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Computer Support Specialists
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CheckoutCareers.com
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Computer Support Specialists
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Provide technical assistance to computer system users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone or from remote location. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.
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Degrees
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Abilities
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Written Comprehension| | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
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Inductive Reasoning| | The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
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Oral Comprehension| | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
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Oral Expression| | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
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Deductive Reasoning| | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
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Near Vision| | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
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Information Ordering| | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
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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. |
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Written Expression| | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. |
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Visualization| | The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged. |
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Category Flexibility| | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. |
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Fluency of Ideas| | The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity). |
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Originality| | The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem. |
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Speech Clarity| | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. |
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Speech Recognition| | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
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Selective Attention| | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. |
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Finger Dexterity| | The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects. |
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Flexibility of Closure| | The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material. |
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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. |
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Time Sharing| | The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources). |
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Perceptual Speed| | The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object. |
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Speed of Closure| | The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns. |
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Visual Color Discrimination| | The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness. |
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Manual Dexterity| | The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. |
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Memorization| | The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures. |
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Auditory Attention| | The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds. |
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Control Precision| | The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. |
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Far Vision| | The ability to see details at a distance. |
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Wrist-Finger Speed| | The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists. |
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Mathematical Reasoning| | The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. |
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Depth Perception| | The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object. |
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Multilimb Coordination| | The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion. |
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Trunk Strength| | The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing. |
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Static Strength| | The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects. |
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Hearing Sensitivity| | The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness. |
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Extent Flexibility| | The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs. |
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Number Facility| | The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. |
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Interests
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Second Interest High-Point| | Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Social| | Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others. |
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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. |
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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. |
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First Interest High-Point| | Primary-Rank Descriptiveness |
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Third Interest High-Point| | Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness |
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Knowledge
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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. |
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Computers and Electronics| | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
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English Language| | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
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Mathematics| | Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
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Engineering and Technology| | Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. |
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Clerical| | Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology. |
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Production and Processing| | Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. |
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Mechanical| | Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. |
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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. |
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Design| | Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. |
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Administration and Management| | Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. |
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Communications and Media| | Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media. |
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Telecommunications| | Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems. |
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Psychology| | Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. |
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Law and Government| | Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process. |
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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. |
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Transportation| | Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits. |
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Physics| | Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes. |
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Foreign Language| | Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation. |
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History and Archeology| | Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures. |
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Personnel and Human Resources| | Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems. |
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Sales and Marketing| | Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems. |
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Sociology and Anthropology| | Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins. |
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Chemistry| | Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods. |
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Building and Construction| | Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads. |
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Food Production| | Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques. |
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Geography| | Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life. |
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Economics and Accounting| | Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data. |
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Medicine and Dentistry| | Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures. |
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Therapy and Counseling| | Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance. |
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Wages
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| District of Columbia | $46,210.00 |
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| North Carolina | $39,930.00 |
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| South Carolina | $34,930.00 |
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| Virgin Islands | $29,340.00 |
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Related Careers
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Broadcast Technicians| | Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. Control audio equipment to regulate volume level and quality of sound during radio and television broadcasts. Operate radio transmitter to broadcast radio and television programs. |
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Computer Operators| | Monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions. May enter commands at a computer terminal and set controls on computer and peripheral devices. Monitor and respond to operating and error messages. |
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Computer Programmers| | Convert project specifications and statements of problems and procedures to detailed logical flow charts for coding into computer language. Develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information. May program web sites. |
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Computer Security Specialists| | Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures for information systems to regulate access to computer data files and prevent unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure of information. |
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Computer Systems Analysts| | Analyze science, engineering, business, and all other data processing problems for application to electronic data processing systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software. May supervise computer programmers. |
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Computer, Automated Teller, & Office Machine Repairers| | Repair, maintain, or install computers, word processing systems, automated teller machines, and electronic office machines, such as duplicating and fax machines. |
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Electrical & Electronics Repairers, Commercial & Industrial Equipment| | Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas. |
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Network Systems & Data Communications Analysts| | Analyze, design, test, and evaluate network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), Internet, intranet, and other data communications systems. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. Research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software. Includes telecommunications specialists who deal with the interfacing of computer and communications equipment. May supervise computer programmers. |
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Numerical Tool & Process Control Programmers| | Develop programs to control machining or processing of parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. |
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Skills
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Reading Comprehension| | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. |
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Writing| | Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
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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. |
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Coordination| | Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
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Critical Thinking| | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. |
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Social Perceptiveness| | Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
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Troubleshooting| | Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it. |
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Active Learning| | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
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Instructing| | Teaching others how to do something. |
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Speaking| | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
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Learning Strategies| | Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. |
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Equipment Selection| | Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job. |
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Persuasion| | Persuading others to change their minds or behavior. |
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Monitoring| | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
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Complex Problem Solving| | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
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Repairing| | Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools. |
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Service Orientation| | Actively looking for ways to help people. |
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Equipment Maintenance| | Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed. |
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Installation| | Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications. |
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Time Management| | Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
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Systems Evaluation| | Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system. |
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Mathematics| | Using mathematics to solve problems. |
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Judgment and Decision Making| | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
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Negotiation| | Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences. |
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Operations Analysis| | Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design. |
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Technology Design| | Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs. |
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Systems Analysis| | Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. |
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Operation and Control| | Controlling operations of equipment or systems. |
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Management of Personnel Resources| | Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job. |
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Quality Control Analysis| | Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. |
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Science| | Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
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Operation Monitoring| | Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. |
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Management of Material Resources| | Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work. |
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Management of Financial Resources| | Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures. |
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Programming| | Writing computer programs for various purposes. |
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Tasks
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| Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems. |
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| Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors. |
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| Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications. |
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| Oversee the daily performance of computer systems. |
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| Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software. |
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| Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities. |
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| Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support. |
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| Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications. |
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| Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software. |
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| Supervise and coordinate workers engaged in problem-solving, monitoring, and installing data communication equipment and software. |
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| Refer major hardware or software problems or defective products to vendors or technicians for service. |
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| Prepare evaluations of software or hardware, and recommend improvements or upgrades. |
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| Inspect equipment and read order sheets to prepare for delivery to users. |
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| Read trade magazines and technical manuals, or attend conferences and seminars to maintain knowledge of hardware and software. |
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| Modify and customize commercial programs for internal needs. |
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| Conduct office automation feasibility studies, including workflow analysis, space design, or cost comparison analysis. |
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Tools
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| Desktop computers |
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| Floppy disks |
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| MS-DOS-bootable disks |
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| Hard disk arrays |
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| Redundant array of independent disks RAID systems |
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| Mainframe computers |
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| Notebook computers |
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| Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers |
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| Personal digital assistant PDAs |
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| Power meters |
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| Reflectometers |
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| Tape arrays |
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| Digital tapes |
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Technology
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| Administration software |
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| Element management software |
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| Authentication server software |
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| Password management software |
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| Backup or archival software |
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| Backup and archival software |
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| Disaster recovery software |
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| Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service |
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| Symantec LiveState |
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| Calendar and scheduling software |
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| Configuration management software |
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| Automated installation software |
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| Deployment software |
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| Patch management software |
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| Data base management system software |
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| Database management software |
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| Data base user interface and query software |
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| Database software |
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| Software asset management SAM software |
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| Data compression software |
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| Adobe Distiller |
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| Desktop communications software |
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| CrossTec NetOp Remote Control |
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| Remote control software |
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| Stac Software ReachOut |
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| Symantec pcAnywhere |
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| Electronic mail software |
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| Filesystem software |
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| Desktop partitioning software |
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| Symantec Norton Utilities |
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| Helpdesk or call center software |
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| Help desk software |
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| Information retrieval or search software |
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| Information systems integration software |
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| Internet browser software |
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| Internet directory services software |
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| Active directory software |
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| Domain name system DNS software |
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| Network directory services software |
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| License management software |
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| Network operation system software |
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| Remote install server software |
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| Operating system software |
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| Event log monitor software |
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| Microsoft Windows Pre-installation Environment |
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| Operating system monitoring software |
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| Personal computer diagnostic software |
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| Platform interconnectivity software |
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| Migration software |
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| Presentation software |
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| Program testing software |
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| Defect tracking software |
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| Spreadsheet software |
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| Storage networking software |
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| Media storage management software |
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| Transaction security and virus protection software |
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| Encryption software |
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| Virus scanning software |
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| Word processing software |
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Career Activities
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| Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge |
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| follow data security procedures |
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| follow data storage procedures |
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| use computer networking technology |
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| use interpersonal communication techniques |
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| use knowledge of mainframe computers |
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| Interacting With Computers |
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| adjust computer operation system |
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| assist co-workers with software problems |
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| conduct computer diagnostics to determine nature of problems |
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| configure computers in industrial or manufacturing setting |
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| install computer programs |
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| install hardware, software, or peripheral equipment |
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| program computers using existing software |
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| test computer programs or systems |
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| use computers to enter, access or retrieve data |
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| use desktop publishing software |
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| use geographical information system (GIS) software |
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| use relational database software |
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| use spreadsheet software |
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| use word processing or desktop publishing software |
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| write computer software, programs, or code |
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| Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events |
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| understand computer equipment operating manuals |
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| Making Decisions and Solving Problems |
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| identify appropriate software for project |
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| select business applications for computers |
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| select software for clerical activities |
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| Communicating with Persons Outside Organization |
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| communicate technical information |
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| Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings |
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| monitor computer operation |
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| monitor operating conditions |
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| Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment |
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| maintain or repair computers or related equipment |
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| perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment |
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| Analyzing Data or Information |
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| evaluate computer system user requests or requirements |
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| evaluate prototype computer software systems |
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| Provide Consultation and Advice to Others |
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| consult with staff or users to identify operating procedure problems |
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| provide technical support to computer users |
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| recommend purchase or repair of furnishings or equipment |
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| recommend software or hardware purchases |
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| Training and Teaching Others |
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| conduct training for personnel |
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| provide technical computer training |
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| train workers in use of computer and related equipment |
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| train workers in use of equipment |
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Career Context
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| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled |
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| Face-to-Face Discussions |
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| Telephone |
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| Electronic Mail |
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| Contact With Others |
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| Work With Work Group or Team |
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| Deal With External Customers |
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| Letters and Memos |
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| Coordinate or Lead Others |
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| Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People |
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| Frequency of Conflict Situations |
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| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls |
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| Frequency of Decision Making |
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| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate |
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| Spend Time Sitting |
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| Consequence of Error |
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| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks |
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| Freedom to Make Decisions |
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| Structured versus Unstructured Work |
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| Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable |
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| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions |
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| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results |
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| Responsibility for Outcomes and Results |
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| Time Pressure |
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| Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body |
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| Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling |
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| Spend Time Walking and Running |
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| Physical Proximity |
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| Public Speaking |
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| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment |
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| Degree of Automation |
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| Exposed to Contaminants |
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| Level of Competition |
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| Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting |
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| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment |
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| Responsible for Others' Health and Safety |
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