Conveyor Operators and Tenders

Career Overview

Control or tend conveyors or conveyor systems that move materials or products to and from stockpiles, processing stations, departments, or vehicles. May control speed and routing of materials or products.

Also Known As

Chipper Operator
Flumer
Packaging Line Operator
Process Operator

Alternate Job Titles

Aerial Tram Operator
Ash Conveyor Operator
Assembly Line Tender
Bed Operator
Belt Operator
Belt Technician (Belt Tech)
Belt Tender
Beltman
Bin Tripper Operator
Boom Conveyor Operator
Brick Unloader Tender
Bull-Chain Operator
Cement Loader
Chain Puller
Char Conveyor Tender

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

Inform supervisors of equipment malfunctions that need to be addressed.
Observe conveyor operations and monitor lights, dials, and gauges to maintain specified operating levels and to detect equipment malfunctions.
Record production data such as weights, types, quantities, and storage locations of materials, as well as equipment performance problems and downtime.
Load, unload, or adjust materials or products on conveyors by hand, by using lifts, hoists, and scoops, or by opening gates, chutes, or hoppers.
Stop equipment or machinery and clear jams, using poles, bars, and hand tools, or remove damaged materials from conveyors.
Distribute materials, supplies, and equipment to work stations, using lifts and trucks.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

English Language

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

Oral Comprehension
Control Precision
Problem Sensitivity
Oral Expression
Deductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Multilimb Coordination
Near Vision
Selective Attention
Perceptual Speed

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

Dependability
Attention to Detail
Cautiousness
Stress Tolerance
Integrity

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

Support
Relationships
Independence
Working Conditions
Recognition

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: Less than a High School Diploma

On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months

Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Windows
SAP software

Tools & Equipment

Automatic palletizing equipment
Automobiles
Belt conveyors systems
Boom conveyors
Chain conveyor systems
Desktop computers
Digital floor scales
Digital video cameras
Electric hoists
Elevator systems
Gate pumps
Grain conveyors
Grease dispensing guns
Handheld scanners
Hearing protection plugs

Work Environment

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Exposed to Contaminants
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$34,940
Median	$41,230
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$60,390

Workers Employed Nationally: 26,060