19-1029.04

Biologists

Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

Career Cluster:Healthcare & Human Services
Job Family:Life, Physical, and Social Science
Job Zone:Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
STEM:Research, Development, Design, and Practitioners
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Technology Tools

Adobe PhotoshopC++ESRI ArcGIS softwareIBM SPSS StatisticsLinuxMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointPerlRMicrosoft WordOracle JavaPythonStructured query language SQLThe MathWorks MATLABUNIX

Key Tasks

  • Research environmental effects of present and potential uses of land and water areas, determining methods of improving environmental conditions or such outputs as crop yields.
  • Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.
  • Supervise biological technicians and technologists and other scientists.
  • Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
  • Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings.
  • Identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species.
  • Study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and function.
  • Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment.
  • Review reports and proposals, such as those relating to land use classifications and recreational development, for accuracy, adequacy, or adherence to policies, regulations, or scientific standards.
  • Write grant proposals to obtain funding for biological research.
  • Study and manage wild animal populations.
  • Study aquatic plants and animals and environmental conditions affecting them, such as radioactivity or pollution.
  • Prepare plans for management of renewable resources.
  • Teach or supervise students and perform research at universities and colleges.
  • Prepare requests for proposals or statements of work.
  • Measure salinity, acidity, light, oxygen content, and other physical conditions of water to determine their relationship to aquatic life.
  • Develop pest management and control measures, and conduct risk assessments related to pest exclusion, using scientific methods.
  • Communicate test results to state and federal representatives and general public.
  • Develop methods and apparatus for securing representative plant, animal, aquatic, or soil samples.
  • Represent employer in a technical capacity at conferences.
  • Plan and administer biological research programs for government, research firms, medical industries, or manufacturing firms.
  • Study reactions of plants, animals, and marine species to parasites.
  • Inventory and order lab supplies.

Skills

Science
91%
Reading Comprehension
78%
Writing
78%
Speaking
75%
Active Listening
75%
Critical Thinking
75%
Mathematics
72%
Active Learning
72%
Complex Problem Solving
69%
Judgment and Decision Making
69%
Learning Strategies
53%
Coordination
50%
Instructing
50%
Time Management
50%
Systems Analysis
50%
Social Perceptiveness
50%
Management of Personnel Resources
50%
Programming
50%
Systems Evaluation
50%
Monitoring
50%
Persuasion
44%
Service Orientation
41%
Negotiation
38%
Quality Control Analysis
38%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Operation and Control
22%
Operations Monitoring
22%
Management of Financial Resources
22%
Operations Analysis
19%
Troubleshooting
16%
Technology Design
16%
Repairing
0%
Installation
0%
Equipment Selection
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

Biology
100%
Education and Training
80%
English Language
78%
Mathematics
65%
Administration and Management
60%
Chemistry
60%
Administrative
56%
Engineering and Technology
55%
Communications and Media
50%
Computers and Electronics
50%
Physics
50%
Personnel and Human Resources
44%
Public Safety and Security
43%
Customer and Personal Service
43%
Geography
40%
Mechanical
36%
Law and Government
36%
Production and Processing
34%
Medicine and Dentistry
33%
Design
32%
Psychology
31%
Economics and Accounting
30%
Sociology and Anthropology
27%
Sales and Marketing
24%
Transportation
24%
Food Production
21%
Building and Construction
20%
History and Archeology
17%
Telecommunications
15%
Therapy and Counseling
14%
Philosophy and Theology
12%
Foreign Language
10%
Fine Arts
2%

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Abilities

Inductive Reasoning
78%
Oral Comprehension
78%
Written Comprehension
78%
Written Expression
78%
Near Vision
75%
Category Flexibility
75%
Oral Expression
75%
Information Ordering
75%
Deductive Reasoning
72%
Problem Sensitivity
72%
Mathematical Reasoning
72%
Speech Clarity
72%
Speech Recognition
69%
Fluency of Ideas
66%
Flexibility of Closure
56%
Far Vision
53%
Number Facility
53%
Originality
53%
Perceptual Speed
50%
Visualization
50%
Selective Attention
50%
Visual Color Discrimination
50%
Speed of Closure
47%
Memorization
44%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
44%
Time Sharing
44%
Finger Dexterity
41%
Depth Perception
28%
Auditory Attention
25%
Static Strength
25%
Multilimb Coordination
25%
Control Precision
25%
Trunk Strength
25%
Manual Dexterity
25%
Hearing Sensitivity
22%
Extent Flexibility
22%
Wrist-Finger Speed
22%
Gross Body Equilibrium
22%
Gross Body Coordination
22%
Stamina
19%
Sound Localization
16%
Reaction Time
16%
Peripheral Vision
16%
Dynamic Strength
16%
Glare Sensitivity
13%
Rate Control
13%
Spatial Orientation
10%
Night Vision
6%
Explosive Strength
3%
Response Orientation
3%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Processing Information
97%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
95%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
91%
Working with Computers
91%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
91%
Getting Information
88%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
88%
Analyzing Data or Information
87%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
87%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
83%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
82%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
82%
Documenting/Recording Information
79%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
78%
Thinking Creatively
76%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
76%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
75%
Training and Teaching Others
75%
Scheduling Work and Activities
74%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
72%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
67%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
65%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
65%
Developing and Building Teams
64%
Performing Administrative Activities
62%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
61%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
61%
Coaching and Developing Others
57%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
57%
Handling and Moving Objects
56%
Performing General Physical Activities
56%
Controlling Machines and Processes
51%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
50%
Assisting and Caring for Others
47%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
46%
Selling or Influencing Others
39%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
39%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
37%
Staffing Organizational Units
35%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
35%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
31%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

99%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

89%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

87%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

86%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

84%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

76%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

75%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

71%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

70%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

69%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

68%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

67%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

67%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

65%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

63%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

62%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

60%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

58%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

57%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

55%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

55%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

53%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

52%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

50%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

50%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

49%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

44%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

42%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

41%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

41%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

39%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

39%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

38%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

36%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

35%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

34%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

33%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

29%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

28%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

28%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

27%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

26%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

25%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

22%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

22%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

20%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

20%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

19%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

18%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

16%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

10%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

9%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

6%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

6%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

3%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

3%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

2%

Education

Master's degree

55%

Bachelor's degree

23%

Post-doctoral training

22%

Interests

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

100

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

58

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

53

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

32

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

26

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

22

Work Styles

Intellectual Curiosity
100%
Attention to Detail
84%
Innovation
77%
Dependability
69%
Integrity
68%
Achievement Orientation
65%
Cooperation
57%
Perseverance
53%
Cautiousness
50%
Initiative
47%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
47%
Adaptability
43%
Leadership Orientation
43%
Social Orientation
43%
Self-Confidence
41%
Stress Tolerance
32%
Sincerity
31%
Humility
25%
Self-Control
25%
Empathy
14%
Optimism
14%

Work Values

Achievement
78%
Recognition
72%
Independence
61%
Relationships
56%
Working Conditions
56%
Support
33%

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