marine-biologist/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — marine biologist

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 19-1023.00 (Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists).

Task statements

• [Core] Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
• [Core] Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
• [Core] Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
• [Core] Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs.
• [Core] Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
• [Core] Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
• [Core] Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
• [Core] Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
• [Core] Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
• [Core] Conduct literature reviews.
• [Supplemental] Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
• [Supplemental] Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.
• [Supplemental] Prepare collections of preserved specimens or microscopic slides for species identification and study of development or disease.
• [Supplemental] Collect and dissect animal specimens and examine specimens under microscope.

Detailed work activities

• Advise others about environmental management or conservation.
• Analyze biological samples.
• Assess compliance with environmental laws.
• Collect biological specimens.
• Communicate with the public on environmental issues.
• Coordinate safety or regulatory compliance activities.
• Direct fundraising or financing activities.
• Examine characteristics or behavior of living organisms.
• Implement advertising or marketing initiatives.
• Manage organizational or project budgets.
• Measure environmental characteristics.
• Plan biological research.
• Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Research diseases or parasites.
• Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
• Research genetic characteristics or expression.
• Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
• Supervise employees.