Skip navigation

Biologists - 19-1020.01

O*NET-SOC Description

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

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Scientist
  • Biologist
  • Environmental Analyst
  • Research Scientist
  • Environmental Specialist
  • Fisheries Biologist
  • Research Biologist
  • Aquatic Scientist
  • Assistant Scientist
  • Marine Biologist

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment.
  • Communicate test results to state and federal representatives and general public.
  • Cultivate, breed, and grow aquatic life such as lobsters, clams, or fish.
  • 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 methods and apparatus for securing representative plant, animal, aquatic, or soil samples.
  • Develop pest management and control measures, and conduct risk assessments related to pest exclusion using scientific methods.
  • Identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species.
  • Measure salinity, acidity, light, oxygen content, and other physical conditions of water to determine their relationship to aquatic life.
  • Plan and administer biological research programs for government, research firms, medical industries, or manufacturing firms.
  • Prepare plans for management of renewable resources.
  • Prepare requests for proposals or statements of work.
  • Prepare technical and research reports such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
  • Program and use computers to store, process and analyze data.
  • Represent employer in a technical capacity at conferences.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Study and manage wild animal populations.
  • 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.
  • Study reactions of plants, animals, and marine species to parasites.
  • Supervise biological technicians and technologists and other scientists.
  • Teach, supervise students and perform research at universities and colleges.

Detailed Work Activities

  • adhere to safety procedures
  • advise clients or customers
  • advise governmental or industrial personnel
  • analyze biological research, test, or analysis data
  • analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings
  • analyze ecosystem data
  • analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
  • breed animals to propagate stock or to develop new types
  • classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
  • collect academic research data
  • collect scientific or technical data
  • collect statistical data
  • communicate technical information
  • compile numerical or statistical data
  • conduct analyses or tests of biological material samples
  • conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds
  • conduct field research or investigative studies
  • conduct laboratory research or experiments
  • conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
  • conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
  • confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
  • confer with research personnel
  • confer with scientists
  • develop new products based on scientific research results
  • develop or maintain databases
  • develop plans for programs or projects
  • develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
  • develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
  • develop tables depicting data
  • direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
  • direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
  • direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
  • examine biological or other material specimens under microscope
  • explain complex mathematical information
  • explain genetic data
  • follow infectious materials procedures
  • follow microbiology procedures
  • follow safe waste disposal procedures
  • forecast or predict phenomena based upon research data
  • identify animal species
  • identify crop characteristics
  • identify insect characteristics
  • identify plant characteristics
  • isolate and identify micro-organisms
  • maintain records, reports, or files
  • make decisions
  • make presentations
  • oversee execution of organizational or program policies
  • perform statistical analysis
  • plan scientific research or investigative studies
  • plant, cultivate, or harvest crops, including aquaculture
  • prepare biological specimens for examination
  • prepare environmental impact or related environmental reports
  • prepare reports
  • prepare sample for laboratory testing, analysis, or microscopy
  • prepare technical reports or related documentation
  • prepare vaccines, biologicals, or serums
  • recognize disease or parasites in animals
  • recognize plant diseases
  • recognize tree or forest plant species
  • recommend further study or action based on research data
  • record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
  • research human or animal disease
  • resolve engineering or science problems
  • select animals to be bred
  • study development of plants, animals, or microscopic organisms
  • teach college level courses
  • use biological research techniques
  • use biological testing instruments
  • use chemical testing or analysis procedures
  • use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
  • use hazardous materials information
  • use knowledge of investigation techniques
  • use knowledge of vivisection
  • use laboratory equipment
  • use library or online Internet research techniques
  • use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
  • use microscope
  • use nutrition research techniques
  • use oral or written communication techniques
  • use plant disease control techniques
  • use pollution control techniques
  • use project management techniques
  • use quantitative research methods
  • use relational database software
  • use scientific research methodology
  • use spreadsheet software
  • use teaching techniques
  • use word processing or desktop publishing software
  • write business project or bid proposals
  • write research or project grant proposals
  • write scholarly or technical research papers

Military Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Aquatic Biologist
  • Biologist
  • Cytologist
  • Mycologist
  • Nematologist
  • Physiologist