What does a Biologist do?
A biologist is a specialized scientist focusing on studying living organisms and their relationship to the existing ecosystem. Biologists spend lots of time doing research and validating theories to support the complexity of the living matter. In some cases, biologists could also be out in the field rather than staying in a laboratory to collect biological specimens to justify their findings and create reports from their scientific investigations. Biologists also often communicate with government entities and private industries to provide recommendations on preserving the ecosystem and wildlife habitat.
Biologist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real biologist resumes:
- Train for GLP compliance - manage transition of department to GLP/GCP compliance for CRO accreditation.
- Work closely with other project leads to make sure sampling protocols for Chinook, chum and steelhead are followed.
- Manage detailed GLP laboratory manual daily.
- Create and manage multidisciplinary, interagency research teams.
- Conduct data analysis for mark-recapture studies of juvenile Chinook salmon and steelhead trout abundance.
- Train ODA staff in GIS data management and model development, providing document protocols for future GIS use.
- Assure proper functioning of all equipment: lawn mowers , 4 x 4 RV's, boats, etc.
- Analyze immune cells by FACS.
- Supervise technicians and creel clerks.
- Perform immunological assays (ELISA).
- Conduct flow cytometry (FACS).
- Comply yearly summaries for the ESA permits.
- Document results according to ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 standards.
- Maintain mass phytoplankton culture collection for USDA shrimp farming program.
- Analyze cDNA and total RNA with the Taqman and qPCR assays.
Biologist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Biologists are proficient in Data Collection, GPS, and Renewable Energy. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Emotional stamina and stability, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Biologists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Data Collection, 7%
Participated in numerous fisheries research projects including development, data collection and statistical analysis, and editing of final reports.
- GPS, 6%
Established GPS coordinates for experimental plots previously located via aerial photographs.
- Renewable Energy, 6%
Managed biological teams on renewable energy generation and transmission projects throughout the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and Desert Southwest.
- Cell Culture, 5%
Collaborated with supervisors of Bacteriology and Cell Biology departments to develop and implement quality control testing procedures for cell cultures.
- GIS, 4%
Provide support to senior biologist Preparing reports Database management GIS
- Technical Reports, 4%
Performed as contributing author on several technical reports, including those submitted for regulatory review.
Most biologists use their skills in "data collection," "gps," and "renewable energy" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential biologist responsibilities here:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a biologist to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "zoologists and wildlife biologists write about and present their research to the public, policymakers, and academic audiences." Biologists often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "experienced in grant writing, excellent technical and oral communication skills, as well as data management. "
Interpersonal skills. This is an important skill for biologists to perform their duties. For an example of how biologist responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "zoologists and wildlife biologists typically work on teams and must be able to work effectively with others." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a biologist: "conducted creel surveys utilizing interpersonal skills, data entry skills, and organizational skills. ".
Problem-solving skills. A commonly-found skill in biologist job descriptions, "problem-solving skills" is essential to what biologists do. Biologist responsibilities rely on this skill because "zoologists and wildlife biologists try to find solutions to wildlife threats, such as disease and habitat loss." You can also see how biologist duties rely on problem-solving skills in this resume example: "used ph, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and ammonia meters on a regular basis to monitor water quality. "
The three companies that hire the most biologists are:
- ICF58 biologists jobs
- ERM46 biologists jobs
- HELIX Environmental Planning
30 biologists jobs
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Compare different biologists
Biologist vs. Fish culture supervisor
A biological science technician is responsible for supporting scientists in conducting laboratory experiments and examinations. Biological science technicians perform data analysis procedures, evaluate findings, and create data reports. They also ensure the cleanliness of the laboratory, including the laboratory tools and equipment, to prevent contamination that may affect the accuracy of test results. A biological science technician must have excellent scientific knowledge, especially on the application of scientific methods, assessing research studies, and other related scientific principles.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, biologist responsibilities require skills like "data collection," "gps," "renewable energy," and "cell culture." Meanwhile a typical fish culture supervisor has skills in areas such as "payroll," "customer service," "performance evaluations," and "cultural events." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Fish culture supervisors tend to reach lower levels of education than biologists. In fact, fish culture supervisors are 10.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Biologist vs. Fish culture technician
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that biologist responsibilities requires skills like "data collection," "renewable energy," "cell culture," and "gis." But a fish culture technician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "oversight," "medical terminology," "equipment maintenance," and "back-up."
Fish culture technicians earn similar levels of education than biologists in general. They're 4.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Biologists in the next 3-5 years?
John Turbeville Ph.D.
Senior Assistant Dean for Student Affairs/Director of Career Services, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Biologist vs. Aquatic scientist
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, biologists are more likely to have skills like "gps," "renewable energy," "cell culture," and "technical reports." But a aquatic scientist is more likely to have skills like "statistical analyses," "npdes," "analyze data," and "water plants."
Aquatic scientists typically earn similar educational levels compared to biologists. Specifically, they're 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 2.5% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Biologist vs. Biological science technician
Even though a few skill sets overlap between biologists and biological science technicians, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a biologist might have more use for skills like "gps," "renewable energy," "cell culture," and "gis." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of biological science technicians require skills like "laboratory equipment," "rehabilitation," "scientific data," and "experimental data. "
In general, biological science technicians hold similar degree levels compared to biologists. Biological science technicians are 4.1% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 1.7% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of biologist
Updated January 8, 2025
