a number of times without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
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43%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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41%
Far visionSee details that are far away.
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41%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
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39%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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39%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
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39%
Depth perceptionDecide which thing is closer or further away from you, or decide how far away it is.
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39%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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39%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
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38%
Speech recognitionIdentify and understand the speech of another person.
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36%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
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76%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
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65%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
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65%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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65%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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61%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
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56%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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56%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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54%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
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54%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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52%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
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52%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
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50%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
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50%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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49%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
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48%
Training and teaching othersUnderstanding the needs of others, developing training programs, and teaching or instructing.
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47%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
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47%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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47%
Scheduling work and activitiesWorking out the timing of events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
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46%
Guiding and directing staffGuiding and directing staff, including setting and monitoring performance standards.
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44%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
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100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
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33%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
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19%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
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19%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
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14%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
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14%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
-
48%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
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43%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
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33%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
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31%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
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29%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
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24%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
Demands
-
97%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
-
90%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
-
87%
Very hot or cold temperaturesWork in very hot or cold temperatures.
-
86%
Outdoors, exposed to weatherWork outdoors, exposed to the weather.
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83%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
81%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
81%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
78%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
-
78%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
-
78%
Walking and runningSpend time walking and running.
-
77%
Outdoors, under coverWork outdoors, under cover (e.g., in an open shed).
-
77%
Indoors, not heat controlledWork indoors without heating or cooling (e.g., warehouse without heat).
-
76%
Minor burns, cuts, bites, or stingsBe exposed to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings.
-
74%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
-
73%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
-
73%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
-
72%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
-
71%
Making repetitive motionsSpend time making repetitive motions.
-
71%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
70%
In an open vehicle or equipmentWork in an open vehicle (e.g., a tractor).
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 45-2093.00 - Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.