Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Description

Set up, operate, or tend paper goods machines that perform a variety of functions, such as converting, sawing, corrugating, banding, wrapping, boxing, stitching, forming, or sealing paper or paperboard sheets into products.

Tasks

  • Examine completed work to detect defects and verify conformance to work orders, and adjust machinery as necessary to correct production problems.
  • Start machines and move controls to regulate tension on pressure rolls, to synchronize speed of machine components, and to adjust temperatures of glue or paraffin.
  • Adjust guide assemblies, forming bars, and folding mechanisms according to specifications, using hand tools.
  • Install attachments to machines for gluing, folding, printing, or cutting.
  • Measure, space, and set saw blades, cutters, and perforators, according to product specifications.
  • Observe operation of various machines to detect and correct machine malfunctions such as improper forming, glue flow, or pasteboard tension.
  • Stamp products with information such as dates, using hand stamps or automatic stamping devices.
  • Place rolls of paper or cardboard on machine feedtracks, and thread paper through gluing, coating, and slitting rollers.
  • Fill glue and paraffin reservoirs, and position rollers to dispense glue onto paperboard.
  • Cut products to specified dimensions, using hand or power cutters.
  • Monitor finished cartons as they drop from forming machines into rotating hoppers and then into gravity feed chutes, in order to prevent jamming.
  • Disassemble machines to maintain, repair, or replace broken or worn parts, using hand or power tools.
  • Remove finished cores, and stack or place them on conveyors for transfer to other work areas.
  • Lift tote boxes of finished cartons, and dump cartons into feed hoppers.
  • Load automatic stapling mechanisms.

Knowledge

Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Customer and Personal Service
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.

Skills

Operation Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities

Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Selective Attention
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Auditory Attention
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Work Activities

Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Scheduling Work and Activities
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Work Context

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
Exposed to Contaminants
How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Spend Time Standing
How much does this job require standing?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)
Frequency of Decision Making
How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
Time Pressure
How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

Interests

Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Enterprising
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Artistic
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Social
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Work Style

Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Self Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Work Values

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

Lay Titles

Bag Machine Operator
Bag Machine Tender
Bag Maker
Bag Presser
Bag Valver
Bender Machine Operator
Binder
Bindery Machine Operator
Bookbinder
Box Brander
Box Fabricator
Box Finisher
Box Folding Machine Operator
Box Liner
Box Machine Operator
Box Stamper
Bundler
Card Folder
Carton Folder
Carton Forming Machine Operator
Carton Maker
Carton Making Machine Operator
Cellophane Bag Machine Operator
Convolute Tube Winder
Corrugator
Corrugator Operator
Crepe Machine Operator
Cup Machine Operator
Cylinder Machine Operator
Envelope Adjuster
Envelope Folding Machine Adjuster
Envelope Folding Machine Operator
Envelope Machine Operator
Envelope Maker
Feeder Worker Power Unit Operator
Flange Machine Operator
Folder
Folder Machine Operator
Folder Operator
Folding Machine Operator
Four Corner Former Machine Operator
Gluer Machine Setup Operator
Knife Operator
Label Folder
Lace Paper Machine Operator
Lining Folder
Manufacturing Assistant
Manufacturing Associate
Manufacturing Operator
Mat Gauger
Matchbook Maker
Napkin Machine Operator
Paper Bag Maker
Paper Cap Machine Operator
Paper Cone Machine Operator
Paper Cone Machine Tender
Paper Cup Machine Tender
Paper Cutter Operator
Paper Feeder
Paper Folder
Paper Folding Machine Operator
Paper Goods Machine Set-Up Operator
Paper Machine Backtender
Paper Machine Operator
Paper Machine Tender
Paper Maker
Paper Making Machine Operator
Paper Plate Machine Tender
Paper Reclaiming Machine Operator
Paper Reel Operator
Paper Rewinder
Paper Roll Machine Operator
Paper Roller
Paper Ruler
Paper Tube Machine Operator

National Wages and Employment Info

Median Wages (2008):
$16.68 hourly, $34,690 annual.
Employment (2008):
95,690 employees