These occupations use science to understand aspects of nature or to solve problems. Examples include Biologists, Physicists, Sociologists, and Science Technicians.

Subcategories

Life Scientists
Physical Scientists
Science Technicians
Social Scientists and Related Workers

Life Scientists

Animal Scientists 19-1011.00
Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.

Biochemists and Biophysicists 19-1021.00
Study the chemical composition and physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

Biological Scientists, All Other 19-1029.99
All biological scientists not listed separately.

Biologists 19-1020.01
Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

Conservation Scientists 19-1031.00
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands from fire and rodent damage. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

Life Scientists, Continued

Epidemiologists 19-1041.00
Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, and other health outcomes and develop the means for prevention and control.

Food Scientists and Technologists 19-1012.00
Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.

Foresters 19-1032.00
Manage forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine the best time for harvesting. Develop forest management plans for public and privately-owned forested lands.

Life Scientists, All Other 19-1099.99
All life scientists not listed separately.

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 19-1042.00
Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation or other research, production, technical writing, or related activities.

Life Scientists, Continued

Microbiologists 19-1022.00
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Park Naturalists 19-1031.03
Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.

Range Managers 19-1031.02
Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.

Soil and Plant Scientists 19-1013.00
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

Soil and Water Conservationists 19-1031.01
Plan and develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil and water conservation, and sound land use.

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists 19-1023.00
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management, including the collection and analysis of biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water areas.

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Physical Scientists

Astronomers 19-2011.00
Observe, research, and interpret celestial and astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge and apply such information to practical problems.

Atmospheric and Space Scientists 19-2021.00
Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses.

Chemists 19-2031.00
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or chemical experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health 19-2041.00
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Utilizing knowledge of various scientific disciplines may collect, synthesize, study, report, and take action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

Physical Scientists, Continued

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers 19-2042.00
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the earth's internal composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

Hydrologists 19-2043.00
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere.

Materials Scientists 19-2032.00
Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and manmade materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications.

Physical Scientists, All Other 19-2099.99
All physical scientists not listed separately.

Physicists 19-2012.00
Conduct research into the phases of physical phenomena, develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply laws and theories to industry and other fields.

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Science Technicians

Agricultural and Food Science Technicians 19-4011.00
Work with agricultural scientists in food, fiber, and animal research, production, and processing; assist with animal breeding and nutrition work; under supervision, conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects. Includes technicians who assist food scientists or food technologists in the research, development, production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.

Agricultural Technicians 19-4011.01
Set up and maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens and record data to assist scientist in biology or related science experiments.

Biological Technicians 19-4021.00
Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

Chemical Technicians 19-4031.00
Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for purposes, such as research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.

City and Regional Planning Aides 19-4061.01
Compile data from various sources, such as maps, reports, and field and file investigations, for use by city planner in making planning studies.

Science Technicians, Continued

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health 19-4091.00
Performs laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health. Under direction of an environmental scientist or specialist, may collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing and take corrective actions as assigned.

Food Science Technicians 19-4011.02
Perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products.

Forensic Science Technicians 19-4092.00
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

Forest and Conservation Technicians 19-4093.00
Compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts, under direction of foresters; train and lead forest workers in forest propagation, fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats, and help provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources.

Geological and Petroleum Technicians 19-4041.00
Assist scientists in the use of electrical, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in both laboratory and production activities to obtain data indicating potential sources of metallic ore, gas, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes. Investigate and collect information leading to the possible discovery of new oil fields.

Science Technicians, Continued

Geological Sample Test Technicians 19-4041.02
Test and analyze geological samples, crude oil, or petroleum products to detect presence of petroleum, gas, or mineral deposits indicating potential for exploration and production, or to determine physical and chemical properties to ensure that products meet quality standards.

Geophysical Data Technicians 19-4041.01
Measure, record, and evaluate geological data, using sonic, electronic, electrical, seismic, or gravity-measuring instruments to prospect for oil or gas. May collect and evaluate core samples and cuttings.

Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other 19-4099.99
All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately.

Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians 19-4051.01
Operate equipment used for the release, control, and utilization of nuclear energy to assist scientists in laboratory and production activities.

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians 19-4051.02
Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

Science Technicians, Continued

Nuclear Technicians 19-4051.00
Assist scientists in both laboratory and production activities by performing technical tasks involving nuclear physics, primarily in operation, maintenance, production, and quality control support activities.

Social Science Research Assistants 19-4061.00
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social research. May perform publication activities, laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management. Normally these individuals work under the direct supervision of a social scientist and assist in those activities which are more routine.

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Social Scientists and Related Workers

Anthropologists 19-3091.01
Research, evaluate, and establish public policy concerning the origins of humans; their physical, social, linguistic, and cultural development; and their behavior, as well as the cultures, organizations, and institutions they have created.

Anthropologists and Archeologists 19-3091.00
Study the origin, development, and behavior of humans. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of existing people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations.

Archeologists 19-3091.02
Conduct research to reconstruct record of past human life and culture from human remains, artifacts, architectural features, and structures recovered through excavation, underwater recovery, or other means of discovery.

Clinical Psychologists 19-3031.02
Diagnose or evaluate mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests, and formulate and administer programs of treatment.

Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists 19-3031.00
Diagnose and treat mental disorders; learning disabilities; and cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems using individual, child, family, and group therapies. May design and implement behavior modification programs.

Social Scientists and Related Workers, Continued

Counseling Psychologists 19-3031.03
Assess and evaluate individuals' problems through the use of case history, interview, and observation and provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment.

Economists 19-3011.00
Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to aid in solution of economic problems arising from production and distribution of goods and services. May collect and process economic and statistical data using econometric and sampling techniques.

Geographers 19-3092.00
Study nature and use of areas of earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.

Historians 19-3093.00
Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists 19-3032.00
Apply principles of psychology to personnel, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee screening, training and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to reorganize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

Social Scientists and Related Workers, Continued

Market Research Analysts 19-3021.00
Research market conditions in local, regional, or national areas to determine potential sales of a product or service. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May use survey results to create a marketing campaign based on regional preferences and buying habits.

Political Scientists 19-3094.00
Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. Research a wide range of subjects, such as relations between the United States and foreign countries, the beliefs and institutions of foreign nations, or the politics of small towns or a major metropolis. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decision making, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

Psychologists, All Other 19-3039.99
All psychologists not listed separately.

School Psychologists 19-3031.01
Investigate processes of learning and teaching and develop psychological principles and techniques applicable to educational problems.

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other 19-3099.99
All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Social Scientists and Related Workers, Continued

Sociologists 19-3041.00
Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

Survey Researchers 19-3022.00
Design or conduct surveys. May supervise interviewers who conduct the survey in person or over the telephone. May present survey results to client.

Urban and Regional Planners 19-3051.00
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of local jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

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