Life Sciences – Biotechnology

Life sciences and biotechnology involves the study of living organisms and organic processes, often to find solutions to global problems. For example, this industry is integral to finding science-based solutions for growing healthier, more resilient crops; finding ways to generate greener, more ecologically sustainable energy sources; and developing new medications and other pharmaceuticals. Primary subsectors are research and development, biopharmaceuticals, biorenewables, medical devices, and wholesale trade.

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View data from the:

Region

North Far North

6,747

2023 Jobs

+9%

2023–2028 Projected Change

28.65/hr.

2023 Avg. Entry Level Wage

Top jobs that Require Community College Credentials

How much will I make per hour?

What can I train for?	Job openings per year	Entry-level	Median	Experienced	Programs
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians	195	$25.71	$36.63	$42.03	View programs
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other	143	$22.09	$30.40	$39.19	View programs
Medical Equipment Preparers	99	$23.21	$33.84	$42.67
Biological Technicians	85	$20.37	$24.55	$30.32	View programs
Medical Equipment Repairers	55	$28.92	$30.53	$36.86	View programs
Chemical Technicians	44	$22.34	$27.30	$31.58	View programs
Forensic Science Technicians	26	$38.88	$46.35	$51.72	View programs

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

Job openings per year:

195

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $25.71/hr.
Median: $36.63/hr.
Experienced: $42.03/hr.

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Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other

Job openings per year:

143

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $22.09/hr.
Median: $30.40/hr.
Experienced: $39.19/hr.

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Medical Equipment Preparers

Job openings per year:

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $23.21/hr.
Median: $33.84/hr.
Experienced: $42.67/hr.

Biological Technicians

Job openings per year:

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $20.37/hr.
Median: $24.55/hr.
Experienced: $30.32/hr.

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Medical Equipment Repairers

Job openings per year:

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $28.92/hr.
Median: $30.53/hr.
Experienced: $36.86/hr.

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Chemical Technicians

Job openings per year:

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $22.34/hr.
Median: $27.30/hr.
Experienced: $31.58/hr.

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Forensic Science Technicians

Job openings per year:

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $38.88/hr.
Median: $46.35/hr.
Experienced: $51.72/hr.

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Top Employers & Skills

Employers

University of California
State of California
Sutter Health
UC Davis Health
CommonSpirit Health
Kaiser Permanente
United States Department of Justice
Montrose Environmental Group
Quest Diagnostics
Mercy General Hospital
Incubation Systems
Eurofins
Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany
IDEXX Laboratories
Adventist Health
Department Of Fish And Wildlife
TestAmerica Laboratories
Los Rios Community College District
Stantec
Danaher

Specialized skills

Biology
Chemistry
Medical Laboratory
Laboratory Equipment
Standard Operating Procedure
Laboratory Experience
Data Analysis
Laboratory Testing
Project Management
Laboratory Safety

Technology & software skills

Microsoft Office (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word)
Spreadsheets
Laboratory Information Management Systems
Geographic Information Systems
ArcGIS (GIS Software)
R (Programming Language)
Operating Systems
Epic EMR
SAP Applications
Google Workspace

Employability skills

Communication
Management
Research
Writing
Detail Oriented
Quality Control
Operations
Troubleshooting (Problem Solving)
Customer Service
Quality Assurance

Source: Lightcast 2024.3; QCEW, non-QCEW, Self-Employed. Compiled by the North/Far North Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research.

Medical Equipment Preparers

Prepare, sterilize, install, or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment. May perform routine laboratory tasks and operate or inspect equipment.

Sample of reported job titles:

Sample of reported job titles: Central Processing Technician (CPT), Central Service Technician (CST), Central Sterile Supply Technician (CSS Technician), Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), Instrument Technician, Sterile Preparation Technician, Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (SPD Tech), Sterile Processing Technician (Sterile Processing Tech), Sterile Technician, Sterilization Technician

Tasks:

Operate and maintain steam autoclaves, keeping records of loads completed, items in loads, and maintenance procedures performed.
Clean instruments to prepare them for sterilization.
Record sterilizer test results.
Organize and assemble routine or specialty surgical instrument trays or other sterilized supplies, filling special requests as needed.
Examine equipment to detect leaks, worn or loose parts, or other indications of disrepair.

Detailed Work Activities:

Clean medical equipment.
Operate medical equipment.
Maintain medical equipment or instruments.
Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.
Record vital statistics or other health information.

Work Context:

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 100% responded “Every day.”
Telephone — 100% responded “Every day.”
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 98% responded “Every day.”
Exposed to Contaminants — 79% responded “Every day.”
Exposed to Disease or Infections — 88% responded “Every day.”
Face-to-Face Discussions — 80% responded “Every day.”
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 70% responded “Extremely important.”
Contact With Others — 72% responded “Constant contact with others.”
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 67% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 58% responded “Extremely important.”
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 59% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Work With Work Group or Team — 60% responded “Extremely important.”
Time Pressure — 78% responded “Every day.”
Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 51% responded “Very high responsibility.”
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 69% responded “Every day.”
Electronic Mail — 70% responded “Every day.”
Frequency of Decision Making — 69% responded “Every day.”
Spend Time Standing — 47% responded “More than half the time.”
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 41% responded “Very important results.”
Physical Proximity — 47% responded “Moderately close (at arm’s length).”
Deal With External Customers — 53% responded “Extremely important.”
Freedom to Make Decisions — 48% responded “Some freedom.”
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 49% responded “Very high responsibility.”
Spend Time Walking and Running — 48% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 36% responded “A lot of freedom.”
Consequence of Error — 40% responded “Extremely serious.”
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — 37% responded “Every day.”
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — 49% responded “Every day.”
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection — 49% responded “Every day.”
Coordinate or Lead Others — 36% responded “Extremely important.”
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — 31% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — 28% responded “Extremely important.”
Frequency of Conflict Situations — 35% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 100% responded “Every day.”
Telephone — 100% responded “Every day.”
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 98% responded “Every day.”
Exposed to Contaminants — 79% responded “Every day.”
Exposed to Disease or Infections — 88% responded “Every day.”
Face-to-Face Discussions — 80% responded “Every day.”
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 70% responded “Extremely important.”
Contact With Others — 72% responded “Constant contact with others.”
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 67% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 58% responded “Extremely important.”
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 59% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Work With Work Group or Team — 60% responded “Extremely important.”
Time Pressure — 78% responded “Every day.”
Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 51% responded “Very high responsibility.”
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 69% responded “Every day.”
Electronic Mail — 70% responded “Every day.”
Frequency of Decision Making — 69% responded “Every day.”
Spend Time Standing — 47% responded “More than half the time.”
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 41% responded “Very important results.”
Physical Proximity — 47% responded “Moderately close (at arm’s length).”
Deal With External Customers — 53% responded “Extremely important.”
Freedom to Make Decisions — 48% responded “Some freedom.”
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 49% responded “Very high responsibility.”
Spend Time Walking and Running — 48% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 36% responded “A lot of freedom.”
Consequence of Error — 40% responded “Extremely serious.”
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — 37% responded “Every day.”
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — 49% responded “Every day.”
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection — 49% responded “Every day.”
Coordinate or Lead Others — 36% responded “Extremely important.”
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — 31% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — 28% responded “Extremely important.”
Frequency of Conflict Situations — 35% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”

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Biological Technicians

Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

Sample of reported job titles:

Sample of reported job titles: Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Biological Science Lab Tech), Biological Science Technician, Biological Technician, Laboratory Technician, Marine Fisheries Technician, Research Assistant, Research Associate, Research Specialist, Research Technician, Wildlife Biology Technician

Tasks:

Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.

Detailed Work Activities:

Collect biological specimens.
Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
Interpret research or operational data.
Research microbiological or chemical processes or structures.
Record research or operational data.

Work Context:

Electronic Mail — 85% responded “Every day.”
Face-to-Face Discussions — 84% responded “Every day.”
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 36% responded “Very important.”
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 83% responded “Every day.”
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 54% responded “Every day.”
Contact With Others — 44% responded “Contact with others most of the time.”
Work With Work Group or Team — 22% responded “Important.”
Freedom to Make Decisions — 54% responded “Some freedom.”
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 63% responded “Some freedom.”
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 31% responded “More than half the time.”
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 46% responded “Very important.”
Time Pressure — 56% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
Spend Time Sitting — 55% responded “About half the time.”
Level of Competition — 39% responded “Moderately competitive.”
Coordinate or Lead Others — 28% responded “Not important at all.”
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 19% responded “High responsibility.”
Letters and Memos — 39% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
Physical Proximity — 50% responded “Slightly close (e.g., shared office).”
Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 45% responded “Limited responsibility.”
Telephone — 63% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
Electronic Mail — 85% responded “Every day.”
Face-to-Face Discussions — 84% responded “Every day.”
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 36% responded “Very important.”
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 83% responded “Every day.”
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 54% responded “Every day.”
Contact With Others — 44% responded “Contact with others most of the time.”
Work With Work Group or Team — 22% responded “Important.”
Freedom to Make Decisions — 54% responded “Some freedom.”
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 63% responded “Some freedom.”
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 31% responded “More than half the time.”
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 46% responded “Very important.”
Time Pressure — 56% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
Spend Time Sitting — 55% responded “About half the time.”
Level of Competition — 39% responded “Moderately competitive.”
Coordinate or Lead Others — 28% responded “Not important at all.”
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 19% responded “High responsibility.”
Letters and Memos — 39% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
Physical Proximity — 50% responded “Slightly close (e.g., shared office).”
Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 45% responded “Limited responsibility.”
Telephone — 63% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”

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Medical Equipment Repairers

Test, adjust, or repair biomedical or electromedical equipment.

Sample of reported job titles:

Sample of reported job titles: Biomedical Electronics Technician (Biomed Electronics Tech), Biomedical Engineering Technician (Biomed Engineering Tech), Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET), Biomedical Technician (Biomed Tech), Dental Equipment Technician (Dental Equipment Tech), Durable Medical Equipment Technician (DME Tech), Medical Equipment Service Tech (Medical Equipment Service Technician), Repair Technician (Repair Tech), Service Technician (Service Tech), X-ray Service Engineer

Tasks:

Test or calibrate components or equipment, following manufacturers’ manuals and troubleshooting techniques, using hand tools, power tools, or measuring devices.
Perform preventive maintenance or service, such as cleaning, lubricating, or adjusting equipment.
Inspect, test, or troubleshoot malfunctioning medical or related equipment, following manufacturers’ specifications and using test and analysis instruments.
Keep records of maintenance, repair, and required updates of equipment.
Disassemble malfunctioning equipment and remove, repair, or replace defective parts, such as motors, clutches, or transformers.

Detailed Work Activities:

Calibrate equipment to specifications.
Test mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning.
Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Inspect mechanical equipment to locate damage, defects, or wear.
Lubricate equipment to allow proper functioning.

Work Context:

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 73% responded “Extremely important.”
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 88% responded “Every day.”
Electronic Mail — 86% responded “Every day.”
Face-to-Face Discussions — 81% responded “Every day.”
Telephone — 71% responded “Every day.”
Contact With Others — 64% responded “Constant contact with others.”
Freedom to Make Decisions — 56% responded “A lot of freedom.”
Work With Work Group or Team — 62% responded “Extremely important.”
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 49% responded “A lot of freedom.”
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 45% responded “Very important results.”
Frequency of Decision Making — 39% responded “Every day.”
Deal With External Customers — 53% responded “Extremely important.”
Time Pressure — 34% responded “Every day.”
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 43% responded “More than half the time.”
Coordinate or Lead Others — 46% responded “Extremely important.”
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — 45% responded “Every day.”
Physical Proximity — 50% responded “Slightly close (e.g., shared office).”
Spend Time Standing — 49% responded “About half the time.”
Consequence of Error — 35% responded “Extremely serious.”
Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 37% responded “High responsibility.”
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 29% responded “Every day.”
Duration of Typical Work Week — 62% responded “40 hours.”
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 31% responded “Very important.”
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — 33% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — 31% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
Level of Competition — 34% responded “Moderately competitive.”
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 73% responded “Extremely important.”
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 88% responded “Every day.”
Electronic Mail — 86% responded “Every day.”
Face-to-Face Discussions — 81% responded “Every day.”
Telephone — 71% responded “Every day.”
Contact With Others — 64% responded “Constant contact with others.”
Freedom to Make Decisions — 56% responded “A lot of freedom.”
Work With Work Group or Team — 62% responded “Extremely important.”
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 49% responded “A lot of freedom.”
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 45% responded “Very important results.”
Frequency of Decision Making — 39% responded “Every day.”
Deal With External Customers — 53% responded “Extremely important.”
Time Pressure — 34% responded “Every day.”
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 43% responded “More than half the time.”
Coordinate or Lead Others — 46% responded “Extremely important.”
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — 45% responded “Every day.”
Physical Proximity — 50% responded “Slightly close (e.g., shared office).”
Spend Time Standing — 49% responded “About half the time.”
Consequence of Error — 35% responded “Extremely serious.”
Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 37% responded “High responsibility.”
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 29% responded “Every day.”
Duration of Typical Work Week — 62% responded “40 hours.”
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 31% responded “Very important.”
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — 33% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — 31% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
Level of Competition — 34% responded “Moderately competitive.”

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Chemical Technicians

Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for 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.

Sample of reported job titles:

Sample of reported job titles: Analytical Laboratory Technician (Analytical Lab Technician), Chemical Analyst, Chemical Technician, Laboratory Analyst (Lab Analyst), Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Laboratory Tester (Lab Tester), Organic Preparation Analyst (Organic Prep Analyst), Quality Control Laboratory Technician (QC Lab Tech), Quality Control Technician (QC Tech), Research Technician

Tasks:

Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.
Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.
Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.
Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.

Detailed Work Activities:

Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
Clean objects.
Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
Evaluate quality of materials or products.
Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.

Work Context:

Electronic Mail — 100% responded “Every day.”
Face-to-Face Discussions — 99% responded “Every day.”
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 100% responded “Every day.”
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 98% responded “Every day.”
Exposed to Contaminants — 95% responded “Every day.”
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 88% responded “Extremely important.”
Work With Work Group or Team — 59% responded “Extremely important.”
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — 51% responded “Every day.”
Time Pressure — 48% responded “Every day.”
Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 23% responded “High responsibility.”
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 40% responded “More than half the time.”
Contact With Others — 42% responded “Constant contact with others.”
Consequence of Error
Freedom to Make Decisions — 57% responded “Some freedom.”
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 37% responded “Very important results.”
Duration of Typical Work Week
Spend Time Standing — 63% responded “More than half the time.”
Coordinate or Lead Others — 36% responded “Extremely important.”
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 34% responded “Extremely important.”
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 25% responded “Never.”
Frequency of Decision Making — 48% responded “Every day.”
Telephone — 30% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
Level of Competition — 30% responded “Slightly competitive.”
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 60% responded “Some freedom.”
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 27% responded “Moderate responsibility.”
Physical Proximity — 15% responded “Moderately close (at arm’s length).”
Electronic Mail — 100% responded “Every day.”
Face-to-Face Discussions — 99% responded “Every day.”
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 100% responded “Every day.”
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 98% responded “Every day.”
Exposed to Contaminants — 95% responded “Every day.”
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 88% responded “Extremely important.”
Work With Work Group or Team — 59% responded “Extremely important.”
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — 51% responded “Every day.”
Time Pressure — 48% responded “Every day.”
Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 23% responded “High responsibility.”
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 40% responded “More than half the time.”
Contact With Others — 42% responded “Constant contact with others.”
Consequence of Error
Freedom to Make Decisions — 57% responded “Some freedom.”
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 37% responded “Very important results.”
Duration of Typical Work Week
Spend Time Standing — 63% responded “More than half the time.”
Coordinate or Lead Others — 36% responded “Extremely important.”
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 34% responded “Extremely important.”
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 25% responded “Never.”
Frequency of Decision Making — 48% responded “Every day.”
Telephone — 30% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
Level of Competition — 30% responded “Slightly competitive.”
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 60% responded “Some freedom.”
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 27% responded “Moderate responsibility.”
Physical Proximity — 15% responded “Moderately close (at arm’s length).”

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Forensic Science Technicians

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.

Sample of reported job titles:

Sample of reported job titles: Crime Lab Analyst (Crime Laboratory Analyst), Crime Scene Analyst (CSA), Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech), Criminalist, CSI (Crime Scene Investigator), Evidence Technician (Evidence Tech), Forensic Science Examiner, Forensic Scientist, Forensic Specialist, Latent Print Examiner

Tasks:

Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.

Detailed Work Activities:

Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Record research or operational data.
Document events or evidence, using photographic or audiovisual equipment.
Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

Work Context:

Electronic Mail — 82% responded “Every day.”
Face-to-Face Discussions — 86% responded “Every day.”
Frequency of Decision Making
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 67% responded “Extremely important.”
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 73% responded “Very important results.”
Deal With External Customers
Contact With Others — 14% responded “Occasional contact with others.”
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 66% responded “Some freedom.”
Telephone
Work With Work Group or Team — 47% responded “Extremely important.”
Exposed to Contaminants — 36% responded “Every day.”
Letters and Memos
Physical Proximity — 43% responded “Moderately close (at arm’s length).”
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — 60% responded “Every day.”
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — 43% responded “Every day.”
Time Pressure — 37% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Freedom to Make Decisions — 55% responded “Some freedom.”
Duration of Typical Work Week — 48% responded “More than 40 hours.”
Consequence of Error — 47% responded “Extremely serious.”
Coordinate or Lead Others — 42% responded “Extremely important.”
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 36% responded “Every day.”
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting — 32% responded “Every day.”
Outdoors, Under Cover — 46% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — 29% responded “Every day.”
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — 26% responded “Never.”
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — 45% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 28% responded “Fairly important.”
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 37% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 31% responded “Limited responsibility.”
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 48% responded “More than half the time.”
Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 33% responded “Moderate responsibility.”
Public Speaking — 31% responded “Every day.”
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — 31% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Frequency of Conflict Situations — 32% responded “Once a year or more but not every month.”
Exposed to Disease or Infections — 47% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
Spend Time Sitting — 61% responded “About half the time.”
Spend Time Standing — 29% responded “Less than half the time.”
Electronic Mail — 82% responded “Every day.”
Face-to-Face Discussions — 86% responded “Every day.”
Frequency of Decision Making
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 67% responded “Extremely important.”
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 73% responded “Very important results.”
Deal With External Customers
Contact With Others — 14% responded “Occasional contact with others.”
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 66% responded “Some freedom.”
Telephone
Work With Work Group or Team — 47% responded “Extremely important.”
Exposed to Contaminants — 36% responded “Every day.”
Letters and Memos
Physical Proximity — 43% responded “Moderately close (at arm’s length).”
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — 60% responded “Every day.”
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — 43% responded “Every day.”
Time Pressure — 37% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Freedom to Make Decisions — 55% responded “Some freedom.”
Duration of Typical Work Week — 48% responded “More than 40 hours.”
Consequence of Error — 47% responded “Extremely serious.”
Coordinate or Lead Others — 42% responded “Extremely important.”
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 36% responded “Every day.”
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting — 32% responded “Every day.”
Outdoors, Under Cover — 46% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — 29% responded “Every day.”
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — 26% responded “Never.”
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — 45% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 28% responded “Fairly important.”
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 37% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 31% responded “Limited responsibility.”
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 48% responded “More than half the time.”
Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 33% responded “Moderate responsibility.”
Public Speaking — 31% responded “Every day.”
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — 31% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Frequency of Conflict Situations — 32% responded “Once a year or more but not every month.”
Exposed to Disease or Infections — 47% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
Spend Time Sitting — 61% responded “About half the time.”
Spend Time Standing — 29% responded “Less than half the time.”

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