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Biologists

SOC 19-1029.04Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers professional biological research, ecological field study, species management, environmental assessment, and science communication across academic, government, and private-sector contexts requiring advanced graduate-level expertise.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Biological data sets — collect and organize using established field protocols under faculty or senior scientist supervision in laboratory and field settings.
  2. Scientific software and spreadsheet tools — enter, process, and retrieve biological data under guidance within a research computing environment.
  3. Plant and animal specimens — identify and classify using taxonomic keys and reference literature under direct supervision in a natural history or ecology lab.
  4. Anatomical structures and physiological functions — describe and document basic principles of plant and animal life in supervised course-level or entry research contexts.
  5. Technical reports and research summaries — draft introductory sections and data tables following institutional templates under senior author direction.
  6. Peer-reviewed literature — read and summarize findings relevant to assigned research questions in academic or agency laboratory environments.
  7. Ecological relationships — recognize and record interactions among organisms and their environment during supervised field surveys.
  8. Geographic information system software — input spatial data and generate basic maps under direction to support biological field studies.
  9. Laboratory and field safety protocols — follow prescribed procedures for sample handling and equipment use in a university or government research facility.
  10. Research team meetings — listen actively and contribute observations during group debriefs in a collaborative biological research setting.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Field and laboratory data — collect, quality-check, and analyze using analytical or scientific software with limited oversight on multiseason ecological studies.
  2. Species identification and distribution records — compile and interpret to characterize population structure and habitat associations across assigned study areas.
  3. Technical and environmental impact reports — write, revise, and finalize with minimal editorial oversight for submission to agency or industry clients.
  4. GIS platforms and database query tools — query, manipulate, and map biological datasets to support land-use assessment and resource management projects.
  5. Biological technicians and field assistants — coordinate day-to-day assignments and verify data quality on applied research or monitoring programs.
  6. Research findings — present to agency staff and informed public audiences using presentation and graphics software in regulatory or stakeholder contexts.
  7. Physiology, ecology, and behavior literature — critically evaluate and integrate into study designs for species of management concern.
  8. Interagency working groups and cooperative research partners — maintain regular communication and share interim findings to support coordinated management strategies.
  9. Statistical and modeling software — apply standard quantitative methods to test hypotheses about organism–environment relationships in academic or consulting environments.
  10. Draft project proposals and land-use classification reviews — assess for scientific accuracy and regulatory compliance before formal submission.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex biological datasets spanning multiple taxa and environments — analyze autonomously using advanced analytical software and custom scripts to generate publishable findings.
  2. Non-routine field conditions and ambiguous species identification challenges — resolve independently using expert taxonomic knowledge, ecological theory, and primary literature.
  3. Comprehensive technical and environmental impact reports — author and finalize for regulatory agencies, industry partners, and general public audiences with full scientific accountability.
  4. Biological monitoring programs — design, implement, and evaluate end-to-end, integrating GIS, remote sensing, and database systems in government or consulting contexts.
  5. Multidisciplinary research teams including technicians, technologists, and early-career scientists — supervise, mentor, and evaluate performance across the full project life cycle.
  6. Inter-organizational liaisons with agencies, industry, and community groups — negotiate cooperative management agreements and translate scientific findings into actionable recommendations.
  7. Quantitative ecological models and statistical frameworks — develop and validate to predict species distribution, population dynamics, or ecosystem function for applied management decisions.
  8. Proposals and land-use or recreational development reports — review critically for scientific rigor, regulatory adherence, and adequacy under tight agency or legal deadlines.
  9. Mathematical and chemical principles — integrate into study designs examining nutrient cycling, toxicology, or physiological ecology in cross-disciplinary research programs.
  10. Findings from long-term ecological studies — synthesize and communicate through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations to advance disciplinary knowledge.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational research strategy and scientific priorities — set and champion across multi-year programs at institutional, agency, or industry scale, aligning with national biological objectives.
  2. Large cross-disciplinary research collaborations — lead as principal investigator, coordinating scientists, technologists, and external partners across government, academia, and private sectors.
  3. Emerging methodologies in biological data science, genomics, and remote sensing — evaluate, adopt, and institutionalize to keep organizational capabilities at the scientific frontier.
  4. Evidence-based policies on species management, land use, and environmental protection — inform and shape by synthesizing complex biological evidence for legislative and executive decision-makers.
  5. Institutional training programs and mentorship pipelines — design and sustain to develop the next generation of professional biologists across all career stages.
  6. High-stakes environmental impact assessments and regulatory reviews — provide definitive scientific authority and final approval within organizational governance structures.
  7. Strategic inter-agency and international partnerships — initiate and steward long-term cooperative frameworks that advance shared biological conservation or research missions.
  8. Organizational data management infrastructure and scientific computing standards — establish and oversee to ensure reproducibility, security, and long-term accessibility of biological research assets.
  9. Resource allocation, budget planning, and grant portfolio management — direct at divisional or programmatic scale to sustain robust biological research and monitoring operations.
  10. Public science communication campaigns and high-visibility stakeholder engagement — lead to translate complex biological research into policy influence and broad societal understanding.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted literature review — uses an LLM to summarize recent journal articles and flag relevant studies, while independently verifying conclusions against primary sources Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Basic data query delegation — submits structured datasets to an AI tool for descriptive statistics and initial pattern identification, then reviews outputs for biological plausibility WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Technical report drafting — directs an AI assistant to produce first-draft sections of environmental impact reports or research summaries, then revises for scientific accuracy and regulatory compliance Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Species data classification support — uses AI to assist in sorting, tagging, and cross-referencing taxonomic or ecological records, retaining final classification authority based on field expertise Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Hypothesis-scoping queries — prompts an LLM with study context and preliminary observations to surface alternative hypotheses or overlooked variables, evaluating each against domain knowledge before incorporation Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. High-volume data processing pipeline direction — orchestrates AI-assisted workflows to store, process, and analyze large biological datasets, validating model outputs against established ecological baselines Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Collaborative manuscript acceleration — leverages AI to consolidate findings from multiple experiments into cohesive draft sections, cutting iteration time substantially while retaining authorship of interpretation and discussion Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Technician task scaffolding — uses AI-generated protocols and annotated procedural documents to brief biological technicians, then supervises execution and quality control in the field or lab Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  4. Cross-agency communication drafting — employs AI to tailor technical findings into accessible language for government, industry, or public audiences, then edits for factual integrity and disciplinary nuance WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Autonomous analysis audit — critically evaluates AI-generated ecological models and statistical outputs for methodological soundness, identifies where mid-range automation feasibility introduces systematic error, and redesigns workflows accordingly Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Strategic AI integration design — architects multi-step AI-assisted research pipelines spanning data ingestion, pattern recognition, and report generation, defining human checkpoints at each stage where scientific judgment is irreplaceable Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Interdisciplinary AI coordination — leads cross-functional teams in adopting shared AI tooling for collaborative field and laboratory studies, setting standards for data provenance, reproducibility, and responsible disclosure of AI-assisted findings WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  4. Evidence-gap identification — uses AI-synthesized literature maps and citation networks to pinpoint under-researched biological domains, then designs original studies that address gaps AI tools cannot independently resolve Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 299
Augment share: 29.9%
Time saved: 89.7%
AI autonomy: 3.03
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Science
Score: 53.1 / 100
precision: category_estimate
WEF cluster
Data Science and Analysis
data_science_and_analysis
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication11 statements
Emerging
  1. Field observation notes — documents species identifications and behavioral observations using standardized biological terminology in written logs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Lab meeting participation — presents preliminary data findings verbally to immediate research team using basic scientific vocabulary Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Technical report drafting — prepares structured sections of environmental impact reports incorporating data tables, species lists, and methodology descriptions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stakeholder briefing — communicates biological survey findings to agency representatives using accessible language while preserving scientific accuracy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Scientific listening — extracts key methodological and analytical details from peer presentations and recorded seminars to inform research design Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Research publication — authors peer-reviewed manuscripts detailing organism ecology, physiology, or population data with precise scientific language and structured argumentation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Public interpretation — translates complex biological findings on species distribution or environmental impact into plain-language summaries for general public and government audiences O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Cross-agency correspondence — develops formal written communications coordinating cooperative management strategies with regulatory bodies, NGOs, and land managers O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Scientific testimony — presents biological research conclusions before legislative, regulatory, or judicial bodies, synthesizing complex ecological data into compelling, evidence-based narratives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Multi-audience communication strategy — designs tiered communication plans that deliver consistent biological findings across peer publications, agency reports, and public engagement materials simultaneously Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Media and policy translation — serves as primary scientific spokesperson translating biological research outcomes into policy-relevant language for high-stakes environmental decision-making contexts O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership10 statements
Emerging
  1. Field team support — assists senior biologists in organizing equipment, coordinating sampling schedules, and briefing junior technicians on daily protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Project task ownership — accepts responsibility for discrete data collection assignments and delivers results within agreed timelines without ongoing supervision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Technician guidance — directs biological technicians through standard sampling, specimen preparation, and data entry procedures, providing corrective feedback on methodology Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Research initiative — identifies gaps in existing biological datasets and proposes targeted study designs to fill those gaps without waiting for external direction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Research team supervision — oversees biological technicians, technologists, and junior scientists across multi-season field and laboratory projects, managing performance and professional development O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interagency coordination leadership — leads working groups with government agencies, academic partners, and conservation organizations to develop cooperative biological management strategies O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Project accountability — assumes full scientific and administrative responsibility for biological research programs from design through reporting, ensuring regulatory compliance and data integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Institutional science leadership — shapes organizational research priorities, allocates scientific resources, and mentors emerging biologists across multiple concurrent research programs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Field of practice influence — leads professional working groups or advisory panels that set methodological standards, conservation frameworks, or classification protocols for biological disciplines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Crisis biological response leadership — directs rapid-response scientific teams assessing disease outbreaks, invasive species emergencies, or environmental disasters, coordinating across agencies under time pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Learning gap identification — recognizes specific gaps in taxonomic or methodological knowledge when encountering unfamiliar species or analytical techniques and seeks targeted resources Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Study strategy reflection — evaluates personal effectiveness when reviewing biological literature and adjusts reading and note-taking approaches based on comprehension outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Research assumption monitoring — tracks personal assumptions about organism behavior or ecological relationships during study design and pauses to test those assumptions against available evidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill calibration — benchmarks personal proficiency in statistical analysis or field identification techniques against discipline standards and plans targeted improvement activities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Analytical process evaluation — reviews own data interpretation workflow after project completion, identifies systematic reasoning errors, and modifies analytical protocols for subsequent studies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Knowledge boundary recognition — distinguishes confidently between areas of established personal expertise and areas requiring consultation with specialists before committing to biological conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cognitive bias audit — systematically examines own research program for confirmation bias in species classification, ecological modeling, or experimental interpretation, and institutes blind review safeguards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Metacognitive mentorship — coaches junior biologists in developing explicit self-monitoring habits for hypothesis formation, data interpretation, and iterative learning from negative results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking11 statements
Emerging
  1. Data plausibility checking — identifies obvious outliers, recording errors, or implausible species occurrence entries in biological datasets before submitting for analysis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Literature evaluation — distinguishes peer-reviewed primary research from secondary or opinion sources when assembling background knowledge on an organism or ecosystem Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Hypothesis testing logic — constructs null and alternative hypotheses for biological experiments and identifies appropriate controls to isolate the variable of interest Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Methodology critique — evaluates sampling design adequacy, statistical power, and potential confounds in colleagues' or published study protocols before accepting conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Regulatory document review — analyzes land use proposals and recreational development plans for scientific accuracy, logical consistency, and adherence to biological standards O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Causal inference evaluation — distinguishes correlation from causation in ecological datasets describing organism-environment relationships, applying appropriate statistical and logical criteria Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Multi-source synthesis — integrates morphological, genetic, behavioral, and distributional evidence to reach defensible conclusions about species classification or population status O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Environmental impact assessment — critically evaluates proposed development impacts on biological communities by weighing cumulative, indirect, and long-term ecological effects against reported direct impacts O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Paradigm challenge — identifies foundational assumptions underlying established biological classification or ecological models and constructs evidence-based arguments for revision or replacement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-disciplinary synthesis — integrates evidence from chemistry, climatology, genetics, and ecology to build comprehensive causal models of complex biological phenomena beyond any single discipline Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Research quality adjudication — serves as peer reviewer or panel evaluator assessing rigor, validity, and significance of biological research proposals and manuscripts at field-defining levels Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration9 statements
Emerging
  1. Field team participation — contributes reliably to shared data collection tasks, coordinates sampling assignments with teammates, and flags issues affecting group data quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Lab protocol coordination — aligns personal specimen processing schedules with other team members to prevent equipment conflicts and maintain chain-of-custody integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Interdisciplinary project contribution — works alongside chemists, geographers, and statisticians on integrated biological studies, adapting communication style to bridge disciplinary knowledge gaps Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Agency liaison development — builds functional working relationships with government agency contacts to facilitate data sharing, permit acquisition, and cooperative field access O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-institutional research partnership — co-designs and executes collaborative biological studies across university, government, and NGO partners, negotiating shared methodologies and data governance agreements O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict navigation in research teams — mediates scientific disagreements about methodology or interpretation within research teams, guiding groups toward evidence-based consensus Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Public engagement collaboration — partners with educators, conservation organizations, and community groups to co-develop biological monitoring programs that incorporate diverse stakeholder perspectives O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Consortium leadership — establishes and sustains large multi-agency biological research consortia, aligning competing institutional interests around shared conservation or scientific objectives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-sector knowledge integration — leads collaboration platforms that connect academic researchers, regulatory agencies, industry scientists, and indigenous knowledge holders on complex biological management challenges Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
6Character10 statements
Emerging
  1. Data recording integrity — documents biological observations accurately and completely without omitting inconvenient data points or altering field measurements to match expectations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Specimen handling ethics — follows established protocols for collection, handling, and disposition of biological specimens in compliance with permit conditions and animal welfare standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Scientific transparency — discloses methodological limitations, sample size constraints, and data uncertainties in reports and presentations rather than overstating the strength of biological conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional accountability — accepts responsibility for errors in species identification or data analysis, communicates corrections promptly, and implements process improvements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Research ethics compliance — designs and executes biological research in full adherence to institutional review requirements, environmental regulations, and professional codes of scientific conduct Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict of interest management — discloses funding sources, organizational affiliations, and personal interests that could bias biological assessments provided to regulatory or public audiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Environmental stewardship — minimizes ecological disturbance during fieldwork, models responsible land and resource use, and advocates for sustainable biological sampling practices within research teams Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Scientific integrity leadership — establishes and enforces data management, authorship, and reporting standards across a research program, creating institutional accountability culture Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Ethical advocacy — speaks publicly against misrepresentation of biological findings in policy or commercial contexts, accepting professional risk to protect scientific integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Equitable science practice — builds research programs that proactively include underrepresented communities, ensure fair authorship, and apply ethical standards consistently across all collaborators Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity10 statements
Emerging
  1. Sampling innovation — proposes modifications to standard transect or trapping methods when terrain, species behavior, or resource constraints make conventional approaches impractical Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Data visualization exploration — experiments with novel graphical representations of species distribution or population trend data to reveal patterns not apparent in standard formats Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Study design originality — constructs experimental frameworks that combine established biological methods in novel configurations to address research questions inadequately served by existing approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdisciplinary method borrowing — adapts analytical or observational techniques from adjacent fields such as remote sensing, molecular biology, or behavioral economics to biological research problems Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Novel classification framework — develops original taxonomic or ecological classification schemes for understudied organism groups that integrate morphological, genetic, and functional trait evidence O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conservation strategy innovation — designs creative habitat management or species recovery interventions that address biological needs not met by conventional regulatory frameworks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Technology integration — pioneers application of emerging tools such as environmental DNA, acoustic monitoring, or machine learning image recognition to biological field assessment challenges O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Paradigm-shifting research design — conceives research programs that challenge foundational assumptions about organism development, ecology, or evolution and open new lines of scientific inquiry Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-disciplinary synthesis invention — creates integrative biological frameworks that fuse insights from genomics, climate science, and population modeling in ways that generate fundamentally new predictive capacity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Methodological standard creation — invents and publishes novel biological sampling or analysis protocols subsequently adopted as standard practice across the discipline Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset9 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback receptivity — incorporates supervisor and peer corrections on species identification, data recording, or report writing without defensiveness, treating errors as learning inputs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill stretch acceptance — volunteers for field or analytical assignments outside current competency level, framing discomfort as a signal of productive learning challenge Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Negative result reframing — treats experimental outcomes that falsify hypotheses as scientifically valuable data, extracting methodological and conceptual lessons rather than viewing them as failures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Literature-driven updating — revises personal understanding of organism biology or ecological dynamics when confronted with new peer-reviewed evidence that contradicts previous conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Continuing specialization — actively pursues advanced training in emerging biological techniques, statistical methods, or taxonomic systems to maintain expertise at the frontier of the field Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Setback persistence — sustains research momentum through equipment failures, permit delays, funding gaps, and inconclusive field seasons by adapting methodology and maintaining long-term scientific objectives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Cross-disciplinary learning — deliberately acquires working knowledge in adjacent disciplines such as climatology, toxicology, or remote sensing to enhance biological research capabilities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Career-long mastery pursuit — maintains active engagement with emerging biological literature, technologies, and methodologies across decades of professional practice, continuously updating research approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Growth culture cultivation — institutionalizes psychological safety within research teams so that junior biologists report anomalous findings, question established methods, and learn openly from mistakes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness9 statements
Emerging
  1. Field attention management — maintains focused observation during extended wildlife surveys, minimizing distraction to detect subtle behavioral or morphological cues requiring accurate documentation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional regulation in fieldwork — manages frustration during low-yield sampling sessions or adverse weather without compromising data collection standards or team morale Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Analytical deliberateness — pauses before drawing taxonomic or ecological conclusions from ambiguous data, deliberately reviewing evidence rather than defaulting to first impressions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Stakeholder interaction presence — gives full attention during consultations with agency partners or community groups, ensuring complete understanding of their biological concerns before responding Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Observational precision — sustains heightened perceptual attention across multi-hour organism behavior or habitat assessment sessions, detecting low-frequency events critical to study conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stress-state awareness — recognizes personal cognitive and emotional state during high-pressure fieldwork or regulatory deadlines and implements self-regulation strategies that preserve analytical quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Intentional experimental execution — approaches novel procedures with deliberate awareness of each step, reducing procedural error rates during complex specimen collection or laboratory preparation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mindful leadership modeling — demonstrates and teaches present-moment awareness practices to research teams, reducing reactive decision-making during ecological emergencies or high-stakes assessments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Contemplative science practice — integrates structured reflection routines into research program management, creating regular cycles of intentional review that improve hypothesis quality and reduce confirmation bias Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude10 statements
Emerging
  1. Field hardship tolerance — continues biological data collection through physically demanding conditions including extreme weather, remote terrain, and extended hours without compromising sampling protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Uncertainty tolerance — proceeds with organism identification and data recording tasks despite incomplete information, documenting uncertainty appropriately rather than abandoning the effort Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Research setback recovery — rebounds from failed experiments, corrupted datasets, or negative peer review outcomes by diagnosing root causes and relaunching modified research approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Funding adversity navigation — sustains research productivity and team cohesion during grant rejection cycles or budget reductions by prioritizing core scientific objectives and adapting scope Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Long-duration study commitment — maintains rigorous data collection standards and scientific objectivity across multi-year longitudinal biological monitoring programs without degradation in protocol adherence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Controversial findings courage — publishes and defends biological conclusions that contradict prevailing scientific consensus or challenge powerful stakeholder interests, supported by sound evidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Regulatory resistance persistence — continues advocating for scientifically sound biological assessments when facing political, commercial, or institutional pressure to modify or suppress findings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Sustained program leadership under adversity — steers biological research programs through prolonged funding crises, organizational restructuring, or major environmental disasters without abandoning core scientific mission Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Intellectual courage at scale — publicly challenges flawed biological policies or pseudoscientific claims in high-visibility regulatory and public arenas, accepting reputational and professional risk in defense of scientific integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Resilience culture building — develops institutional practices and team norms that build collective perseverance, enabling research groups to sustain productivity through compounding setbacks over long time horizons Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Aquatic Biologist · Aquatic Scientist · Bioanalytical Scientist · Biological Operations Scientist (Biological Ops Scientist) · Biological Scientist · Biologist · Biology Scientist · Botanist · Cell Biologist · Cell Culture Scientist · Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist) · Clinical Researcher
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
ScienceReading ComprehensionWritingSpeakingActive ListeningCritical ThinkingActive LearningMathematicsComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingLearning StrategiesSystems EvaluationMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationInstructingProgrammingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Personnel Resources
Knowledge domains
BiologyEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguageMathematicsAdministration and ManagementChemistryAdministrativeEngineering and TechnologyCommunications and Media
Abilities
Written ExpressionWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionInductive ReasoningOral ExpressionNear VisionCategory FlexibilityInformation OrderingProblem SensitivityDeductive Reasoning
Work styles
Intellectual CuriosityAttention to DetailInnovationDependabilityIntegrityAchievement Orientation
Technology
Graphics or photo imaging softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareObject or component oriented development softwareGeographic information systemOperating system softwareData base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwarePresentation softwareWord processing software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.
  2. Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
  3. Supervise biological technicians and technologists and other scientists.
  4. 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.
  5. Identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species.
  6. Study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and function.
  7. Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment.
  8. 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.
CIP education codes
26.010126.020426.020726.020826.020926.021026.029926.030126.030526.030726.030826.039926.040126.040326.040426.040626.040726.049926.050326.050426.050526.050626.050726.050826.050926.070226.070726.080126.080226.080326.080426.080526.080726.089926.091026.100126.100426.110126.110226.110426.119926.120126.130126.130226.130326.130426.130526.130626.130726.130826.131026.131126.139926.150126.150226.150326.150426.159926.999927.030630.190130.270130.320142.2706

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.