Operations Research Analysts

Job Description: Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decision making, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, service, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

Operations Research Analysts spend a lot of their time Analyzing Data or Information. They are naturally good at Mathematical Reasoning, Number Facility, Oral Comprehension, and Oral Expression. Operations Research Analysts are typically characterized as being Investigative and Conventional. They are usually very knowledgable about Mathematics, Computers and Electronics, and Engineering and Technology and are skilled at Operations Analysis and Mathematics.

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Work Activities

Analyzing Data or Information
  
Processing Information
  
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
  
Thinking Creatively
  
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  
Getting Information
  
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  
Interacting With Computers
  
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  
Scheduling Work and Activities
  
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  
Developing Objectives and Strategies
  
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
  
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
  
Selling or Influencing Others
  
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  
Documenting/Recording Information
  
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
  
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  
Training and Teaching Others
  
Developing and Building Teams
  
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
  
Coaching and Developing Others
  
Performing Administrative Activities
  
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  
Staffing Organizational Units
  
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
  
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
  
Assisting and Caring for Others
  
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  

Abilities

Mathematical Reasoning
  
Number Facility
  
Oral Comprehension
  
Oral Expression
  
Written Comprehension
  
Written Expression
  
Deductive Reasoning
  
Fluency of Ideas
  
Inductive Reasoning
  
Problem Sensitivity
  
Originality
  
Category Flexibility
  
Information Ordering
  
Near Vision
  
Flexibility of Closure
  
Speech Clarity
  
Speech Recognition
  
Selective Attention
  
Visualization
  
Memorization
  
Time Sharing
  
Far Vision
  
Perceptual Speed
  
Finger Dexterity
  
Visual Color Discrimination
  
Speed of Closure
  
Auditory Attention
  

Interests

Investigative
  
Conventional
  
Enterprising
  
Realistic
  
Artistic
  
Social
  

Knowledge

Mathematics
  
Computers and Electronics
  
Engineering and Technology
  
Administration and Management
  
Production and Processing
  
English Language
  
Education and Training
  
Economics and Accounting
  
Design
  
Sales and Marketing
  
Transportation
  
Personnel and Human Resources
  
Physics
  
Clerical
  
Psychology
  
Customer and Personal Service
  
Communications and Media
  
Sociology and Anthropology
  
Telecommunications
  
Law and Government
  
Chemistry
  
Geography
  
Public Safety and Security
  
Biology
  
Foreign Language
  

Wages

Virginia
$98,830  
 
District of Columbia
$90,650  
 
New York
$87,060  
 
Kansas
$85,100  
 
New Jersey
$84,230  
 
Washington
$83,410  
 
Michigan
$81,320  
 
Maryland
$81,250  
 
New Mexico
$80,420  
 
Alabama
$77,540  
 
Massachusetts
$77,470  
 
California
$77,020  
 
Colorado
$76,880  
 
Illinois
$75,780  
 
Connecticut
$74,880  
 
Rhode Island
$74,870  
 
Pennsylvania
$74,060  
 
Hawaii
$71,690  
 
Texas
$70,560  
 
North Carolina
$69,540  
 
Oregon
$69,290  
 
Wisconsin
$69,080  
 
Indiana
$68,940  
 
Delaware
$66,200  
 
Georgia
$65,930  
 
Oklahoma
$65,880  
 
Alaska
$65,800  
 
Ohio
$65,170  
 
Idaho
$64,740  
 
Nevada
$64,670  
 
Puerto Rico
$63,320  
 
Nebraska
$62,690  
 
Maine
$62,670  
 
Minnesota
$62,120  
 
Kentucky
$61,470  
 
Missouri
$60,850  
 
Arizona
$60,490  
 
South Carolina
$60,120  
 
New Hampshire
$59,240  
 
Iowa
$58,340  
 
Tennessee
$58,280  
 
Mississippi
$53,750  
 
Utah
$53,290  
 
West Virginia
$52,620  
 
North Dakota
$52,420  
 
Florida
$51,710  
 
Montana
$48,860  
 
Arkansas
$48,450  
 
South Dakota
$45,610  
 
Louisiana
$43,870  
 

Skills

Operations Analysis
  
Mathematics
  
Systems Evaluation
  
Systems Analysis
  
Complex Problem Solving
  
Active Learning
  
Reading Comprehension
  
Judgment and Decision Making
  
Critical Thinking
  
Science
  
Writing
  
Active Listening
  
Speaking
  
Time Management
  
Coordination
  
Monitoring
  
Persuasion
  
Instructing
  
Learning Strategies
  
Management of Personnel Resources
  
Social Perceptiveness
  
Service Orientation
  
Negotiation
  
Programming
  
Quality Control Analysis
  
Management of Material Resources
  
Operation Monitoring
  
Technology Design
  
Management of Financial Resources
  

Work Values

Achievement
  
Independence
  
Working Conditions
  
Recognition
  
Support
  
Relationships
  

Work Styles

Analytical Thinking
  
Integrity
  
Attention to Detail
  
Achievement/Effort
  
Initiative
  
Innovation
  
Persistence
  
Independence
  
Dependability
  
Adaptability/Flexibility
  
Cooperation
  
Leadership
  
Stress Tolerance
  
Self Control
  
Concern for Others
  
Social Orientation
  

Related University Degree Programs

Work Context

Electronic Mail
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Telephone
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Level of Competition
  
Contact With Others
  
Letters and Memos
  
Time Pressure
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Physical Proximity
  
Duration of Typical Work Week
  
Public Speaking
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Consequence of Error
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Degree of Automation
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Work Schedules
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  

-40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-A lot of freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-About half the time-

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  

-Completely automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Constant contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-Contact with others about half the time-

Contact With Others
  

-Contact with others most of the time-

Contact With Others
  

-Continually or almost continually-

Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  

-Every day-

Electronic Mail
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Telephone
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Time Pressure
  
Letters and Memos
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Public Speaking
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  

-Extremely competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Extremely important-

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  

-Extremely serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-Fairly important-

Deal With External Customers
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  

-Fairly serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-High responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  

-Highly automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Highly competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)-

Physical Proximity
  

-I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Important-

Deal With External Customers
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  

-Important results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)-

Work Schedules
  

-Less than 40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-Less than half the time-

Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  

-Limited freedom-

Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  

-Limited responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  

-Minor results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Moderate responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  

-Moderate results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Moderately automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Moderately close (at arm's length)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Moderately competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-More than 40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-More than half the time-

Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  

-Never-

Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Public Speaking
  
Telephone
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Time Pressure
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Electronic Mail
  
Letters and Memos
  

-No contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-No freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-No responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  

-No results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Not at all automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Not at all competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Not important at all-

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  

-Not serious at all-

Consequence of Error
  

-Occasional contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-Once a month or more but not every week-

Letters and Memos
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Time Pressure
  
Public Speaking
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Telephone
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Electronic Mail
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  

-Once a week or more but not every day-

Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Letters and Memos
  
Telephone
  
Time Pressure
  
Public Speaking
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Electronic Mail
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  

-Once a year or more but not every month-

Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Public Speaking
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Time Pressure
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Letters and Memos
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Electronic Mail
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Telephone
  

-Regular (established routine, set schedule)-

Work Schedules
  

-Seasonal (only during certain times of the year)-

Work Schedules
  

-Serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-Slightly automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Slightly close (e.g., shared office)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Slightly competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Some freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-Very close (near touching)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Very high responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  

-Very important-

Work With Work Group or Team
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  

-Very important results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Very little freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-Very serious-

Consequence of Error
  

Task Ratings

Education Training Experience

-On-Site or In-Plant Training-

None
  
Up to and including 1 month
  
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  

-On-the-Job Training-

None or short demonstration
  
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
  
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
  
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  

-Related Work Experience-

None
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
  
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
  
Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
  

-Required Level of Education-

Bachelor's Degree
  
Master's Degree
  
Doctoral Degree