Occupation Details
Natural Sciences Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
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Interests
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Enterprising
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$115,850.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$168,940.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$218,760.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
1,540
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
1,970
+43 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
164
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.3%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
More School - Graduate or advanced degree
Experience Requirements
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Education Requirements
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).
Training Details
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening
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.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Administration and Management
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 Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Chemistry
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.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Customer and Personal Service
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.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Color plotters
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Liquid crystal display LCD video projectors
- Personal computers
Technology
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Graphics software
- IBM Lotus 1-2-3
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Integrated development environment IDE software
- Laboratory information management system LIMS
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- answer customer or public inquiries
- prepare reports
- write administrative procedures services manual
- prepare technical reports identifying results of research
- advise clients or customers
- conduct training for personnel
- recruit employees
- hire, discharge, transfer, or promote workers
- estimate time needed for project
- develop budgets
- monitor operational budget
- examine expenditures to ensure activities are within budget
- assign work to staff or employees
- evaluate performance of employees or contract personnel
- communicate technical information
- make presentations
- confer with scientists
- adhere to safety procedures
- compile data for financial reports
- explain complex mathematical information
- present research papers or dissertations on physical science issues
- oversee execution of organizational or program policies
- coordinate employee continuing education programs
- write research or project grant proposals
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- develop plans for programs or projects
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- analyze operational or management reports or records
- perform statistical analysis in physical science or geological research
- prepare budget reports
- maintain relationships with clients
- use scientific research methodology
- use public speaking techniques
- use long or short term production planning techniques
- use physical science research techniques
- use project management techniques
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- prepare long term or short term plans
- identify problems or improvements
- monitor animal health or quality
- resolve engineering or science problems
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
- Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
- Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
- 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.
- Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.
- Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.
- Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.
- Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.
- Prepare project proposals.
- Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement.
- Recruit personnel or oversee the development or maintenance of staff competence.
- Prepare and administer budgets, approve and review expenditures, and prepare financial reports.
- Conduct own research in field of expertise.
- Develop innovative technology or train staff for its implementation.
- Make presentations at professional meetings to further knowledge in the field.
- Advise or assist in obtaining patents or meeting other legal requirements.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
American Museum of Natural History Courses, Institutes and Evenings for Educators
The American Museum of Natural History offers an extensive program of professional development in a variety of formats that provide educators at all levels with opportunities to deepen their content knowledge and address national and local performance standards in the natural and social sciences through interactions with scientists and educators and use of AMNH research, exhibitions, and print and online resources.
Learn MoreCornell University Summer College Program: Focus on the Sciences
Focus on the Sciences is designed especially for students who are passionate about subjects from astronomy to biology and who just can't wait to get to college to undertake in-depth scientific exploration. You?ll earn an average of six to eight credits and get advanced lab work under your lab coat while maybe figuring out what you want to study in college.
Learn MoreDarwin Day 2007 - Darwin's Trunk an Evolution Workshop for Teachers
Darwin Day 2007 is a five day series of panel discussions, film screenings, speakers, and workshops, that are aimed at increasing awareness of Darwin's theory and its relevance today in the Ithaca community and beyond. Speakers and discussion about how K12 teachers can approach the subject of evolution in their classrooms co-sponsored by TST BOCES is highlighted.
Learn MoreEngineering and natural sciences managers
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreGreat Plant Escape
<p>Getting kids to think about plants and plant life is an important part of The Great Plant Escape. This site will have the students helping Detective LePlant and his partners Bud and Sprout unlock the amazing mysteries of plant life.</p>
Learn MoreScienCentral News: Making Sense of Science
From broadcast news features to educational products, ScienCentral News not only knows how to communicate complex ideas about medicine, health, technology, and the environment, but they also know how to tell a good story!
Learn MoreWalk in the Woods
A Walk in the Woods is designed for third through fifth grade students to gain an appreciation of nature. Sometimes students are not able to go to a forest preserve or woods, so this brings the woods to them in a multi-media way.
Learn More