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Earth Sciences Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Earth Sciences Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For science-minded people interested in the physical earth systems, from geology to climate to oceans. Use the tools below to see which earth sciences roles fit your background and goals.

This field spans geology, meteorology, and oceanography, and many advanced research roles require a master's degree or higher. Use the tools below to explore Earth Sciences-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Field Technician, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Geologist or Hydrologist. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as Professional Geologist (PG) License, that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Earth Sciences careers/jobs, (2) Find Earth Sciences job listings, (3) Prepare for Earth Sciences careers, and (4) Provide Earth Sciences career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Earth Sciences careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Earth Sciences Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Earth Sciences careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Earth Sciences, so relevant Earth Sciences jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Earth Sciences Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Earth Sciences Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Earth Sciences careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 59 Earth Sciences Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

10 Earth Sciences careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Earth Sciences-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) Earth Sciences-Related Jobs

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 12.5% Geological Engineering Teacher
Occupation: Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 12.5% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Engineering Teacher
Atmospheric and Space Scientists 8.3% Broadcast Meteorologist; Computer Meteorologist; Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech); Hydrometeorologist; Marine Meteorologist; Meteorological Engineer; Meteorological Technician (Meteorological Tech); Meteorologist; Morning Meteorologist; Oceanographic Meteorologist; Operational Meteorologist; Physical Meteorologist; Research Meteorologist; Synoptic Meteorologist; Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Occupation: Atmospheric and Space Scientists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.3% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Broadcast Meteorologist; Computer Meteorologist; Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech); Hydrometeorologist; Marine Meteorologist; Meteorological Engineer; Meteorological Technician (Meteorological Tech); Meteorologist; Morning Meteorologist; Oceanographic Meteorologist; Operational Meteorologist; Physical Meteorologist; Research Meteorologist; Synoptic Meteorologist; Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers 7% Consultant Geologist; Development Geologist; Engineering Geologist; Environmental Geologist; Environmental Protection Geologist; Exploration Geologist; Field Geologist; Geological Scout; Geological Specialist; Geologist; Marine Geologist; Mine Geologist; Mining Production Geologist; Oceanographer; Operations Geologist; Petroleum Geologist; Project Geologist; Research Geologist; Spectral Geologist; Wellsite Geologist
Occupation: Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Consultant Geologist; Development Geologist; Engineering Geologist; Environmental Geologist; Environmental Protection Geologist; Exploration Geologist; Field Geologist; Geological Scout; Geological Specialist; Geologist; Marine Geologist; Mine Geologist; Mining Production Geologist; Oceanographer; Operations Geologist; Petroleum Geologist; Project Geologist; Research Geologist; Spectral Geologist; Wellsite Geologist
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 6.4% Geological Science Teacher; Geology Professor; Geology Teacher; Hydrometeorology Teacher; Meteorology Faculty Member; Meteorology Professor; Meteorology Teacher; Oceanography Professor; Oceanography Teacher
Occupation: Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6.4% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Science Teacher; Geology Professor; Geology Teacher; Hydrometeorology Teacher; Meteorology Faculty Member; Meteorology Professor; Meteorology Teacher; Oceanography Professor; Oceanography Teacher
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists 6% Broadcast Meteorologist
Occupation: News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Broadcast Meteorologist
Natural Sciences Managers 5.8% Geological Manager
Occupation: Natural Sciences Managers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.8% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Manager
Hydrologists 5.6% Hydrogeologist; Project Hydrogeologist
Occupation: Hydrologists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.6% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Hydrogeologist; Project Hydrogeologist
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment 4.5% Meteorological Equipment Repairer
Occupation: Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 4.5% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Meteorological Equipment Repairer
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers 3.9% Geological Engineer
Occupation: Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 3.9% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Engineer
Architectural and Civil Drafters -0.9% Geological Drafter
Occupation: Architectural and Civil Drafters U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -0.9% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Drafter

12 Earth Sciences careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Earth Sciences-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Earth Sciences-Related Jobs

Natural Sciences Managers $ 157,740 Geological Manager
Occupation: Natural Sciences Managers National Median Salary: $ 157,740 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Manager
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $ 106,910 Geological Engineering Teacher
Occupation: Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 106,910 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Engineering Teacher
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $ 100,690 Geological Science Teacher; Geology Professor; Geology Teacher; Hydrometeorology Teacher; Meteorology Faculty Member; Meteorology Professor; Meteorology Teacher; Oceanography Professor; Oceanography Teacher
Occupation: Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 100,690 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Science Teacher; Geology Professor; Geology Teacher; Hydrometeorology Teacher; Meteorology Faculty Member; Meteorology Professor; Meteorology Teacher; Oceanography Professor; Oceanography Teacher
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers $ 100,640 Geological Engineer
Occupation: Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers National Median Salary: $ 100,640 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Engineer
Atmospheric and Space Scientists $ 92,860 Broadcast Meteorologist; Computer Meteorologist; Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech); Hydrometeorologist; Marine Meteorologist; Meteorological Engineer; Meteorological Technician (Meteorological Tech); Meteorologist; Morning Meteorologist; Oceanographic Meteorologist; Operational Meteorologist; Physical Meteorologist; Research Meteorologist; Synoptic Meteorologist; Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Occupation: Atmospheric and Space Scientists National Median Salary: $ 92,860 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Broadcast Meteorologist; Computer Meteorologist; Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech); Hydrometeorologist; Marine Meteorologist; Meteorological Engineer; Meteorological Technician (Meteorological Tech); Meteorologist; Morning Meteorologist; Oceanographic Meteorologist; Operational Meteorologist; Physical Meteorologist; Research Meteorologist; Synoptic Meteorologist; Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $ 92,580 Consultant Geologist; Development Geologist; Engineering Geologist; Environmental Geologist; Environmental Protection Geologist; Exploration Geologist; Field Geologist; Geological Scout; Geological Specialist; Geologist; Marine Geologist; Mine Geologist; Mining Production Geologist; Oceanographer; Operations Geologist; Petroleum Geologist; Project Geologist; Research Geologist; Spectral Geologist; Wellsite Geologist
Occupation: Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers National Median Salary: $ 92,580 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Consultant Geologist; Development Geologist; Engineering Geologist; Environmental Geologist; Environmental Protection Geologist; Exploration Geologist; Field Geologist; Geological Scout; Geological Specialist; Geologist; Marine Geologist; Mine Geologist; Mining Production Geologist; Oceanographer; Operations Geologist; Petroleum Geologist; Project Geologist; Research Geologist; Spectral Geologist; Wellsite Geologist
Hydrologists $ 88,770 Hydrogeologist; Project Hydrogeologist
Occupation: Hydrologists National Median Salary: $ 88,770 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Hydrogeologist; Project Hydrogeologist
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $ 66,680 Meteorological Equipment Repairer
Occupation: Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment National Median Salary: $ 66,680 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Meteorological Equipment Repairer
Architectural and Civil Drafters $ 61,820 Geological Drafter
Occupation: Architectural and Civil Drafters National Median Salary: $ 61,820 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Drafter
Remote Sensing Technicians $ 58,350 Meteorologist Liaison
Occupation: Remote Sensing Technicians National Median Salary: $ 58,350 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Meteorologist Liaison
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $ 57,500 Broadcast Meteorologist
Occupation: News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists National Median Salary: $ 57,500 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Broadcast Meteorologist
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians $ 52,440 Geological Aide; Geological E-Logger; Geological Sample Tester; Geological Technician; Geologist; Geology Associate; Geology Technician
Occupation: Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians National Median Salary: $ 52,440 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Aide; Geological E-Logger; Geological Sample Tester; Geological Technician; Geologist; Geology Associate; Geology Technician

12 Earth Sciences careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Earth Sciences-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Earth Sciences-Related Jobs

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Geological Science Teacher; Geology Professor; Geology Teacher; Hydrometeorology Teacher; Meteorology Faculty Member; Meteorology Professor; Meteorology Teacher; Oceanography Professor; Oceanography Teacher
Occupation: Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Science Teacher; Geology Professor; Geology Teacher; Hydrometeorology Teacher; Meteorology Faculty Member; Meteorology Professor; Meteorology Teacher; Oceanography Professor; Oceanography Teacher
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Geological Engineering Teacher
Occupation: Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Engineering Teacher
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers 5 Consultant Geologist; Development Geologist; Engineering Geologist; Environmental Geologist; Environmental Protection Geologist; Exploration Geologist; Field Geologist; Geological Scout; Geological Specialist; Geologist; Marine Geologist; Mine Geologist; Mining Production Geologist; Oceanographer; Operations Geologist; Petroleum Geologist; Project Geologist; Research Geologist; Spectral Geologist; Wellsite Geologist
Occupation: Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Education/Preparation: 5 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Consultant Geologist; Development Geologist; Engineering Geologist; Environmental Geologist; Environmental Protection Geologist; Exploration Geologist; Field Geologist; Geological Scout; Geological Specialist; Geologist; Marine Geologist; Mine Geologist; Mining Production Geologist; Oceanographer; Operations Geologist; Petroleum Geologist; Project Geologist; Research Geologist; Spectral Geologist; Wellsite Geologist
Hydrologists 5 Hydrogeologist; Project Hydrogeologist
Occupation: Hydrologists Education/Preparation: 5 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Hydrogeologist; Project Hydrogeologist
Natural Sciences Managers 5 Geological Manager
Occupation: Natural Sciences Managers Education/Preparation: 5 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Manager
Atmospheric and Space Scientists 4 Broadcast Meteorologist; Computer Meteorologist; Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech); Hydrometeorologist; Marine Meteorologist; Meteorological Engineer; Meteorological Technician (Meteorological Tech); Meteorologist; Morning Meteorologist; Oceanographic Meteorologist; Operational Meteorologist; Physical Meteorologist; Research Meteorologist; Synoptic Meteorologist; Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Occupation: Atmospheric and Space Scientists Education/Preparation: 4 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Broadcast Meteorologist; Computer Meteorologist; Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech); Hydrometeorologist; Marine Meteorologist; Meteorological Engineer; Meteorological Technician (Meteorological Tech); Meteorologist; Morning Meteorologist; Oceanographic Meteorologist; Operational Meteorologist; Physical Meteorologist; Research Meteorologist; Synoptic Meteorologist; Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians 4 Geological Aide; Geological E-Logger; Geological Sample Tester; Geological Technician; Geologist; Geology Associate; Geology Technician
Occupation: Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Education/Preparation: 4 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Aide; Geological E-Logger; Geological Sample Tester; Geological Technician; Geologist; Geology Associate; Geology Technician
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers 4 Geological Engineer
Occupation: Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers Education/Preparation: 4 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Engineer
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists 4 Broadcast Meteorologist
Occupation: News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists Education/Preparation: 4 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Broadcast Meteorologist
Remote Sensing Technicians 4 Meteorologist Liaison
Occupation: Remote Sensing Technicians Education/Preparation: 4 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Meteorologist Liaison
Architectural and Civil Drafters 3 Geological Drafter
Occupation: Architectural and Civil Drafters Education/Preparation: 3 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Drafter
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment 3 Meteorological Equipment Repairer
Occupation: Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment Education/Preparation: 3 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Meteorological Equipment Repairer

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 59 specific Earth Sciences job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
You can use this form two ways:

hidden filler

Filter - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles below

Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:



Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Natural Sciences Managers.


Search results will open in a new tab.

Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Natural Sciences Managers

Description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
79,000
U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
83,500
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
4,500 (5.8%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
6,000
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Natural Sciences Managers":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.
Importance: 97 (%) Description: Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.
Importance: 97 (%) Description: Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Make presentations at professional meetings to further knowledge in the field.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Prepare project proposals.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Conduct own research in field of expertise.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Recruit personnel or oversee the development or maintenance of staff competence.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Develop innovative technology or train staff for its implementation.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Prepare and administer budgets, approve and review expenditures, and prepare financial reports.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 44 (%) Description: Advise or assist in obtaining patents or meeting other legal requirements.
Importance: 30 (%) Description: 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.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: 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.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the 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.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: 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.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Advise others about land management or conservation.
Advise others on legal or regulatory compliance matters.
Analyze data to inform operational decisions or activities.
Approve expenditures.
Communicate organizational information to customers or other stakeholders.
Conduct employee training programs.
Conduct research of processes in natural or industrial ecosystems.
Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
Coordinate operational activities with external stakeholders.
Develop operating strategies, plans, or procedures.
Develop organizational goals or objectives.
Develop organizational methods or procedures.
Develop organizational policies or programs.
Direct organizational operations, projects, or services.
Establish interpersonal business relationships to facilitate work activities.
Evaluate employee performance.
Hire personnel.
Implement organizational process or policy changes.
Manage human resources activities.
Manage operations, research, or logistics projects.
Monitor animal behavior or condition.
Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.
Prepare operational budgets.
Prepare operational progress or status reports.
Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding.
Present information to the public.
Recruit personnel.
Supervise employees.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: 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.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: 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.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: 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.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Personnel and Human Resources: Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: 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.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: 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.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Management of Personnel Resources: Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Negotiation: Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Systems Evaluation: Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Advise others on environmental sustainability or green practices.
Activity: Advise others on legal or regulatory matters.
Activity: Analyze data to improve operations.
Activity: Authorize business activities or transactions.
Activity: Coordinate activities with clients, agencies, or organizations.
Activity: Develop organizational or program goals or objectives.
Activity: Develop organizational policies, systems, or processes.
Activity: Develop professional relationships or networks.
Activity: Direct organizational operations, activities, or procedures.
Activity: Evaluate personnel capabilities or performance.
Activity: Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
Activity: Implement procedures or processes.
Activity: Manage budgets or finances.
Activity: Manage human resources activities.
Activity: Monitor health conditions of humans or animals.
Activity: Perform recruiting or hiring activities.
Activity: Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.
Activity: Prepare proposals or grant applications.
Activity: Prepare reports of operational or procedural activities.
Activity: Provide information or assistance to the public.
Activity: Research biological or ecological phenomena.
Activity: Research technology designs or applications.
Activity: Supervise personnel activities.
Activity: Train others on operational or work procedures.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Emerging Tech Skills
Analytical or scientific software:
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Data base management system software:
Oracle Database
Data base user interface and query software:
Microsoft Access
Structured query language SQL
Document management software:
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft SharePoint
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
SAP software
Geographic information system:
ESRI ArcGIS software
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Adobe Photoshop
Object or component oriented development software:
R
Process mapping and design software:
Microsoft Visio
Project management software:
Microsoft Project
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Analytical or scientific software:
Laboratory information management system LIMS
StataCorp Stata
STATISTICA
Data base reporting software:
SAP Business Objects
Data base user interface and query software:
Clinical trial management software
Development environment software:
Integrated development environment IDE software
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Graphics software
Internet browser software:
Web browser software
Spreadsheet software:
IBM Lotus 1-2-3
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

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.

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).

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.

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.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 35.1 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 26.7 (%) Level of Education: Post-Doctoral Training
Frequency of Attainment: 15.1 (%) Level of Education: Master's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 13.6 (%) Level of Education: Doctoral Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 7.3 (%) Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Frequency of Attainment: 2.2 (%) Level of Education: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 25.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 19.3 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 15.9 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 14.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 13.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 7.3 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Frequency of Attainment: 3.3 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Certifications
Certifications
These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?
Certified Manager of Animal Resources External Link
Certified Natural Resources Professional External Link
Registered Environmental Professional External Link
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
American Aging Association (AGE) External Link
American Society on Aging (ASA) External Link
Geochemical Society (GS) External Link
Related Careers to Consider
Related Careers to Consider
This lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to what "Natural Sciences Managers" do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit. How do these related occupations align with your interests, skills, and goals?
1 - Project Management Specialists
2 - Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
3 - Data Scientists
4 - Biological Technicians
5 - Molecular and Cellular Biologists
6 - Biologists
7 - Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
8 - Clinical Research Coordinators
9 - Bioinformatics Scientists
10 - Water Resource Specialists
11 - Architectural and Engineering Managers
12 - Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
13 - Chemists
14 - Chemical Technicians
15 - Computer and Information Research Scientists
16 - Clinical Data Managers
17 - Management Analysts
18 - Bioinformatics Technicians
19 - Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
20 - Industrial Engineers


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Natural Sciences Managers". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Natural Sciences Managers". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Natural Sciences Managers". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Natural Sciences Managers


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Natural Sciences Managers" occupation.






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