Natural Sciences Managers

Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

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.

Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.83
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.81
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.80
Provide for stewardship of plant or animal resources or habitats, studying land use, monitoring animal populations, or providing shelter, resources, or medical treatment for animals.79
Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.77
Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.76
Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.74
Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.73
Prepare project proposals.72
Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement.68
Recruit personnel or oversee the development or maintenance of staff competence.64
Prepare and administer budgets, approve and review expenditures, and prepare financial reports.64

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Conduct own research in field of expertise.63
Develop innovative technology or train staff for its implementation.58
Make presentations at professional meetings to further knowledge in the field.56
Advise or assist in obtaining patents or meeting other legal requirements.51

Skills

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

Science78
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Active Listening75
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 Thinking75
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring75
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Complex Problem Solving72
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing72
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Judgment and Decision Making69
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Management of Personnel Resources66
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Active Learning63
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Learning Strategies63
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

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Coordination60
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Social Perceptiveness60
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Instructing56
Teaching others how to do something.
Operations Analysis56
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Persuasion56
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Analysis56
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Mathematics53
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Negotiation53
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Systems Evaluation53
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Time Management53
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Service Orientation50
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Management of Material Resources44
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Management of Financial Resources41
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Technology Design41
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Operations Monitoring28
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis28
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operation and Control25
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Programming22
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Troubleshooting22
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Selection3
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

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

Biology76
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
English Language75
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Administration and Management71
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.
Computers and Electronics67
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administrative64
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Chemistry63
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.
Mathematics62
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Personnel and Human Resources57
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Customer and Personal Service54
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.
Education and Training47
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Production and Processing47
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Engineering and Technology43
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.

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Communications and Media37
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Mechanical32
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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.
Economics and Accounting30
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Physics29
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.
Design26
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Sales and Marketing25
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.
Law and Government24
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Geography23
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.
Telecommunications21
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Medicine and Dentistry19
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.
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.
Transportation16
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Building and Construction12
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Food Production12
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Sociology and Anthropology12
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
History and Archeology10
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Fine Arts6
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Foreign Language6
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.
Philosophy and Theology6
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.
Therapy and Counseling5
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Written Comprehension78
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility72
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Problem Sensitivity72
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.
Speech Clarity72
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Near Vision69
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Recognition69
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

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Originality60
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.
Fluency of Ideas56
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).
Mathematical Reasoning56
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
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.
Number Facility53
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Visualization35
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Memorization31
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Perceptual Speed31
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 Closure31
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Auditory Attention28
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Time Sharing28
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
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.
Finger Dexterity25
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Hearing Sensitivity25
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Visual Color Discrimination25
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Trunk Strength22
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.
Multilimb Coordination19
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.
Arm-Hand Steadiness16
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision16
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Reaction Time16
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation16
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.
Spatial Orientation16
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Gross Body Coordination13
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.
Manual Dexterity13
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Peripheral Vision13
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
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.
Sound Localization13
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Static Strength13
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Extent Flexibility10
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity10
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision10
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Stamina10
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Wrist-Finger Speed10
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dynamic Strength6
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength3
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems90
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings90
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates89
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information89
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work89
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge89
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Analyzing Data or Information87
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships87
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events86
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Documenting/Recording Information85
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Developing Objectives and Strategies83
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others82
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

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Working with Computers82
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others81
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Developing and Building Teams80
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards80
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Processing Information80
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization78
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.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates77
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Scheduling Work and Activities77
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources73
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Thinking Creatively72
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People70
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Coaching and Developing Others69
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information67
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Staffing Organizational Units65
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Training and Teaching Others64
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials63
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others61
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Performing Administrative Activities60
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others53
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Controlling Machines and Processes48
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Selling or Influencing Others48
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Performing General Physical Activities41
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.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment40
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Assisting and Caring for Others34
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Handling and Moving Objects32
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public30
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment30
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.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment29
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment27
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.

Work Styles

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

Intellectual Curiosity91
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Leadership Orientation90
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Dependability87
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Innovation84
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Achievement Orientation78
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.
Attention to Detail74
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Integrity72
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Perseverance72
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Adaptability70
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Cooperation69
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Initiative68
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Self-Confidence66
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

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Tolerance for Ambiguity62
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Stress Tolerance60
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Control57
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Social Orientation55
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Cautiousness54
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Sincerity32
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Empathy29
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism28
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Humility11
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

Investigative81
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.
Enterprising77
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.
Conventional54
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.
Social35
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.
Realistic29
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.
Artistic24
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.

E-Mail
- Every day100%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day88%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day84%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important68%
- Very important32%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important71%
- Important14%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day42%
- Once a week or more but not every day58%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom52%
- Some freedom38%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility56%
- High responsibility23%
- Limited responsibility11%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours56%
- 40 hours44%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom44%
- Some freedom33%
- Limited freedom16%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important41%
- Very important26%
- Important32%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually34%
- More than half the time45%
- About half the time15%

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Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others24%
- Contact with others most of the time58%
- Contact with others about half the time18%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results47%
- Important results27%
- Moderate results16%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility40%
- High responsibility26%
- Moderate responsibility23%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive27%
- Highly competitive35%
- Moderately competitive29%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important23%
- Very important33%
- Important22%
- Fairly important21%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day24%
- Once a week or more but not every day36%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
Time Pressure
- Every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week58%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day11%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week45%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day16%
- Once a week or more but not every day35%
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never15%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious32%
- Very serious13%
- Serious19%
- Not serious at all28%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important16%
- Very important19%
- Important21%
- Fairly important31%
- Not important at all13%
Public Speaking
- Every day16%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month39%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually15%
- More than half the time17%
- About half the time11%
- Less than half the time40%
- Never17%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
- Never25%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never28%
Physical Proximity
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)49%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)49%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually13%
- More than half the time19%
- Less than half the time24%
- Never38%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time22%
- Less than half the time69%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never29%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month65%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
- Never33%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time92%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never70%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never60%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never58%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
- Never61%
Degree of Automation
- Slightly automated20%
- Not at all automated66%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
- Never63%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never72%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never72%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time44%
- Never55%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never64%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time36%
- Never63%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a year or more but not every month34%
- Never66%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never80%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time29%
- Never71%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never77%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all88%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)90%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never86%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never87%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never94%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never95%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never97%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never97%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

Bachelor’s degree
Post-doctoral training
Master’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics, SAS, StataCorp Stata, The MathWorks MATLAB
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Clinical trial management software, Microsoft Access, Structured query language SQL
Spreadsheet software
IBM Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Photoshop, Graphics software
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft SharePoint
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcGIS software
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Development environment software
Integrated development environment IDE software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Data base management system software
Oracle Database
Data base reporting software
SAP Business Objects
Object or component oriented development software
R
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Project management software
Microsoft Project
Process mapping and design software
Microsoft Visio

Professional Associations

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

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Evaluate employee performance.
Hire personnel.
Supervise employees.
Develop organizational methods or procedures.
Direct organizational operations, projects, or services.
Develop operating strategies, plans, or procedures.
Manage operations, research, or logistics projects.
Advise others about land management or conservation.
Monitor animal behavior or condition.
Analyze data to inform operational decisions or activities.
Prepare operational progress or status reports.
Coordinate operational activities with external stakeholders.

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Communicate organizational information to customers or other stakeholders.
Establish interpersonal business relationships to facilitate work activities.
Develop organizational goals or objectives.
Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding.
Develop organizational policies or programs.
Implement organizational process or policy changes.
Approve expenditures.
Manage human resources activities.
Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.
Prepare operational budgets.
Recruit personnel.
Conduct research of processes in natural or industrial ecosystems.
Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
Conduct employee training programs.
Present information to the public.
Advise others on legal or regulatory compliance matters.

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