Natural Sciences Managers

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This occupation is part of the Management cluster

About the Job

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

It is also Called

  • Agricultural Research Director
  • Agriculture Research Director
  • Chemical Laboratory Chief
  • Chemical Plant Technical Director
  • Coastal Management Planner
  • Conservationist
  • Director of Research
  • Director of Research and Development
  • Environmental Manager
  • Environmental Research Project Manager

What They Do

  • 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.
  • 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.

Interests

People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: EI.

This means people who work in this occupation generally have Enterprising interests, but also prefer Investigative environments.

Work Values

People who work in this occupation generally prize Independence, but also value Working Conditions and Achievement in their jobs.

Things They Need to Know

  • 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.
  • Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • 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.

Things They Need to Be Able to Do

  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to 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.
  • Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

Education Required

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).

Wages

In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $162,860 with most people making between $91,040 and n/a

Outlook

1.70%
avg. annual growth

During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 8,800 people in California. It is projected that there will be 10,300 employed in 2020.

This occupation will have about 150 openings due to growth and about 530 replacement openings for approximately 680 total annual openings.

Common College Majors

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