What Does it Take to Be a Biologist?
Example of Biologist Job Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Biologist Responsibilities
- Plan and administer biological research programs for government, research firms, medical industries, or manufacturing firms.
- Study and manage wild animal populations.
- Study reactions of plants, animals, and marine species to parasites.
- 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.
- Supervise biological technicians and technologists and other scientists.
- Prepare requests for proposals or statements of work.
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Biologist Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Biologists say are important on the job.
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Nematologist
- Research Scientist
- Cytologist
- Marine Scientist
- Botanist
Biologist Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 112,800 jobs for Biologist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 10,100 new jobs for Biologist by 2026. There will be an estimated 11,000 positions for Biologist per year.
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Biologist Salary
The average yearly salary of a Biologist ranges between $44,100 and $140,240.
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What Tools do Biologists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Biologists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Linux
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- UNIX
- R
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Minitab
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- Practical extraction and reporting language Perl
- Wolfram Research Mathematica
Becoming a Biologist
What education is needed to be a Biologist?
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What work experience do I need to become a Biologist?
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Biologists Sector
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Below are examples of industries where Biologists work:
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You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a Biologist may also be interested in:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
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