Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other

SOC 19-4099.00Job Zone 3 · Medium PreparationSibling-inferredv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers applied animal science and agricultural research technician practice in laboratory, research station, and field extension environments, from entry-level data collection through organizational leadership of nutrition studies, producer advisory services, and animal husbandry improvement programs.

Sources:O*NET v30.2 SkillsCrosswalk

Emerging

Entry / Apprentice

Nutritional requirements of common livestock species — identify and record under direct supervisor guidance in a laboratory or farm-based research setting.
Animal feed material samples — collect, label, and log into a database using established protocols on a research station.
Scientific literature on animal nutrition and husbandry — read and summarize key findings under the direction of a senior technician.
Spreadsheet software — enter and organize feed composition data as directed during routine data collection tasks.
Oral instructions from research scientists — listen actively and confirm understanding before executing assigned tasks in a laboratory environment.
Basic sanitation and housing standards for research animals — follow established procedures to maintain compliant conditions on-site.
Preliminary research observations — document accurately in written logs using standardized templates provided by the research team.
Office suite and presentation software — prepare draft slides or tables for team review meetings under supervisor direction.
Common animal parasites and diseases — recognize visual indicators and report findings to supervising scientists promptly.
Producer inquiries about animal care basics — refer to appropriate team members or resource materials, escalating as needed.

Developing

Mid-level / Established

Nutritive values of multiple feed material types — analyze and compare using established methods with reduced oversight in a research or agricultural extension setting.
Research findings on feeding practices — communicate clearly in written reports and oral briefings to internal science teams on a routine basis.
Animal housing and sanitation improvement protocols — implement and monitor with increasing independence across multiple animal units at a research facility.
Database query software — retrieve, filter, and validate research records to support ongoing nutrition studies without step-by-step guidance.
Animal production challenges presented by producers — assess using critical thinking and identify applicable recommended practices from current technical resources.
Feeding trial data sets — apply inductive reasoning to detect emerging patterns and flag anomalies to the research lead.
Geographic information system tools — use to map and track field study sites or producer locations within a regional agricultural program.
Improved husbandry techniques — explain to producers and farm staff using accessible language during on-farm visits or extension workshops.
Parasite and disease control schedules — maintain and adjust based on observed animal health indicators following standard decision trees.
Active learning strategies — apply by reviewing updated research literature and integrating new findings into routine technical recommendations.

Proficient

Senior / Expert IC

Nutritional requirement studies across diverse animal species — design, execute, and interpret autonomously in compliance with research protocols at a science or extension institution.
Research findings — synthesize and communicate in peer-reviewed-style reports, extension bulletins, and public-facing presentations without editorial oversight.
Animal feeding, housing, and sanitation improvement plans — develop independently by integrating biological, chemical, and operational knowledge for specific production contexts.
Complex producer problems in animal production — diagnose using deductive reasoning and recommend evidence-based solutions drawn from multiple knowledge domains.
Non-routine disease or parasite outbreaks in research or production settings — investigate, assess risk, and coordinate corrective actions using professional judgment.
CAD software or facility planning tools — apply to propose improved animal housing layouts that meet welfare, sanitation, and research requirements.
Statistical and spreadsheet analysis of feed trial outcomes — perform and interpret to support actionable recommendations for producers and research stakeholders.
Technical presentations to mixed audiences of scientists, producers, and the public — deliver with clarity, adapting content depth to audience expertise level.
Animal nutrition and production research gaps — identify through critical review of literature and propose study designs to address them.
Ethical and safety standards in animal research and producer consultation — uphold with integrity and cautiousness across all independent field and lab activities.

Advanced

Lead / Principal / Executive

Organizational research agendas on animal nutrition and production science — shape by setting priorities, securing resources, and aligning teams to institutional goals.
Junior technicians and early-career scientists — mentor and develop through structured coaching, task delegation, and performance feedback in a research or extension environment.
Cross-disciplinary findings on feeding, disease control, and housing — translate into policy recommendations and best-practice guidelines disseminated to industry stakeholders.
Strategic partnerships with producers, universities, and government agencies — establish and lead to advance applied animal science research at a regional or national scale.
Complex multi-site research programs spanning nutrition, sanitation, and parasite control — oversee for quality, compliance, and timely delivery across all participating teams.
Organizational data systems and GIS platforms — govern and optimize to ensure integrity, accessibility, and utility of research records across the institution.
High-stakes communication with scientific bodies, legislative audiences, and the public — lead by representing the organization's research expertise and translating evidence into actionable guidance.
Emerging technologies in animal production and data management — evaluate, champion adoption of, and integrate into institutional workflows to maintain research excellence.
Institutional knowledge management in animal science — build through documentation of methodologies, best practices, and lessons learned to ensure continuity across personnel transitions.
Culture of intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, and achievement orientation — model and reinforce across the science team to sustain high standards in research and producer service.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

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Advanced

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RAPIDS apprenticeships

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O*NET skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeakingWritingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingActive Learning

Knowledge domains

English LanguageMathematicsComputers and ElectronicsEducation and TrainingBiologyAdministration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServiceChemistry

Abilities

Written ComprehensionOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionInductive ReasoningDeductive Reasoning

Work styles

Attention to DetailIntellectual CuriosityDependabilityIntegrityAchievement OrientationCautiousness

Technology

Computer aided design CAD softwareGeographic information systemData base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwarePresentation software

Tasks · seed anchors for statements

Study nutritional requirements of animals and nutritive values of animal feed materials.
Write up or orally communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.
Develop improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, or parasite and disease control of animals.
Advise producers about improved products and techniques that could enhance their animal production efforts.

CIP education codes

40.040140.100140.100241.000041.030341.039941.999943.010043.010443.040243.040645.0401