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Job Definition
Inspect the handling, storage, and stowing of freight and cargoes.
Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Interests
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.
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.
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.
Knowledge
Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Tasks
Inspect loaded cargo, cargo lashed to decks or in storage facilities, and cargo handling devices to determine compliance with health and safety regulations and need for maintenance.
Inspect shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked.
Issue certificates of compliance for vessels without violations.
Measure heights and widths of loads to ensure they will pass over bridges or through tunnels on scheduled routes.
Notify workers of any special treatment required for shipments.
Observe loading of freight to ensure that crews comply with procedures.
Post warning signs on vehicles containing explosives or flammable or radioactive materials.
Prepare and submit reports after completion of freight shipments.
Recommend remedial procedures to correct any violations found during inspections.
Record details about freight conditions, handling of freight, and any problems encountered.
Calculate gross and net tonnage, hold capacities, volumes of stored fuel and water, cargo weights, and ship stability factors, using mathematical formulas.
Evaluate new methods of packaging, testing, shipping, and transporting hazardous materials to ensure adequate public safety protection.
Measure ships' holds and depths of fuel and water in tanks, using sounding lines and tape measures.
Negotiate with authorities, such as local government officials, to eliminate hazards along transportation routes.
Review commercial vehicle logs, shipping papers, and driver and equipment records to detect any problems and to ensure compliance with regulations.
Wages

In 2008, the California average annual wage was $61,730.00.

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $25,210.00 and $107,860.00.

Outlook

During 2006, there were approximately 2,000 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 2,300 employed in 2016. This occupation will have about 30 openings due to growth and about 70 replacement openings for approximately 100 total annual openings. This occupation .

Colleges and Training
There are currently no programs listed for this occupation.
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