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Packers and Packagers, Hand

SOC 53-7064.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers hand-packaging and material-moving operations in warehouse, distribution, and light manufacturing environments, from entry-level packing tasks through departmental leadership and technology-enabled process improvement.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Container and product inspection — recognize basic quality defects and packing specification requirements under direct supervisor guidance on a production floor.
  2. Measuring and weighing tools — use scales and tape measures to count and record product quantities under close direction in a warehouse or packaging facility.
  3. Packing records and order forms — complete specified paper forms or basic digital entries with supervisor assistance in a production environment.
  4. Sealing materials and hand tools — apply glue, fasteners, or tape to close containers following step-by-step instructions on an entry-level packaging line.
  5. Cartons and crates — assemble and pad using basic hand tools according to a provided template or diagram in a supervised warehouse setting.
  6. Products and containers — obtain, move, and sort materials using hand trucks or dollies under direct instruction in a distribution facility.
  7. Marking and labeling tools — apply pre-printed labels and use markers to identify containers accurately following established labeling protocols.
  8. Work area and containers — clean surfaces and equipment using approved cleaning solutions following safety guidelines in a packaging facility.
  9. Oral instructions and team communications — listen and respond to supervisor directions and coworker requests on a fast-paced packaging floor.
  10. Basic inventory software — navigate simple data entry screens to log completed packaging orders with supervisor support in a fulfillment center.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Product quality standards — inspect containers and finished goods against packing specifications with minimal oversight on a high-volume packaging line.
  2. Measurement and verification routines — independently weigh, count, and measure products to confirm order accuracy in a distribution or manufacturing facility.
  3. Packaging and order records — accurately record and update production data using spreadsheet or inventory management software during a standard shift.
  4. Sealing and fastening techniques — select and apply appropriate glues, nails, and hand tools to seal varied container types efficiently on a packaging floor.
  5. Carton and container assembly — line, pad, and construct cartons and crates to specification without supervision across routine production runs.
  6. Material movement and sorting — obtain and organize products, materials, and orders using hand tools and equipment to maintain workflow on a warehouse floor.
  7. Container marking and labeling — mark labels, container tags, and products using marking tools accurately and consistently throughout a full production shift.
  8. Facility and equipment cleanliness — perform scheduled cleaning of containers, supplies, and work areas using correct solutions to maintain compliance standards.
  9. Problem sensitivity in operations — identify common packaging errors or equipment issues and alert supervisors before they escalate in a production environment.
  10. Inventory tracking systems — enter and retrieve stock data using inventory management or ERP software to support accurate order fulfillment in a warehouse setting.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Quality assurance inspections — autonomously evaluate products, containers, and materials against detailed packing specifications and flag non-conformances on a distribution floor.
  2. Multi-product measurement accuracy — independently weigh, count, and verify diverse product types across shifting order volumes in a high-throughput fulfillment center.
  3. Production documentation — maintain complete and accurate records across paper and digital systems, including ERP and office suite software, throughout complex packaging workflows.
  4. Container sealing for varied materials — select and apply optimal fastening methods for non-routine container types and fragile materials on a specialized packaging line.
  5. Complex container construction — assemble, reinforce, and customize cartons, crates, and containers for irregular or high-value shipments using advanced hand tool techniques.
  6. Workflow material management — coordinate the movement, sorting, and staging of large product volumes to sustain throughput targets on a busy warehouse floor.
  7. Labeling accuracy across product lines — apply and verify marking requirements for multiple product lines and regulatory standards in a regulated distribution environment.
  8. Sanitation and compliance maintenance — lead thorough cleaning procedures for work areas and equipment, ensuring adherence to facility safety and hygiene standards.
  9. Operational monitoring and correction — track production line performance, detect deviations from packaging standards, and implement corrections independently during active shifts.
  10. Cross-functional technology use — leverage inventory management, ERP, and spreadsheet software to reconcile order data and resolve discrepancies in a multi-department facility.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Packing quality programs — establish and maintain inspection protocols and quality benchmarks for an entire packaging department in a large distribution or manufacturing operation.
  2. Measurement and accuracy standards — design verification procedures for weighing, counting, and measuring that reduce error rates across multiple product lines and shifts.
  3. Records and reporting systems — implement and oversee documentation workflows using ERP, spreadsheet, and office suite software to ensure data integrity across a facility.
  4. Sealing and fastening best practices — evaluate and standardize container sealing methods and tool usage guidelines for all packaging teams in a high-volume operation.
  5. Container assembly training — develop instructional materials and hands-on training sessions that bring new employees up to specification in carton and crate assembly.
  6. Material flow optimization — redesign sorting and movement processes using lean principles to improve throughput and reduce waste across a warehouse or distribution center.
  7. Labeling compliance leadership — oversee marking and labeling standards to ensure regulatory and customer compliance across all product lines in a multi-client fulfillment operation.
  8. Facility sanitation governance — set cleaning schedules, select appropriate solutions, and audit adherence to hygiene standards across all shifts in a packaging facility.
  9. Team performance and development — coach, evaluate, and mentor packaging workers at all skill levels to build departmental capability in a production environment.
  10. Technology integration and improvement — lead the adoption and optimization of inventory management and ERP software to align packaging operations with organizational efficiency goals.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Show O*NET source anchors31 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

Suggest an O*NET correction

Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Agricultural Produce Packer · Ampoule Sealer · Apple Packing Header · Bag Filler · Bag Loader · Bag Sealer · Bagger · Band Shover · Bandoleer Packer · Barrel Filler · Batt Packer · Bin Filler
RAPIDS apprenticeships
—
O*NET skills
Monitoring
Knowledge domains
Production and ProcessingCustomer and Personal Service
Abilities
Near VisionProblem SensitivityTrunk StrengthOral ComprehensionManual DexterityMultilimb CoordinationStatic StrengthSpeech Recognition
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityCautiousnessIntegrityCooperationStress Tolerance
Technology
Computer aided design CAD softwareInventory management softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareWord processing softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Examine and inspect containers, materials, or products to ensure that product quality and packing specifications are met.
  2. Measure, weigh, and count products and materials.
  3. Record product, packaging, and order information on specified forms and records.
  4. Seal containers or materials, using glues, fasteners, nails, and hand tools.
  5. Assemble, line, and pad cartons, crates, and containers, using hand tools.
  6. Obtain, move, and sort products, materials, containers, and orders, using hand tools.
  7. Mark and label containers, container tags, or products, using marking tools.
  8. Clean containers, materials, supplies, or work areas, using cleaning solutions and hand tools.
CIP education codes
49.020849.010649.010249.010849.010551.0810

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.