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.

Tasks

  • Weigh or measure materials, ingredients, or 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 or equipment.
  • Observe production or 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 or ingredients for processing, using hand tools or other devices.
  • Examine materials, ingredients, or products visually or with hands to ensure conformance to established standards.
  • Record operational or production data on specified forms.
  • Transfer materials, supplies, or products between work areas, using moving equipment or hand tools.
  • Tend accessory equipment, such as pumps or conveyors, to move materials or ingredients through production processes.
  • Read work orders to determine production specifications or information.
  • Compound or process ingredients or dyes, according to formulas.
  • Unload mixtures into containers or onto conveyors for further processing.
  • Clean and maintain equipment, using hand tools.
  • Dislodge and clear jammed materials or other items from machinery or equipment, using hand tools.
  • Open valves to drain slurry from mixers into storage tanks.

Knowledge

Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Chemistry
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.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Skills

Operation Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
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.

Abilities

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 there is a problem.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
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
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
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Visual Color Discrimination
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Information Ordering
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).

Work Activities

Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Exposed to Contaminants
How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or equipment (e.g., tractor)?
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
Spend Time Standing
How much does this job require standing?
Contact With Others
How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?

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.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Enterprising
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Artistic
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Social
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Work Style

Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Self Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Independence
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.

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.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Lay Titles

Abrasive Mixer
Acetylene Cylinder Packing Mixer
Acid Adjuster
Acid Blower
Acid Mixer
Alum Operator
Ammonia Worker
Asphalt Blender
Asphalt Mixer
Asphalt Mixing Machine Operator
Auger Mill Operator
Automatic Brine Mixer Operator
Auxiliary Equipment Tender
Ball Mill Operator
Banbury Machine Operator
Banbury Mill Operator
Banbury Mixer Operator
Banbury Operator
Barratte Operator
Batch and Binder Attendant
Batch and Binder Mixer
Batch Attendant
Batch Blender
Batch Maker
Batch Mixer
Batch Unloader
Bath Mixer
Batter Mixer
Beater Engineer
Beater Engineer Helper
Binder Technician
Bleach Maker
Bleach Mixer
Bleach-Liquor Maker
Blender
Blender Conveyor Operator
Blender Machine Operator
Blending Line Attendant
Blending Machine Operator
Blending Plant Operator
Blending Tank Tender
Blow-Up Operator
Blunger
Board Mixer Tender
Boss Dyer
Bran Mixer
Breading Machine Tender
Brine Maker
Brine Mixer Operator
Bristle Mixer
Broth Mixer
Bulk Plant Operator
Bulk Station Operator
Bullet Lubricant Mixer
Candy Maker Helper
Candy Puller
Carbide Powder Processor
Carbon Paste Mixer Operator
Carbon Plant Grinder
Carbonation Equipment Tender
Casing Fluid Tender
Catalyst Concentration Operator
Caustic Mixer
Cd Storage and Materials Make-Up Helper
Cellophane Bath Mixer
Cement Mixer
Ceramics Operator
Cheesemaker Helper
Chemical Mixer
Chemical Preparer
Chemical Treatment Operator
Chili Powder Mixer
Chip Mixing Machine Operator
Chopping Machine Operator
Churn Tender

National Wages and Employment Info

Median Wages (2008):
$16.27 hourly, $33,840 annual.
Employment (2008):
117,210 employees