Occupation

Machine Feeders and Offbearers

Human Advantage 58%

Moderate human-AI collaboration

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
5.1 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

Feed materials into or remove materials from machines or equipment that is automatic or tended by other workers.

Also Known As: Acid Dumper, Archery Equipment Hay Sorter, Assembly Machine Operator, Automatic Glove Turner and Former, Automatic Nail Polish Brush Machine Feeder, Automatic Nailing Machine Feeder, Automatic Spooler Operator, Automatic Stacker +458 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Inspect materials and products for defects, and to ensure conformance to specifications.
  2. Record production and operational data, such as amount of materials processed.
  3. Push dual control buttons and move controls to start, stop, or adjust machinery and equipment.
  4. Weigh or measure materials or products to ensure conformance to specifications.
  5. Identify and mark materials, products, and samples, following instructions.
  6. Clean and maintain machinery, equipment, and work areas to ensure proper functioning and safe working conditions.
  7. Load materials and products into machines and equipment, or onto conveyors, using hand tools and moving devices.
  8. Transfer materials and products to and from machinery and equipment, using industrial trucks or hand trucks.
  9. Fasten, package, or stack materials and products, using hand tools and fastening equipment.

Supplemental Tasks (4)

  1. Remove materials and products from machines and equipment, and place them in boxes, trucks or conveyors, using hand tools and moving devices.
  2. Shovel or scoop materials into containers, machines, or equipment for processing, storage, or transport.
  3. Open and close gates of belt and pneumatic conveyors on machines that are fed directly from preceding machines.
  4. Add chemicals, solutions, or ingredients to machines or equipment as required by the manufacturing process.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
73%
Less than a High School Diploma
21%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
4%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
2%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook

Software (5)

  • Machine operation software
  • Work time tracking software

Tools & Equipment (21)

  • Conveyor belt systems
  • Digital floor scales
  • Electric hoists
  • Electric winches
  • Feeder consoles
  • Folder gluers
  • Grinder machines
  • Hoppers
  • Label applicators
  • Machine wrappers
  • Manual pallet jacks
  • Mechanical sheet feeders
  • Milling machines
  • Overhead track cranes
  • Personal computers
  • Pneumatic conveyor systems
  • Protective ear plugs
  • Protective glasses
  • Strappers
  • Warehouse hand trucks
  • Wheeled forklifts

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Industrial Machinery Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 1
Conveyor Operators and Tenders 77% match
Zone 2
Machine Feeders and Offbearers You are here
Zone 3
Crane and Tower Operators 80% match

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Real Talk

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