First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand
SOC code 53-1042 · O*NET-SOC 53-1042.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Transportation
What do first-line supervisors of helpers, laborers, and material movers, hand do?
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of helpers, laborers, or material movers, hand.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Maintain a safe working environment by monitoring safety procedures and equipment.
- Collaborate with workers and managers to solve work-related problems.
- Review work throughout the work process and at completion to ensure that it has been performed properly.
- Examine freight to determine loading sequences.
- Inform designated employees or departments of items loaded or problems encountered.
- Inspect equipment for wear and for conformance to specifications.
- Prepare and maintain work records and reports of information such as employee time and wages, daily receipts, or inspection results.
- Transmit and explain work orders to laborers.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 35% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)35%
- Some College Courses31%
- Post-Secondary Certificate21%
- Bachelor's Degree9%
Common questions
Can you become a first-line supervisors of helpers, laborers, and material movers, hand without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Speaking3.6/5
- Active Listening3.5/5
- Critical Thinking3.4/5
- Monitoring3.4/5
- Reading Comprehension3.1/5
- Writing3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
- Production and Processing3.5/5
- Administration and Management3.4/5
- Mechanical3.3/5
- Computers and Electronics3.2/5
- English Language3.2/5
- Mathematics3.1/5
- Public Safety and Security3.1/5
Transferable strengths: Coordination, Management of Personnel Resources, Complex Problem Solving, Time Management.