Crushing, grinding, and polishing machine workers operate the equipment used to process materials such as coal, glass, grain, and rubber. These machine operators review work orders and load specified amounts of materials or mixtures into machines. Workers sometimes break materials down to size using picks or other hand tools, to ensure equipment operates safely and the process moves along as intended. Once running, workers tend to equipment, sometimes dislodging jammed materials or adjusting settings to improve machine operation. Tenders must also test the output of equipment to ensure that products are being crushed, ground, and polished to the right specifications. Workers in this field may be exposed to noisy work environments, hot and cold work conditions, and dangerous machinery, requiring that they wear protective clothing and safety equipment. A high school diploma or equivalent is a typical requirement, though not all positions require one.
What they do:
Set up, operate, or tend machines to crush, grind, or polish materials, such as coal, glass, grain, stone, food, or rubber.
On the job, you would:
Observe operation of equipment to ensure continuity of flow, safety, and efficient operation, and to detect malfunctions.
Examine materials, ingredients, or products, visually or with hands, to ensure conformance to established standards.
Move controls to start, stop, or adjust machinery and equipment that crushes, grinds, polishes, or blends materials.
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
Arts and Humanities
English language
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Basic Skills
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Controlled Movement
use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
change when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving
Hand and Finger Use
hold or move items with your hands
keep your arm or hand steady
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Visual Understanding
quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Cooperation
Concern for Others
Initiative
Self Control
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Email software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
high school diploma/GED or some college usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
In the military:
see titles from the Army or Navy.
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