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First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand

First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand is the O*NET name for people who directly supervise and coordinate the activities of helpers, laborers, or material movers, hand. Interest ratings put Enterprising on top at 6.2 out of 7 and Conventional second, so the code is ECS and the day leans toward leading, persuading and making business decisions. The preparation level is some preparation, typically a few months to a year of learning on the job. O*NET’s skill data points to coordination, speaking, and management of personnel resources as the ones to build. Expect to maintain a safe working environment by monitoring safety procedures and equipment. It tends to suit people who want leading, persuading and making business decisions, and it offers little for anyone seeking creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of helpers, laborers, or material movers, hand.

Main tasks

  • Maintain a safe working environment by monitoring safety procedures and equipment.
  • Collaborate with workers and managers to solve work-related problems.
  • Review work throughout the work process and at completion to ensure that it has been performed properly.
  • Inform designated employees or departments of items loaded or problems encountered.
  • Inspect equipment for wear and for conformance to specifications.
  • Prepare and maintain work records and reports of information such as employee time and wages, daily receipts, or inspection results.

Skills

  • Coordination
  • Speaking
  • Management of Personnel Resources
  • Active Listening
  • Time Management
  • Monitoring

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like taking the lead and making the call.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on coordination and speaking.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather not persuade, sell or manage other people.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.1 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code ECS takes the three highest, and Enterprising comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Floor Supervisor
  • Packaging Supervisor
  • Receiving Manager
  • Receiving Supervisor
  • Shipping Manager

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.