Biological Technicians

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.88
Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.86
Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations.85
Feed livestock or laboratory animals.85
Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.84
Input data into databases.82
Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.81
Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.80
Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.78
Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.78
Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.78
Conduct or supervise operational programs, such as fish hatcheries, greenhouses and livestock production programs.77

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Measure or weigh compounds and solutions for use in testing or animal feed.76
Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas.74
Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment.74
Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in food or other products.73
Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.68
Place orders for laboratory equipment and supplies.62

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening72
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking69
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Science69
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Active Learning63
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Writing63
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Monitoring60
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking60
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving53
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making53
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Mathematics50
Using mathematics to solve problems.

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Operations Monitoring50
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis50
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Learning Strategies47
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Systems Analysis47
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation47
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Social Perceptiveness44
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Troubleshooting44
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operation and Control41
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Maintenance31
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Instructing31
Teaching others how to do something.
Management of Personnel Resources28
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Service Orientation28
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Management of Material Resources25
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Persuasion25
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Equipment Selection22
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Negotiation22
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Repairing22
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Management of Financial Resources16
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Programming16
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Operations Analysis13
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Technology Design10
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Biology96
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
English Language73
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Computers and Electronics63
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Chemistry61
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Mathematics56
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administrative43
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Education and Training41
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Engineering and Technology39
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Medicine and Dentistry39
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Customer and Personal Service37
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Public Safety and Security32
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Administration and Management30
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

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Law and Government27
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Personnel and Human Resources23
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Design22
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mechanical22
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Physics22
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Telecommunications21
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Transportation20
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Communications and Media19
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Psychology18
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Therapy and Counseling14
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Geography13
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Production and Processing11
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Sociology and Anthropology10
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Economics and Accounting9
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Building and Construction8
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Foreign Language8
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Food Production4
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Philosophy and Theology4
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
History and Archeology2
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Sales and Marketing2
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Fine Arts0
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Inductive Reasoning75
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering75
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision75
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Deductive Reasoning72
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Oral Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity69
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Comprehension69
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility66
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Speech Clarity63
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Selective Attention56
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

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Flexibility of Closure53
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Speech Recognition53
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Finger Dexterity50
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Fluency of Ideas50
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Manual Dexterity50
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Mathematical Reasoning50
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility50
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speed of Closure50
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Visual Color Discrimination50
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization50
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Control Precision44
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Far Vision44
The ability to see details at a distance.
Originality44
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Time Sharing38
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Memorization35
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Multilimb Coordination31
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Trunk Strength31
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Extent Flexibility28
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Static Strength28
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Auditory Attention25
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Depth Perception25
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dynamic Strength22
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Hearing Sensitivity22
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Reaction Time22
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation22
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Stamina22
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Gross Body Coordination16
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium13
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Rate Control13
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Explosive Strength10
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Spatial Orientation6
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates85
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Documenting/Recording Information82
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work82
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Getting Information76
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events76
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings76
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Working with Computers72
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems71
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Processing Information70
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Training and Teaching Others70
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge70
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials69
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

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Handling and Moving Objects67
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards65
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Performing General Physical Activities65
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Analyzing Data or Information61
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others58
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Scheduling Work and Activities58
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization57
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Thinking Creatively52
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Coaching and Developing Others51
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships51
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Performing Administrative Activities51
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates48
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People47
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Controlling Machines and Processes46
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information46
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment46
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Assisting and Caring for Others44
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources43
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others42
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing Objectives and Strategies41
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others40
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others38
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Developing and Building Teams37
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment36
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment34
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment33
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public29
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Staffing Organizational Units24
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Selling or Influencing Others23
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail91
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability85
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness70
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Intellectual Curiosity64
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Integrity63
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Cooperation60
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Achievement Orientation53
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Perseverance51
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Adaptability40
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Stress Tolerance37
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Innovation35
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Self-Control34
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

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Tolerance for Ambiguity34
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Initiative32
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Self-Confidence27
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Sincerity18
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Humility16
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Optimism7
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Social Orientation4
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Empathy0
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional77
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 human resources.
Realistic77
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, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative73
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 fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Social16
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.
Enterprising5
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/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Artistic3
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, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others94%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day83%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day85%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important86%
- Very important13%
E-Mail
- Every day88%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important61%
- Very important26%
- Important12%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day56%
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
- Never11%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually61%
- More than half the time11%
- About half the time18%
- Less than half the time11%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important49%
- Very important24%
- Important22%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility31%
- Moderate responsibility22%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom23%
- Some freedom54%
- Limited freedom23%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- Some freedom81%
- Limited freedom11%

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Health and Safety of Other Workers
- High responsibility23%
- Moderate responsibility37%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important35%
- Important13%
- Fairly important12%
Time Pressure
- Every day23%
- Once a week or more but not every day36%
- Once a month or more but not every week35%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually20%
- More than half the time48%
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time18%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours35%
- 40 hours63%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results16%
- Important results55%
- Moderate results11%
- Minor results16%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)15%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)20%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)21%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day45%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually14%
- More than half the time56%
- About half the time13%
- Never16%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious33%
- Very serious14%
- Serious22%
- Fairly serious12%
- Not serious at all19%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually23%
- More than half the time24%
- About half the time22%
- Less than half the time24%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day31%
- Once a month or more but not every week39%
- Never15%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day25%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week40%
- Never21%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day48%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month31%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day22%
- Once a week or more but not every day32%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never27%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day27%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never23%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually12%
- More than half the time28%
- About half the time24%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day20%
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
Level of Competition
- Moderately competitive48%
- Slightly competitive22%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually13%
- More than half the time11%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day20%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never23%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- More than half the time21%
- About half the time32%
- Less than half the time27%
- Never20%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated24%
- Moderately automated23%
- Slightly automated35%
- Not at all automated18%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important15%
- Important20%
- Fairly important23%
- Not important at all42%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Very important21%
- Fairly important35%
- Not important at all38%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day11%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
Public Speaking
- Every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month53%
- Never27%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day20%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day20%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Never58%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day11%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)12%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)67%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never40%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never50%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- About half the time22%
- Less than half the time43%
- Never33%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never58%
Exposed to Radiation
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Every day11%
- Never88%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Never89%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time33%
- Never67%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never89%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never98%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Analytical or scientific software
BD Biosciences CellQuest, Gene Codes Sequencher, Laboratory information management system LIMS, SAS
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Photoshop, Graphics software, Harvard Graphics
Data base user interface and query software
Database software, Microsoft Access, Thomson EndNote
Spreadsheet software
IBM Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcGIS software, Geographic information system GIS software
Office suite software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat
Development environment software
Microsoft .NET Framework
Map creation software
MapInfo MapMarker
Project management software
Microsoft Project

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Collect biological specimens.
Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
Research microbiological or chemical processes or structures.
Care for plants or animals.
Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
Examine characteristics or behavior of living organisms.
Record research or operational data.
Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis.
Operate computers or computerized equipment.
Interpret research or operational data.
Coordinate forestry or agricultural activities.
Manage agricultural or forestry operations.

Show all 21 →

Research livestock management methods.
Calculate weights, volumes or other characteristics of materials.
Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
Clean objects.
Set up laboratory or field equipment.
Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
Assist engineers or scientists with research.
Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Bio-Manufacturing Technician (Downstream)
Bio-Manufacturing Technician (Upstream)
Dairy Technologist
Microbiology Quality Control Tech

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology