Career & application guide

Machine Feeders and Offbearers

Get to know the work, the skills that matter, and how to prepare your next application.

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What do machine feeders and offbearers do?

Feed materials into or remove materials from machines or equipment that is automatic or tended by other workers.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

  • Cotton Tipper
  • Dryer Feeder
  • Feeder
  • Lug Loader
  • Machine Feeder
  • Offbearer
  • Sawmill Worker
  • Sewing Line Baler

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

  • Inspect materials and products for defects, and to ensure conformance to specifications.
  • Record production and operational data, such as amount of materials processed.
  • Push dual control buttons and move controls to start, stop, or adjust machinery and equipment.
  • Weigh or measure materials or products to ensure conformance to specifications.
  • Identify and mark materials, products, and samples, following instructions.
  • Clean and maintain machinery, equipment, and work areas to ensure proper functioning and safe working conditions.
  • Load materials and products into machines and equipment, or onto conveyors, using hand tools and moving devices.
  • Transfer materials and products to and from machinery and equipment, using industrial trucks or hand trucks.
  • Fasten, package, or stack materials and products, using hand tools and fastening equipment.

Prepare an application for this occupation

  1. Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
  2. Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
  3. Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
  4. Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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