Information Clerk, Reasoning Level 4, and Unskilled Work

The Dictionary of Occupational Titles lists 3,127 unskilled occupations.  The vast majority of those occupations require reasoning levels 1 and 2.  These levels of reasoning correspond with the regulatory recognition of unskilled work as generically simple.

There are 89 DOT codes that require reasoning level 3.  The cases have recognized that reasoning level 3 requires more than simple routine or repetitive work.  Today, we look at one of two occupations that require neither the simple range of reasoning levels 1 and 2 nor the non-simple range of reasoning level 3, we examine reasoning level 4.

237.367-018 INFORMATION CLERK (motor trans.; r.r. trans.; water trans.) alternate titles: travel clerk

    Provides travel information for bus or train patrons: Answers inquiries regarding departures, arrivals, stops, and destinations of scheduled buses or trains. Describes routes, services, and accommodations available. Furnishes patrons with timetables and travel literature. Computes and quotes rates for interline trips, group tours, and special discounts for children and military personnel, using rate tables.
GOE: 07.04.04 STRENGTH: L GED: R4 M2 L3 SVP: 2 DLU: 77

The DOT defines reasoning level 4:

04 LEVEL REASONING DEVELOPMENT

Apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form. (Examples of rational systems include: bookkeeping, internal combustion engines, electric wiring systems, house building, farm management, and navigation.)

Dealing with a variety of concrete variables with limited standardization; understanding, remembering, and carrying out instructions provided in diagrammatic or schedule form in addition to the standard written or oral form fail the classification of simple, routine or repetitive.  That's the easy part.  Reasoning level 4 exceeds the complexity of reasoning level 3 and logically falls outside the pale of simple work as envisioned by the regulations.  

The middle three digits give more information beyond a distinguishing code.  The middle three digits signify the classification of data-people-things.  The first of the middle three digits, "3," denotes an occupational requirement of compiling.  Appendix B of the DOT defines compiling as:

Gathering, collating, or classifying information about data, people, or things. Reporting and/or carrying out a prescribed action in relation to the information is frequently involved.

That definition of compiling drags the occupation outside of a classification of work requiring "little or no judgment to do simple duties."  The occupation isn't simple and requires the exercise of judgment.  The Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs provides examples of compiling:

3 Compiling: Gathering, collating, or classifying information about data, people, or things. Reporting or carrying out a prescribed action in relation to the information is frequently involved.

3:1 Operates wire-drawing machine, observing operation of machine as work progresses and making adjustments to conform to written specifications.

3:2 Classifies aircraft flight data and submits data to Dispatcher for approval and flight authorization.

3:3 Collects, classifies, and records forest data, such as rainfall, stream flow, and soil moisture, to develop information tables.

3:4 Summarizes details of transactions in separate ledgers and transfers data to general ledger to maintain records of financial transactions of an establishment.

3:5 Collects and arranges flight arrival and departure times at specified points to construct flight schedule.

3:6 Receives telephone complaints from public concerning crimes or other emergencies, records complaints, and files them for future processing.

3:7 Catalogs library materials, such as books, films, and periodicals, according to subject matter.

3:8 Sells footwear, such as shoes, boots, overshoes, and slippers, in department store.

3:9 Sets up metal-stamping machines for other workers according to product specifications and prescribed procedures.

3:10 Prepares specialty foods, such as tacos and fish and chips, according to recipe using specific methods applicable to type of cookery.

3:11 Inspects precision optical and ophthalmic lenses at various stages of production to determine lenses meet company standards, according to work order and prescription specifications. using precision measuring instruments.

The examples of compiling belie the continued classification of this occupation as simple.  A person may be able to learn the occupation in less than 30 days only because education is a substitute for experience and training.  The intrepid representative should examine a vocational expert on education in general and reasoning in particular as well as hitting the occupational requirement for compiling.