First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Overview

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Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Examples

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.

Yearly Salary

High: $109K
Median: $70K
Low: $42K

Demand

Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend

Core Tasks

  • Inspect and monitor work areas, examine tools and equipment, and provide employee safety training to prevent, detect, and correct unsafe conditions or violations of procedures and safety rules.
  • Inspect, test, and measure completed work, using devices such as hand tools or gauges to verify conformance to standards or repair requirements.
  • Interpret specifications, blueprints, or job orders to construct templates and lay out reference points for workers.
  • Monitor employees' work levels and review work performance.
  • Perform skilled repair or maintenance operations, using equipment such as hand or power tools, hydraulic presses or shears, or welding equipment.
  • Compute estimates and actual costs of factors such as materials, labor, or outside contractors.
  • Monitor tool and part inventories and the condition and maintenance of shops to ensure adequate working conditions.
  • Participate in budget preparation and administration, coordinating purchasing and documentation and monitoring departmental expenditures.
  • Requisition materials and supplies, such as tools, equipment, or replacement parts.
  • Confer with personnel, such as management, engineering, quality control, customer, or union workers' representatives, to coordinate work activities, resolve employee grievances, or identify and review resource needs.
  • Determine schedules, sequences, and assignments for work activities, based on work priority, quantity of equipment, and skill of personnel.
  • Counsel employees about work-related issues and assist employees to correct job-skill deficiencies.
  • Examine objects, systems, or facilities and analyze information to determine needed installations, services, or repairs.
  • Recommend or initiate personnel actions, such as hires, promotions, transfers, discharges, or disciplinary measures.
  • Compile operational or personnel records, such as time and production records, inventory data, repair or maintenance statistics, or test results.
  • Investigate accidents or injuries and prepare reports of findings.
  • Review, evaluate, accept, and coordinate completion of work bid from contractors.
  • Conduct or arrange for worker training in safety, repair, or maintenance techniques, operational procedures, or equipment use.
  • Develop, implement, or evaluate maintenance policies and procedures.
  • Develop or implement electronic maintenance programs or computer information management systems.
  • Meet with vendors or suppliers to discuss products used in repair work.
  • Design equipment configurations to meet personnel needs.

Technology Skills

Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Accounting software
Cost accounting software
Calendar and scheduling software
Scheduling software
Communications server software
IBM Domino
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Document management software
Microsoft SharePoint
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Facilities management software
Maintenance management software
Industrial control software
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Internet browser software
Internet browser software
Inventory management software
Inventory management software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Project management software
Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Time accounting software
Payroll software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word

Tools Used

Tool
Example
Communications Devices and Accessories
Two way radios
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Mainframe computers
Hand tools
Portable drills
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Calipers
Printed circuits and integrated circuits and microassemblies
Programmable logic controllers PLC
Welding and soldering and brazing machinery and accessories and supplies
Portable welding equipment

Top 10 Knowledge Required

Administration and Management
79%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Mechanical
77%
Importance

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Customer and Personal Service
75%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Administrative
67%
Importance

Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

English Language
64%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

Personnel and Human Resources
64%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Mathematics
62%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Computers and Electronics
59%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Economics and Accounting
58%
Importance

Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Production and Processing
58%
Importance

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Top 10 Skills

Monitoring
80%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Management of Personnel Resources
78%
Importance

Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

Coordination
75%
Importance

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Critical Thinking
75%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Judgment and Decision Making
75%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Speaking
75%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Time Management
75%
Importance

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Active Listening
73%
Importance

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.

Quality Control Analysis
73%
Importance

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Reading Comprehension
73%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Top 10 Abilities

Oral Comprehension
80%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Oral Expression
80%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Written Comprehension
80%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Deductive Reasoning
78%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Inductive Reasoning
78%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Near Vision
78%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Information Ordering
75%
Importance

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).

Problem Sensitivity
75%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

Speech Clarity
75%
Importance

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Speech Recognition
75%
Importance

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Top 10 Work Activities

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
87%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
86%
Importance

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
85%
Importance

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Getting Information
85%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
85%
Importance

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
83%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
80%
Importance

Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Developing and Building Teams
80%
Importance

Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
80%
Importance

Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
80%
Importance

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Inspect completed work to ensure proper functioning.
  • Measure distances or dimensions.
  • Monitor work areas or procedures to ensure compliance with safety procedures.
  • Train others in operational procedures.
  • Interpret blueprints, specifications, or diagrams to inform installation, development or operation activities.
  • Supervise employees.
  • Operate welding equipment.
  • Maintain work equipment or machinery.
  • Estimate costs for labor or materials.
  • Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
  • Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
  • Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
  • Schedule repair, installation or maintenance activities.
  • Inspect systems to determine if they are operating properly.
  • Investigate industrial or transportation accidents.
  • Prepare accident or incident reports.
  • Plan work procedures.
  • Explain use of products or services.
  • Direct organizational operations, projects, or services.
  • Document operational activities.
  • Maintain repair or maintenance records.
  • Install programs onto computer or computer-controlled equipment.
  • Develop equipment or component configurations.

Education

Interests

Enterprising
83%
Importance

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Conventional
70%
Importance

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Realistic
64%
Importance

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Social
49%
Importance

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Investigative
27%
Importance

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Artistic
15%
Importance

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Values

Independence
81%
Importance

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
72%
Importance

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
67%
Importance

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.

Relationships
62%
Importance

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.

Support
62%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Recognition
58%
Importance

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.