8 Plant and Machine Operators and Assemblers

Stationary plant and machine operators monitor and operate stationary industrial plant, machinery and equipment, or for which mobility is not an integral part of operation. Competent performance in most occupations in this sub-major group requires skills at the second ISCO skill level. The work mainly calls for experience with and an understanding of the industrial plant, machinery or equipment being operated and monitored. Ability to cope with machine-paced operations and to adapt to innovations in machinery and equipment are often required. Tasks performed by workers in this sub-major group usually include: setting up, operating and monitoring a variety of stationary plant and machinery; detecting malfunctions and taking corrective action; examining outputs for defects and conformity with specifications and adjusting machine settings accordingly; performing maintenance, repairs and cleaning; recording data and maintaining production records. Supervision of other workers may be included. Occupations in this sub-major group are classified into the following minor groups: 811 Mining and Mineral Processing Plant Operators 812 Metal Processing and Finishing Plant Operators 813 Chemical and Photographic Products Plant and Machine Operators 814 Rubber, Plastic and Paper Products Machine Operators 815 Textile, Fur and Leather Products Machine Operators 816 Food and Related Products Machine Operators 817 Wood Processing and Papermaking Plant Operators 818 Other Stationary Plant and Machine Operators Note Operators of machinery that involves automated control of multiple processes or functions are included in Minor Group 313: Process Control Technicians.

Assemblers assemble prefabricated parts or components to form subassemblies, products and equipment, according to procedures strictly laid down. The products worked on may be moved from one worker to the next along assembly lines. Competent performance in most occupations in this sub-major group requires skills at the second ISCO skill level. Tasks performed by workers in this sub-major group usually include: assembling components into various types of product and equipment, according to strictly laid down procedures; reviewing work orders, specifications, diagrams and drawings to determine materials needed and assembly instructions; recording production and operational data on specified forms; inspecting and testing completed components and assemblies, wiring installations and circuits; rejecting faulty assemblies and components. Occupations in this sub-major group are classified into the following minor group: 821 Assemblers.

Drivers and mobile plant operators drive and tend trains and motor vehicles, or drive, operate and monitor industrial and agricultural machinery and equipment, or execute deck duties on board ship and other water-borne craft. Competent performance in most occupations in this sub-major group requires skills at the second ISCO skill level. Tasks performed by workers in this sub-major group usually include: driving and tending trains and motor vehicles; driving, operating and monitoring mobile industrial and agricultural machinery and equipment; carrying out deck duties on board ship and other water-borne craft. Occupations in this sub-major group are classified into the following minor groups: 831 Locomotive Engine Drivers and Related Workers 832 Car, Van and Motorcycle Drivers 833 Heavy Truck and Bus Drivers 834 Mobile Plant Operators 835 Ships’ Deck Crews and Related Workers.