- Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.
Occupations with related tasks Save Table: XLSX CSV
- Observe action of microorganisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other microorganisms, and on dead organic matter.
- Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.
- Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.
- Investigate the relationship between organisms and disease, including the control of epidemics and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
- Study the structure and function of human, animal, and plant tissues, cells, pathogens, and toxins.
- Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
- Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
- Prepare technical reports and recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
- Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
- Monitor and perform tests on water, food, and the environment to detect harmful microorganisms or to obtain information about sources of pollution, contamination, or infection.
- Use a variety of specialized equipment, such as electron microscopes, gas and high-pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence-activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
- Research use of bacteria and microorganisms to develop vitamins, antibiotics, amino acids, grain alcohol, sugars, and polymers.
- Develop new products and procedures for sterilization, food and pharmaceutical supply preservation, or microbial contamination detection.
- Conduct chemical analyses of substances such as acids, alcohols, and enzymes.
- Observe action of microorganisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other microorganisms, and on dead organic matter.
- Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.
- Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.
- Investigate the relationship between organisms and disease, including the control of epidemics and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
- Study the structure and function of human, animal, and plant tissues, cells, pathogens, and toxins.
- Identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species.
- Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment.
- Study and manage wild animal populations.
- Study reactions of plants, animals, and marine species to parasites.
- Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
- 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.
- Supervise biological technicians and technologists and other scientists.
- Communicate test results to state and federal representatives and general public.
- Prepare requests for proposals or statements of work.
- Represent employer in a technical capacity at conferences.
- 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.
- Develop methods and apparatus for securing representative plant, animal, aquatic, or soil samples.
- Plan and administer biological research programs for government, research firms, medical industries, or manufacturing firms.
- Write grant proposals to obtain funding for biological research.
- 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.
- Measure salinity, acidity, light, oxygen content, and other physical conditions of water to determine their relationship to aquatic life.
- Prepare plans for management of renewable resources.
- Teach or supervise students and perform research at universities and colleges.
- Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.
- Study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and function.
- Study aquatic plants and animals and environmental conditions affecting them, such as radioactivity or pollution.
- 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.
- Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment.
- Study and manage wild animal populations.
- Study reactions of plants, animals, and marine species to parasites.
- Examine animals or crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
- Conduct insect or plant disease surveys.
- Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
- Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing.
- Prepare data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results.
- Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.
- Prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
- Collect animal or crop samples.
- Supervise pest or weed control operations, including locating and identifying pests or weeds, selecting chemicals and application methods, or scheduling application.
- Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers.
- Respond to general inquiries or requests from the public.
- Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
- Record environmental data from field samples of soil, air, water, or pests to monitor the effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
- Conduct studies of nitrogen or alternative fertilizer application methods, quantities, or timing to ensure satisfaction of crop needs and minimization of leaching, runoff, or denitrification.
- Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
- Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
- Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
- Perform laboratory or field testing, using spectrometers, nitrogen determination apparatus, air samplers, centrifuges, or potential hydrogen (pH) meters to perform tests.
- Perform tests on seeds to evaluate seed viability.
- Perform general nursery duties, such as propagating standard varieties of plant materials, collecting and germinating seeds, maintaining cuttings of plants, or controlling environmental conditions.
- Devise cultural methods or environmental controls for plants for which guidelines are sketchy or nonexistent.
- Prepare culture media, following standard procedures.
- Transplant trees, vegetables, or horticultural plants.
- Prepare or present agricultural demonstrations.
- Determine the germination rates of seeds planted in specified areas.
- Assess comparative soil erosion from various planting or tillage systems, such as conservation tillage with mulch or ridge till systems, no-till systems, or conventional tillage systems with or without moldboard plows.
- Examine animals or crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
- Conduct insect or plant disease surveys.
- Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
- Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
- Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
- Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
- Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs.
- Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
- Conduct literature reviews.
- Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
- Prepare collections of preserved specimens or microscopic slides for species identification and study of development or disease.
- Collect and dissect animal specimens and examine specimens under microscope.
- Raise specimens for study and observation or for use in experiments.
- Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
- Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
- Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.
- Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
- Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope.
- Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
- Measure, test, or weigh bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications.
- Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.
- Monitor and control temperature of products.
- Analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables.
- Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
- Perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment by inspecting, calibrating, cleaning, or sterilizing.
- Conduct standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, or preservatives to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, or nutrients.
- Train newly hired laboratory personnel.
- Provide assistance to food scientists or technologists in research and development, production technology, or quality control.
- Supervise other food science technicians.
- Compute moisture or salt content, percentages of ingredients, formulas, or other product factors, using mathematical and chemical procedures.
- Order supplies needed to maintain inventories in laboratories or in storage facilities of food or beverage processing plants.
- Prepare or incubate slides with cell cultures.
- Mix, blend, or cultivate ingredients to make reagents or to manufacture food or beverage products.
- Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope.
- Identify plants, pests, and weeds to determine the selection and application of pesticides and fertilizers.
- Record information about crops, such as pesticide use, yields, or costs.
- Direct and monitor the work of casual and seasonal help during planting and harvesting.
- Participate in the inspection, grading, sorting, storage, and post-harvest treatment of crops.
- Harvest plants, and transplant or pot and label them.
- Repair and maintain farm vehicles, implements, and mechanical equipment.
- Harvest fruits and vegetables by hand.
- Set up and operate irrigation equipment.
- Inform farmers or farm managers of crop progress.
- Operate tractors, tractor-drawn machinery, and self-propelled machinery to plow, harrow and fertilize soil, or to plant, cultivate, spray and harvest crops.
- Load agricultural products into trucks, and drive trucks to market or storage facilities.
- Clean work areas, and maintain grounds and landscaping.
- Sell and deliver plants and flowers to customers.
- Sow grass seed, or plant plugs of grass.
- Regulate greenhouse conditions, and indoor and outdoor irrigation systems.
- Cut, roll, and stack sod.
- Feel plants' leaves and note their coloring to detect the presence of insects or disease.
- Provide information and advice to the public regarding the selection, purchase, and care of products.
- Maintain and repair irrigation and climate control systems.
- Dig, cut, and transplant seedlings, cuttings, trees, and shrubs.
- Record information about plants and plant growth.
- Maintain inventory, ordering materials as required.
- Dig, rake, and screen soil, filling cold frames and hot beds in preparation for planting.
- Inspect plants and bud ties to assess quality.
- Trap and destroy pests, such as moles, gophers, and mice, using pesticides.
- Move containerized shrubs, plants, and trees, using wheelbarrows or tractors.
- Tie and bunch flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees, wrap their roots, and pack them into boxes to fill orders.
- Haul and spread topsoil, fertilizer, peat moss, and other materials to condition soil, using wheelbarrows or carts and shovels.
- Repair farm buildings, fences, and other structures.
- Plant, spray, weed, fertilize, water, and prune plants, shrubs, and trees, using gardening tools.
- Identify plants, pests, and weeds to determine the selection and application of pesticides and fertilizers.
