Sawmilling Operators
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Sawmilling Operators set up and operate machines to cut logs into planks of standard sizes.
Specialisations: Band Saw Operator, Beam Saw Operator, Cant Gang Sawyer, Resawyer, Ripsaw Operator.
Formal qualifications are not usually required to work as a Sawmilling Operator. Some workers have a certificate II or III in sawmilling and processing.
Tasks
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Adjusts and cleans machines and performs minor repairs.
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Secures timber into place and sets saws to produce specified sizes of plank and board to be cut.
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Starts machines and feeds stock onto cutting saws, and operates automatic feeding mechanisms.
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Raises and lowers saws to trim boards and remove defects such as rot and splits.
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Controls lathes and slicing machines to produce veneers, and laminates veneers using glue.
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Verifies dimensions of cut stock and accuracy of cuts.
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Checks saws and other machines for safety, sharpness and correct functioning.
Characteristics
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Informal or on-the-job
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Practical
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Administrative
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Very 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, Paper and Wood Processing Machine Operators, under the outlook section.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 89% of people employed as Sawmilling Operators work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 23 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 44 hours per week in their main job. This is the same as the all jobs average.
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 Sawmilling Operators work in the Manufacturing industry. They are also employed in industries like:
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 | Sawmilling Operators | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 32.4 | 31.6 |
VIC | 17.4 | 25.6 |
QLD | 25.6 | 20.0 |
SA | 11.0 | 7.0 |
WA | 5.8 | 10.8 |
TAS | 7.5 | 2.0 |
NT | 0.2 | 1.0 |
ACT | 0.2 | 1.9 |
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Around 89% of Sawmilling Operators live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia have a large share of employment relative to their population size.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
- Wide Bay
- South Australia - South East
- Coffs Harbour - Grafton
- Latrobe - Gippsland
- Mid North Coast (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 Sawmilling Operators is 43 years. This is higher than the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 45 to 54 years.
Females make up 5% of the workforce. This is 43 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 | Sawmilling Operators | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 8.4 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 21.9 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 21.8 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 24.6 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 10.7 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 6.2 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 3.6 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 43 | 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 Sawmilling Operator. Some workers have a certificate II or III in sawmilling and processing.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Pulp & Paper Manufacturing Industry and Forest and Wood Products Industry VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Sawmilling Operators | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.2 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 1.8 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 1.9 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 24.8 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 15.7 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 8.4 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 47.2 | 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 Paper and Wood Processing Machine Operators who are hardworking, have good people skills and are reliable.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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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%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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41%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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41%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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39%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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37%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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37%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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37%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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36%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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36%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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36%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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34%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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34%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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32%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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32%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
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30%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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30%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
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29%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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27%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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27%
Learning strategiesFiguring out the best way to teach or learn something new.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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48%
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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28%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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26%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
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26%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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25%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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25%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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23%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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23%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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18%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
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17%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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15%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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14%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
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13%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
-
9%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
-
7%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
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7%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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7%
Sociology and anthropologyGroup behaviour and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
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7%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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6%
Medicine and dentistryDiagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities, including preventive health-care measures.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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50%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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46%
Reaction timeQuickly move your hand, finger, or foot when a sound, light, picture or something else appears.
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45%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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45%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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45%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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45%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
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45%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
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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%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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43%
Depth perceptionDecide which thing is closer or further away from you, or decide how far away it is.
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43%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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43%
StaminaExercise for a long time without getting winded or out of breath.
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41%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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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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41%
Static strengthLift, push, pull, or carry things.
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39%
Rate controlChange when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
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39%
Auditory attentionPay attention to a certain sound when there are other distracting sounds.
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39%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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37%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
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83%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
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70%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
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55%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
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49%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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49%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
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49%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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47%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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44%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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43%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
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43%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
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39%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
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37%
Training and teaching othersUnderstanding the needs of others, developing training programs, and teaching or instructing.
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36%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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35%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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34%
Estimating amounts, costs and resourcesWorking out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.
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34%
Scheduling work and activitiesWorking out the timing of events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
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34%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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31%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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27%
Leading and encouraging a teamEncouraging and building trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
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26%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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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71%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
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48%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
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24%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
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14%
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%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
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76%
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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48%
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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43%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
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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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43%
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%
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
-
100%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
98%
Dangerous equipmentWork near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.
-
95%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
-
94%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
-
92%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
-
90%
Indoors, not heat controlledWork indoors without heating or cooling (e.g., warehouse without heat).
-
90%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
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89%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
86%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
-
84%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
84%
Pace of work set by equipmentPace of work depends on the speed of equipment or machinery.
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84%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
-
81%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
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79%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
-
77%
Making repetitive motionsSpend time making repetitive motions.
-
75%
Bending or twisting your bodySpend time bending or twisting your body.
-
75%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
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74%
Very hot or cold temperaturesWork in very hot or cold temperatures.
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72%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
-
71%
Responsible for outcomesTake responsibility for the results of other people's work.
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, 51-7041.00 - Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood.
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.