Natural Sciences Managers :: Job Description

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Natural Sciences Managers

Careers / Natural Sciences Managers

Summary Description


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

Sample Job Titles

1.	Agricultural Research Director

2.	Agriculture Research Director

3.	Chemical Laboratory Chief

4.	Chemical Plant Technical Director

5.	Coastal Management Planner

6.	Conservationist

7.	Director of Research

8.	Director of Research and Development

9.	Environmental Manager

10.	Environmental Research Project Manager

11.	Fisheries Director

12.	Geochemical Manager

13.	Geological Manager

14.	Geologist

15.	Geophysical Manager

16.	Gravity Manager

17.	Health Sciences Manager

18.	Hydrogeologist

19.	Hydrogeology Professor

20.	Laboratory Director

21.	Laboratory Manager

22.	Marine Biologist

23.	Mineral and Aggregate Resources Planner

24.	Natural Resources Manager

25.	Natural Resources Planner

26.	Natural Resources Specialist

27.	Natural Science Manager

28.	Ocean Program Administrator

29.	Public Land Resources Director

30.	Quarrying Manager

31.	Research and Development Director

32.	Research Coordinator

33.	Research Development Director

34.	Research Development Manager

35.	Research Director

36.	Research Geologist

37.	Research Hydrogeologist

38.	Research Manager

39.	Research Scientist

40.	Scientist

41.	Water Team Leader

42.	Wild Life Manager

Job Tasks

	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.

	Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.

	Prepare project proposals.

	Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.

	Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.

	Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.

	Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.

	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.

	Conduct own research in field of expertise.

	Recruit personnel or oversee the development or maintenance of staff competence.

	Advise or assist in obtaining patents or meeting other legal requirements.

	Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement.

	Develop innovative technology or train staff for its implementation.

	Prepare and administer budgets, approve and review expenditures, and prepare financial reports.

	Make presentations at professional meetings to further knowledge in the field.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

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


		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

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

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

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


		resolve engineering or science problems

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

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

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


		compile data for financial reports

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

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


		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

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.


		communicate technical information

		make presentations

		confer with scientists

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

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


		prepare long term or short term plans

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


		maintain relationships with clients

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

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

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


		oversee execution of organizational or program policies

		coordinate employee continuing education programs

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


		assign work to staff or employees

		evaluate performance of employees or contract personnel

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.


		adhere to safety procedures

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


		explain complex mathematical information

		present research papers or dissertations on physical science issues

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


		write research or project grant proposals

		develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards

		develop plans for programs or projects

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


		identify problems or improvements

		monitor animal health or quality

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


		advise clients or customers

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.


		estimate time needed for project

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

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


		prepare reports

		write administrative procedures services manual

		prepare technical reports identifying results of research

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


		conduct training for personnel

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

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


		develop budgets

		monitor operational budget

		examine expenditures to ensure activities are within budget

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.


		answer customer or public inquiries

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

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

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.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

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

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Engineering and Natural Sciences Managers
	Engineering and natural sciences managers plan, coordinate, and direct research, design, and production activities. They may supervise engineers, scientists, and technicians, along with support personnel. These managers use their knowledge of engineering and natural sciences to oversee a variety of activities. They determine scientific and technical goals within broad outlines provided by top executives, who are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook. These goals may include improving manufacturing processes, advancing scientific research, or developing new products. Managers make detailed plans to accomplish these goals. For example, they may develop the overall concepts of a new product or identify technical problems preventing the completion of a project.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Engineering and Natural Sciences Managers
	Engineering and natural sciences managers spend most of their time in an office. Some managers, however, also may work in laboratories, where they may be exposed to the same conditions as research scientists, or in industrial plants, where they may be exposed to the same conditions as production workers. Managers tend to work long hours in order to meet project deadlines; in 2008, almost half worked over 40 hours per week. They may also experience considerable pressure to meet technical or scientific goals on a short deadline or within a tight budget.

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