# Tasks & work activities — biology technician

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 19-1029.04 (Biologists).

## Task statements

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

## Detailed work activities

- Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
- Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables.
- Classify organisms based on their characteristics or behavior.
- Collect environmental data or samples.
- Communicate results of environmental research.
- Communicate with government agencies.
- Conduct research of processes in natural or industrial ecosystems.
- Develop biological research methods.
- Develop collaborative relationships between departments or with external organizations.
- Develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources.
- Develop safety standards, policies, or procedures.
- Examine characteristics or behavior of living organisms.
- Identify environmental concerns.
- Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
- Operate computers or computerized equipment.
- Plan biological research.
- Prepare proposal documents or grant applications.
- Prepare research or technical reports on environmental issues.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
- Provide technical information or assistance to public.
- Research diseases or parasites.
- Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
- Research topics in area of expertise.
- Review plans or proposals for environmental conservation.
- Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
- Write computer programming code.
- Write grant proposals.