Occupation Profile for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers

opportunity | video

Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and complex test equipment.

Signficant Points

  • Almost 7 in 10 are employed in manufacturing establishments.
  • While a high school diploma is sufficient for basic testing of products, complex precision-inspecting positions are filled by experienced assemblers, machine operators, or mechanics who already have a thorough knowledge of the products and production processes.
  • Employment is expected to decline slowly, reflecting the growth of automated inspection and the redistribution of quality-control responsibilities from inspectors to other production workers.
 

Tasks

  • Core — Discard or reject products, materials, and equipment not meeting specifications.
  • Core — Inspect, test, or measure materials, products, installations, and work for conformance to specifications.
  • Core — Notify supervisors and other personnel of production problems, and assist in identifying and correcting these problems.
  • Core — Discuss inspection results with those responsible for products, and recommend necessary corrective actions.
  • Core — Mark items with details such as grade and acceptance or rejection status.

Activities

  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.