Agricultural and Food Scientists

Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

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).

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

O’NET publishes details below this occupation’s level. Showing Animal Scientists — one of 3 occupations here: Animal Scientists, Food Scientists and Technologists, Soil and Plant Scientists.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Study nutritional requirements of animals and nutritive values of animal feed materials.89
Write up or orally communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.86
Develop improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, or parasite and disease control of animals.85
Advise producers about improved products and techniques that could enhance their animal production efforts.84
Conduct research concerning animal nutrition, breeding, or management to improve products or processes.84
Study effects of management practices, processing methods, feed, or environmental conditions on quality and quantity of animal products, such as eggs and milk.83
Research and control animal selection and breeding practices to increase production efficiency and improve animal quality.67
Determine genetic composition of animal populations and heritability of traits, using principles of genetics.55
Crossbreed animals with existing strains or cross strains to obtain new combinations of desirable characteristics.47

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Reading Comprehension78
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Complex Problem Solving75
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking75
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making75
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Science75
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Writing75
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning72
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Active Listening72
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.
Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring69
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Systems Analysis69
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Mathematics60
Using mathematics to solve problems.

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Learning Strategies56
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Systems Evaluation56
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Time Management56
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Coordination53
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Social Perceptiveness53
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Management of Personnel Resources50
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Negotiation50
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion50
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation50
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Operations Analysis44
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Quality Control Analysis44
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operations Monitoring38
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Management of Material Resources31
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Management of Financial Resources25
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Programming25
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Operation and Control22
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Technology Design22
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Troubleshooting22
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance3
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection3
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Biology91
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Mathematics78
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language77
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Chemistry76
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.
Food Production71
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Education and Training61
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Customer and Personal Service60
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Computers and Electronics59
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Sales and Marketing53
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Administration and Management50
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.
Communications and Media46
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Production and Processing46
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

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Engineering and Technology38
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Administrative36
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Economics and Accounting36
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Law and Government33
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Personnel and Human Resources33
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Physics33
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Medicine and Dentistry30
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Telecommunications30
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Psychology28
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Public Safety and Security28
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Transportation27
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Foreign Language25
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Mechanical24
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Geography23
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Design22
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Building and Construction19
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Sociology and Anthropology15
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Therapy and Counseling15
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Philosophy and Theology14
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
History and Archeology11
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Fine Arts6
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning75
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity75
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Speech Clarity75
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility72
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Information Ordering72
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Fluency of Ideas69
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

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Speech Recognition69
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Mathematical Reasoning56
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility56
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Originality56
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Selective Attention53
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
Flexibility of Closure50
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Memorization44
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Visualization44
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Auditory Attention41
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Time Sharing41
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visual Color Discrimination41
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Speed of Closure31
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Hearing Sensitivity28
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Trunk Strength28
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Arm-Hand Steadiness25
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision25
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Depth Perception25
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Multilimb Coordination25
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Response Orientation25
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Spatial Orientation25
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Static Strength25
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Reaction Time22
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Wrist-Finger Speed22
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Glare Sensitivity19
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Finger Dexterity16
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Gross Body Coordination16
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Night Vision13
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision13
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control13
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Stamina13
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Explosive Strength10
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility10
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Gross Body Equilibrium10
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Sound Localization10
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Dynamic Strength6
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Manual Dexterity3
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Analyzing Data or Information89
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Working with Computers87
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information86
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems86
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Processing Information84
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others82
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge82
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Thinking Creatively81
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization77
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others77
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Training and Teaching Others77
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships76
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events76
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates75
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Documenting/Recording Information75
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Developing Objectives and Strategies73
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings73
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work73
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Developing and Building Teams68
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People68
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information66
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards65
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates61
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Scheduling Work and Activities61
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Selling or Influencing Others61
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Coaching and Developing Others60
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others58
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others56
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources53
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public46
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials45
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment44
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Assisting and Caring for Others43
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Performing Administrative Activities43
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Performing General Physical Activities40
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Controlling Machines and Processes37
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Staffing Organizational Units36
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Handling and Moving Objects27
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment22
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment20
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment20
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Intellectual Curiosity85
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Innovation78
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Attention to Detail77
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability76
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Achievement Orientation70
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Integrity59
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Perseverance57
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Initiative52
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Cautiousness48
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Self-Confidence47
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Tolerance for Ambiguity45
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Adaptability43
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

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Cooperation38
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Leadership Orientation33
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Stress Tolerance30
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Sincerity27
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Social Orientation27
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Humility23
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Self-Control20
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Empathy11
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism11
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Investigative99
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic71
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional39
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Enterprising23
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Artistic16
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Social16
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day100%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day74%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours78%
- 40 hours22%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom48%
- Some freedom48%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day55%
- Once a week or more but not every day36%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom52%
- Some freedom39%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important48%
- Very important30%
- Important22%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others52%
- Contact with others most of the time22%
- Contact with others about half the time22%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important30%
- Very important61%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results35%
- Important results30%
- Moderate results30%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day43%
- Once a week or more but not every day35%
- Never13%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day35%
- Once a week or more but not every day30%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%

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In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day26%
- Once a week or more but not every day48%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day36%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Time Pressure
- Once a week or more but not every day57%
- Once a month or more but not every week39%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important13%
- Very important43%
- Important35%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important26%
- Very important30%
- Important26%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive43%
- Moderately competitive43%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day43%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time48%
- About half the time22%
- Less than half the time22%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day39%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility43%
- Moderate responsibility43%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility22%
- High responsibility17%
- Moderate responsibility35%
- Limited responsibility22%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day17%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day30%
- Once a year or more but not every month43%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week48%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious30%
- Serious17%
- Fairly serious35%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important13%
- Very important17%
- Important39%
- Fairly important13%
- Not important at all17%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a week or more but not every day30%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never13%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month45%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)26%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)39%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)35%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time18%
- About half the time36%
- Less than half the time45%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week43%
- Once a year or more but not every month48%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month52%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month61%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated35%
- Slightly automated30%
- Not at all automated26%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a year or more but not every month55%
- Never18%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)57%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)43%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time57%
- Never22%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time70%
- Never13%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- About half the time17%
- Less than half the time74%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never43%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never48%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month39%
- Never39%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never48%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
- Never48%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never57%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time61%
- Never39%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never61%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time52%
- Never48%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Fairly important22%
- Not important at all70%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time43%
- Never57%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month39%
- Never61%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time30%
- Never70%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never74%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never87%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never96%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Doctoral degree
Master’s degree
Bachelor’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Analytical or scientific software
Best Linear Unbiased Prediction BLUP, Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA sequence analysis software, SAS, VSNi GenStat
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Database software, Microsoft Access, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals OMIA, Structured query language SQL
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcGIS software
Electronic mail software
Email software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Oracle PeopleSoft
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Business intelligence and data analysis software
Tableau
Human resources software
Oracle HRIS
Internet browser software
Web browser software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Research livestock management methods.
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Develop agricultural methods.
Advise others on business or operational matters.
Advise others on ways to improve processes or products.
Research genetic characteristics or expression.
Perform animal breeding procedures.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology