Biologists :: Job Description

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Biologists

Careers / Biologists

Summary Description


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

Sample Job Titles

1.	Aquatic Biologist

2.	Aquatic Scientist

3.	Assistant Scientist

4.	Bioinformatics Specialist

5.	Biological Scientist

6.	Biologist

7.	Botanist

8.	Clinical Laboratory Scientist

9.	Clinical Researcher

10.	Community Ecologist

11.	Cytologist

12.	Director of Cell Biology

13.	Dolphin Researcher

14.	Ecology Biologist

15.	Endangered Species Project Manager

16.	Environmental Analyst

17.	Environmental Scientist

18.	Environmental Specialist

19.	Fish Culture Supervisor

20.	Fish Culture Technician

21.	Fisheries Biologist

22.	Genetic Engineer

23.	Marine Biologist

24.	Marine Scientist

25.	Molecular Biologist

26.	Mycologist

27.	Nematologist

28.	Neurobiologist

29.	Neurophysiologist

30.	Ocean Biologist

31.	Physiologist

32.	Plant Ecologist

33.	Rare/Endangered Species Specialist

34.	Research Analyst

35.	Research Associate

36.	Research Biologist

37.	Research Fisheries Biologist

38.	Research Scientist

39.	Scientist

40.	Wildlife Biologist

Job Tasks

	Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment. Conduct research of processes in natural or industrial ecosystems. Collect environmental data or samples.

	Cultivate, breed, and grow aquatic life, such as lobsters, clams, or fish. Care for plants or animals.

	Supervise biological technicians and technologists and other scientists. Supervise scientific or technical personnel.

	Study and manage wild animal populations. Conduct research of processes in natural or industrial ecosystems.

	Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.

	Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public. Prepare research or technical reports on environmental issues. Communicate results of environmental research.

	Study aquatic plants and animals and environmental conditions affecting them, such as radioactivity or pollution.

	Study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and function.

	Teach or supervise students and perform research at universities and colleges. Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.

	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. Develop collaborative relationships between departments or with external organizations.

	Prepare requests for proposals or statements of work. Prepare proposal documents or grant applications.

	Plan and administer biological research programs for government, research firms, medical industries, or manufacturing firms. Plan biological research.

	Measure salinity, acidity, light, oxygen content, and other physical conditions of water to determine their relationship to aquatic life. Analyze chemical compounds or substances.

	Prepare plans for management of renewable resources. Develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources.

	Communicate test results to state and federal representatives and general public. Communicate with government agencies. Provide technical information or assistance to public.

	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. Review plans or proposals for environmental conservation.

	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. Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.

	Identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species. Classify organisms based on their characteristics or behavior. Examine characteristics or behavior of living organisms.

	Represent employer in a technical capacity at conferences. Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

	Develop methods and apparatus for securing representative plant, animal, aquatic, or soil samples. Develop biological research methods.

	Study reactions of plants, animals, and marine species to parasites. Research diseases or parasites.

	Develop pest management and control measures, and conduct risk assessments related to pest exclusion, using scientific methods.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — 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.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

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