September 17, 2008
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United States Department of Labor Office of
Administrative Law Judges Law Library
DICTIONARY OF OCCUPATIONAL TITLES (4th Ed., Rev. 1991) --
MASTER TITLES AND DEFINITIONS
MASTER TITLES AND DEFINITIONS
Master definitions describe work duties that are common or
potentially common to a number of jobs. Jobs in which the common
duties are an essential part refer to the Master definition title
as a device to save space and to avoid repetition of the common
duties. Clues to classifications of jobs utilizing Master
definitions are provided.
APPRENTICE (any industry)
A worker who learns, according to written or oral contractual
agreement, a recognized skilled craft or trade requiring one or
more years of on-the-job training through job experience
supplemented by related instruction, prior to being considered a
qualified skilled worker. High school or vocational school
education is often a prerequisite for entry into an apprenticeship
program. Provisions of apprenticeship agreement regularly include
length of apprenticeship; a progressive scale of wages; work
processes to be taught; and amount of instruction in subjects
related to the craft or trade, such as characteristics of materials
used, physics, mathematics, estimating, and blueprint reading.
Apprenticeability of a particular craft or trade is best evidenced
by its acceptability for registration as a trade by a State
Apprenticeship agency or the Federal Bureau of Apprenticeship and
Training. Generally, where employees are represented by a union,
apprenticeship programs come under the guidance of joint
apprenticeship committees composed of representatives of the
employers or the employer association and representatives of the
employees. These committees may determine need for apprentices in
a locality and establish minimum apprenticeship standards of
education, experience, and training. In instances where committees
do not exist, apprenticeship agreement is made between apprentice
and employer, or an employer group. The title APPRENTICE is often
loosely used as a synonym for beginner, HELPER (any industry)
Master Title, or TRAINEE (any industry). This practice is
technically incorrect and leads to confusion in determining what is
meant. Typical classifications for apprentices are BLACKSMITH
APPRENTICE (forging); MACHINIST APPRENTICE (machine shop); PLUMBER
APPRENTICE (construction).
CLEANER I (any industry)
Maintains premises of commercial, institutional, or industrial
establishments, office buildings, hotels and motels, apartment
houses, retirement homes, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, or
similar establishments in clean and orderly condition, performing
the following duties: Cleans rooms, hallways, lobbies, lounges,
rest rooms, corridors, elevators, stairways, and locker rooms and
other work areas. Sweeps, scrubs, waxes, and polishes floors, using
brooms and mops and powered scrubbing and waxing machines. Cleans
rugs, carpets, upholstered furniture, and draperies, using vacuum
cleaner. Dusts furniture and equipment. Polishes metalwork, such as
fixtures and fittings. Washes walls, ceiling, and woodwork. Washes
windows, door panels, and sills. Empties wastebaskets, and empties
and cleans ashtrays. Transports trash and waste to disposal area.
Replenishes bathroom supplies. Replaces light bulbs.
Classifications are made according to type of establishment in
which work is performed. Typical classifications are CLEANER,
COMMERCIAL OR INSTITUTIONAL (any industry); CLEANER, HOSPITAL
(medical ser.); CLEANER, HOUSEKEEPING (any industry); CLEANER,
INDUSTRIAL (any industry); HOUSECLEANER (hotel & rest.).
DESIGN ENGINEER, FACILITIES (profess. & kin.)
Applies engineering principles to design, modify, or develop
facilities, testing, machines, equipment, or processes used in
processing or manufacturing products: Analyzes product or equipment
specifications and performance requirements to determine designs
which can be produced by existing manufacturing or processing
facilities and methods. Analyzes engineering proposals, process
requirements, and related technical data pertaining to industrial
machinery and equipment design. Determines feasibility of designing
new plant equipment or modifying existing facilities considering
costs, available space, time limitations, company planning, and
other technical and economic factors. Provides technical
information concerning manufacturing or processing techniques,
materials, properties, and process advantages and limitations which
affect long range plant and product engineering planning. Compiles
and analyzes operational, test, and research data to establish
performance standards for newly designed or modified equipment.
Studies engineering and technical publications to keep abreast of
technological changes and developments in industry. Classifications
are made according to type of process or specialization. May use
computer-assisted engineering software and equipment.
DESIGN ENGINEER, PRODUCTS (profess. & kin.)
Conducts analytical studies on engineering proposals to develop
design for products, such as engines, equipment, machines,
associated and subsystems components, and aerospace structures,
utilizing and applying engineering principles, research data, and
proposed product specifications. Analyzes data to determine
feasibility of product proposal. Confers with research personnel to
clarify or resolve problems and develops design. Prepares or
directs preparation of product or system layout and detailed
drawings and schematics. Directs and coordinates manufacturing or
building of prototype product or system. Plans and develops
experimental test programs. Analyzes test data and reports to
determine if design meets functional and performance
specifications. Confers with research and other engineering
personnel and prepares design modifications as required. Evaluates
engineering test results for possible application to development of
systems or other uses. Design engineering personnel are classified
according to discipline. May use computer-assisted engineering
software and equipment.
DRAFTER (profess. & kin.)
Prepares working plans and detail drawings from rough or
detailed sketches and notes for engineering or manufacturing
purposes according to dimensional specifications: Calculates and
lays out dimensions, angles, curvature of parts, materials to be
used, relationship of one part to another, and relationship of
various parts to entire structure or project, utilizing knowledge
of engineering practices, mathematics, building materials,
manufacturing technology, and related physical sciences. Creates
preliminary or final sketch of proposed drawing, using standard
drafting techniques and devices, such as drawing board, T-square,
protractor, and drafting machine, or using computer-assisted
design/drafting equipment. Modifies drawings as directed by
engineer or architect. Classifications are made according to type
of drafting, such as electrical, electronic, aeronautical, civil,
mechanical, or architectural.
HELPER (any industry)
A worker who assists another worker, usually of a higher level
of competence or expertness, by performing a variety of duties,
such as furnishing another worker with materials, tools, and
supplies; cleaning work area, machines, and equipment; feeding or
off bearing machines; holding materials or tools; and performing
other routine duties. A HELPER (any industry) Master Title may
learn a trade but does so without an agreement with employer that
such is the purpose of their relationship. Consequently, the title
HELPER (any industry) is sometimes used as synonym for APPRENTICE
(any industry) Master Title, a practice that is incorrect
technically. A worker whose duties are limited or restricted to one
type of activity, such as moving materials from one department to
another, feeding machines, removing products from conveyors or
machines, or cleaning machines or work areas is not technically a
HELPER (any industry) and is classified according to duties
performed as MATERIAL HANDLER (any industry); MACHINE CLEANER (any
industry); CLEANER, INDUSTRIAL (any industry). A worker who
performs a variety of duties to assist another worker is a HELPER
(any industry) technically and is classified according to worker
assisted as BRICKLAYER HELPER (construction); DRY-CLEANER HELPER
(laundry & rel.).
RESEARCH ENGINEER (profess. & kin.) alternate titles:
development engineer
Conducts research in a field or specialization of an engineering
discipline to discover facts, or performs research directed toward
investigation, evaluation, and application of known engineering
theories and principles. Plans and conducts, or directs engineering
personnel performing, complex engineering experiments to test,
prove, or modify theoretical propositions on basis of research
findings and experiences of others researching in related
technological areas. Evaluates findings to develop new concepts,
products, equipment, or processes; or to develop applications of
findings to new uses. Prepares technical reports for use by
engineering or management personnel for long- and short-range
planning, or for use by sales engineering personnel in sales or
technical services activities. Classifications are made according
to discipline. May use computer-assisted engineering software and
equipment.
Sells chemical, mechanical, electromechanical, electrical,
electronic equipment and supplies or services requiring knowledge
of engineering and cost effectiveness: Calls on management
representatives, such as engineers, architects, or other
professional and technical personnel at commercial, industrial, and
other establishments in attempt to convince prospective client of
desirability and practicability of products or services offered.
Reviews blueprints, plans, and other customer documents to develop
and prepare cost estimates or projected increases in production
from client's use of proposed equipment or services. Draws up or
proposes changes in equipment, processes, or use of materials or
services which would result in cost reduction or improvement in
operations. Provides technical services to clients relating to use,
operation, and maintenance of equipment. May draw up sales or
service contract for products or services. May provide technical
training to employees of client. Usually specializes in sale of one
or more closely related group of products or types of services,
such as electrical or electronic equipment or systems, industrial
machinery, processing equipment or systems, air-conditioning and
refrigeration equipment, electric power equipment, or chemical
goods.
Sells products to business and industrial establishments or
individual for manufacturer or distributor at sales office, store,
showroom, or customer's place of business, utilizing knowledge of
product sold: Compiles lists of prospective customers for use as
sales leads, based on information from newspapers, business
directories, and other sources. Travels throughout assigned
territory to call on regular and prospective customers to solicit
orders or talks with customers on sales floor or by phone. Displays
or demonstrates product, using samples or catalog, and emphasizes
salable features. Quotes prices and credit terms and prepares sales
contracts for orders obtained. Estimates date of delivery to
customer, based on knowledge of own firm's production and delivery
schedules. Prepares reports of business transactions and keeps
expense accounts. Classifications are made according to products
sold as SALES REPRESENTATIVE, FOOD PRODUCTS (wholesale tr.); SALES
REPRESENTATIVE, INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY (wholesale tr.).
SALESPERSON (retail trade; wholesale tr.)
Sells merchandise to individuals in store or showroom, utilizing
knowledge of products sold: Greets customer on sales floor and
ascertains make, type, and quality of merchandise desired. Displays
merchandise, suggests selections that meet customer's needs, and
emphasizes selling points of article, such as quality and utility.
Prepares sales slip or sales contract. Receives payment or obtains
credit authorization. Places new merchandise on display. May wrap
merchandise for customer. May take inventory of stock. May
requisition merchandise from stockroom. May visit customer's home
by appointment to sell merchandise on shop-at-home basis.
Classifications are made according to products sold as SALESPERSON,
AUTOMOBILE ACCESSORIES (retail trade; wholesale tr.); SALESPERSON,
BOOKS (retail trade); SALESPERSON, SURGICAL APPLIANCES (retail
trade).
SEWING-MACHINE OPERATOR, AUTOMATIC (any industry)
Tends one or more sewing machines that automatically join,
reinforce, or decorate material or fabricated articles: Places
spool of thread on spindle and draws thread through guides,
tensions, and eye of needle. Inserts bobbin into shuttle and draws
thread through slot in shuttle wall, or draws thread through guides
and looper eyes. May pull boxes of flatfolded material into feeding
position or place roll of material on brackets at entry end of
machine. May thread material through feed rollers and guides.
Depresses pedal or moves lever to raise presser foot; positions
article parts or material under needle, using edges, seams, or
markings on fabric as guides, and lowers presser foot. Presses
pedal or button to start machine that stops as material runs out or
thread breaks. May cut material, using scissors, when specified
length of cloth has been sewn. Observes sewing operation to detect
defective stitching, breaks in thread, or machine malfunction.
Rethreads machine, replaces defective or broken needles, using
pliers, or notifies SEWING-MACHINE REPAIRER (any industry) of
machine malfunction. May remove rolls or trucks of material from
discharge end of machine. May select supplies, such as fasteners or
thread, according to specifications or color of fabric. May oil
machine. May cut excess thread, using scissors or blade attachment
on machine. May tend machine equipped with blade attachment that
automatically trims selvages. May tend multiple-needle machine that
joins two or more layers of cloth to reinforce them.
Classifications are usually made according to function of machine
as FASTENER-SEWING-MACHINE OPERATOR (any industry); HEMMER,
AUTOMATIC (tex. prod., nec); SERGING-MACHINE OPERATOR, AUTOMATIC
(any industry); TACKING-MACHINE OPERATOR (any industry).
Operates various sewing machines to join parts of fabricated
articles or garments: Places spool of thread on spindle of machine
and draws thread through machine guides, tensions, and eye of
needle. Inserts bobbin into shuttle and draws thread through slot
in shuttle wall, or draws thread through guide and looper eye.
Presses knee lever, depresses pedal, or moves hand lever to raise
presser foot or spread feed cups. Positions parts to be joined
under presser foot and needle and lowers presser foot. Starts,
stops, and controls speed of machine, using pedal or knee lever.
Guides parts under needle, using fingers and hands, and following
edges, seams, guides on machine bed, or markings on part. Observes
stitching to detect defects and notifies supervisor or
SEWING-MACHINE REPAIRER (any industry) when defects are caused by
machine malfunction. May select sewing supplies, such as binding,
braid, cord, piping, tape, thread, or welt, according to
specifications or color of material. May cut excess material or
thread, using blade attached to machine or scissors. May oil
machine, change needles, or secure modifying attachments to
machine. Classifications are usually made according to type of
machine, garment part sewn, product fabricated, or modifying
attachment on machine.
Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in one
or more occupations: Studies production schedules and estimates
worker-hour requirements for completion of job assignment.
Interprets company policies to workers and enforces safety
regulations. Interprets specifications, blueprints, and job orders
to workers, and assigns duties. Establishes or adjusts work
procedures to meet production schedules, using knowledge of
capacities of machines and equipment. Recommends measures to
improve production methods, equipment performance, and quality of
product, and suggests changes in working conditions and use of
equipment to increase efficiency of shop, department, or work crew.
Analyzes and resolves work problems, or assists workers in solving
work problems. Initiates or suggests plans to motivate workers to
achieve work goals. Recommends or initiates personnel actions, such
as promotions, transfers, discharges, and disciplinary measures.
May train new workers. Maintains time and production records. May
estimate, requisition, and inspect materials. May confer with other
SUPERVISORS (any industry) to coordinate activities of individual
departments. May confer with workers' representatives to resolve
grievances. May set up machines and equipment. When supervising
workers engaged chiefly in one occupation or craft, is required to
be adept in the activities of the workers supervised. When
supervising workers engaged in several occupations, is required to
possess general knowledge of the activities involved.
Classifications are made according to process involved, craft of
workers supervised, product manufactured, or according to industry
in which work occurs. Classifications are made according to workers
supervised.
SUPERVISOR (clerical) alternate titles: section chief;
section head
Supervises and coordinates activities of clerical workers:
Determines work procedures, prepares work schedules, and expedites
workflow. Issues written and oral instructions. Assigns duties and
examines work for exactness, neatness, and conformance to policies
and procedures. Studies and standardizes procedures to improve
efficiency of subordinates. Prepares composite reports from
individual reports of subordinates. Adjusts errors and complaints.
May perform or assist subordinates in performing duties. May keep
time and personnel records, and oversee preparation of payrolls.
May hire, train, and discharge workers. Classifications are made
according to type of work or functions of unit supervised as
SUPERVISOR, COMPUTER OPERATIONS (clerical) 213.132-010; SUPERVISOR,
TELEPHONE CLERKS (tel. & tel.) 239.132-010; TYPING SECTION CHIEF
(clerical) 203.137-014.
TEST ENGINEER (profess. & kin.)
Conducts environmental, operational, or performance tests on
electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, general industrial, or
experimental products, such as aircraft, automotive equipment,
industrial machinery and equipment, controls, and systems: Designs,
and directs engineering and technical personnel in fabrication of
testing and test-control apparatus and equipment. Directs and
coordinates engineering activities concerned with development,
procurement, installation, and calibration of instruments,
equipment, and control devices required to test, telemeter, record,
and reduce test data. Determines conditions under which tests are
to be conducted and sequences and phases of test operations.
Directs and exercises control over operational, functional, and
performance phases of tests. Confers with scientific, engineering,
and technical personnel to resolve testing problems, such as
product or system malfunctions, incomplete test data, and data
interpretation, considering such factors as conditions under which
test was conducted and instrumentation, procedures, and phase of
test used to obtain and record data. Analyzes and interprets test
data and prepares technical reports for use by engineering and
management personnel. Testing engineers are classified by field of
engineering. May use computer-assisted engineering software and
equipment.