Occupation · SOC 19-4099
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately.
Median wage
$60,130
$37,310–$101,870
Projected growth
+3.6%
Average growth
Annual openings
290
per year
Employed (US)
71,400
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
775 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeakingWritingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingActive Learning
Knowledge areas
English LanguageMathematicsComputers and ElectronicsEducation and TrainingBiology
Technology & tools
Computer aided design CAD softwareGeographic information systemData base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite software
Representative tasks
Collect geospatial data, using technologies such as aerial photography, light and radio wave detection systems, digital satellites, or thermal energy systems.Conduct routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples.Interpret test results, compare them to established specifications and control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release.Calibrate, validate, or maintain laboratory equipment.Ensure that lab cleanliness and safety standards are maintained.Perform visual inspections of finished products.Verify integrity and accuracy of data contained in remote sensing image analysis systems.Complete documentation needed to support testing procedures, including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, or inventory forms.Compile laboratory test data and perform appropriate analyses.Identify and troubleshoot equipment problems.Write technical reports or documentation, such as deviation reports, testing protocols, and trend analyses.Investigate or report questionable test results.Integrate remotely sensed data with other geospatial data.Monitor testing procedures to ensure that all tests are performed according to established item specifications, standard test methods, or protocols.Consult with remote sensing scientists, surveyors, cartographers, or engineers to determine project needs.Adjust remotely sensed images for optimum presentation by using software to select image displays, define image set categories, or choose processing routines.Manipulate raw data to enhance interpretation, either on the ground or during remote sensing flights.Identify quality problems and recommend solutions.Merge scanned images or build photo mosaics of large areas, using image processing software.Participate in out-of-specification and failure investigations and recommend corrective actions.Receive and inspect raw materials.Train other analysts to perform laboratory procedures and assays.Serve as a technical liaison between quality control and other departments, vendors, or contractors.Supply quality control data necessary for regulatory submissions.Participate in the planning or development of mapping projects.Write or revise standard quality control operating procedures.Participate in internal assessments and audits as required.Perform validations or transfers of analytical methods in accordance with applicable policies or guidelines.Evaluate analytical methods and procedures to determine how they might be improved.Prepare documentation or presentations, including charts, photos, or graphs.Correct raw data for errors due to factors such as skew or atmospheric variation.Calibrate data collection equipment.Develop or maintain geospatial information databases.Monitor raw data quality during collection, and make equipment corrections as necessary.Prepare or review required method transfer documentation including technical transfer protocols or reports.Review data from contract laboratories to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.Develop and qualify new testing methods.Maintain records of survey data.Evaluate remote sensing project requirements to determine the types of equipment or computer software necessary to meet project requirements, such as specific image types or output resolutions.Collect verification data on the ground, using equipment such as global positioning receivers, digital cameras, or notebook computers.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Nutritional requirements of common livestock species — identify and record under direct supervisor guidance in a laboratory or farm-based research setting.Animal feed material samples — collect, label, and log into a database using established protocols on a research station.Scientific literature on animal nutrition and husbandry — read and summarize key findings under the direction of a senior technician.Spreadsheet software — enter and organize feed composition data as directed during routine data collection tasks.Oral instructions from research scientists — listen actively and confirm understanding before executing assigned tasks in a laboratory environment.Basic sanitation and housing standards for research animals — follow established procedures to maintain compliant conditions on-site.Preliminary research observations — document accurately in written logs using standardized templates provided by the research team.Office suite and presentation software — prepare draft slides or tables for team review meetings under supervisor direction.Common animal parasites and diseases — recognize visual indicators and report findings to supervising scientists promptly.Producer inquiries about animal care basics — refer to appropriate team members or resource materials, escalating as needed.
developing
Nutritive values of multiple feed material types — analyze and compare using established methods with reduced oversight in a research or agricultural extension setting.Research findings on feeding practices — communicate clearly in written reports and oral briefings to internal science teams on a routine basis.Animal housing and sanitation improvement protocols — implement and monitor with increasing independence across multiple animal units at a research facility.Database query software — retrieve, filter, and validate research records to support ongoing nutrition studies without step-by-step guidance.Animal production challenges presented by producers — assess using critical thinking and identify applicable recommended practices from current technical resources.Feeding trial data sets — apply inductive reasoning to detect emerging patterns and flag anomalies to the research lead.Geographic information system tools — use to map and track field study sites or producer locations within a regional agricultural program.Improved husbandry techniques — explain to producers and farm staff using accessible language during on-farm visits or extension workshops.Parasite and disease control schedules — maintain and adjust based on observed animal health indicators following standard decision trees.Active learning strategies — apply by reviewing updated research literature and integrating new findings into routine technical recommendations.
proficient
Nutritional requirement studies across diverse animal species — design, execute, and interpret autonomously in compliance with research protocols at a science or extension institution.Research findings — synthesize and communicate in peer-reviewed-style reports, extension bulletins, and public-facing presentations without editorial oversight.Animal feeding, housing, and sanitation improvement plans — develop independently by integrating biological, chemical, and operational knowledge for specific production contexts.Complex producer problems in animal production — diagnose using deductive reasoning and recommend evidence-based solutions drawn from multiple knowledge domains.Non-routine disease or parasite outbreaks in research or production settings — investigate, assess risk, and coordinate corrective actions using professional judgment.CAD software or facility planning tools — apply to propose improved animal housing layouts that meet welfare, sanitation, and research requirements.Statistical and spreadsheet analysis of feed trial outcomes — perform and interpret to support actionable recommendations for producers and research stakeholders.Technical presentations to mixed audiences of scientists, producers, and the public — deliver with clarity, adapting content depth to audience expertise level.Animal nutrition and production research gaps — identify through critical review of literature and propose study designs to address them.Ethical and safety standards in animal research and producer consultation — uphold with integrity and cautiousness across all independent field and lab activities.
advanced
Organizational research agendas on animal nutrition and production science — shape by setting priorities, securing resources, and aligning teams to institutional goals.Junior technicians and early-career scientists — mentor and develop through structured coaching, task delegation, and performance feedback in a research or extension environment.Cross-disciplinary findings on feeding, disease control, and housing — translate into policy recommendations and best-practice guidelines disseminated to industry stakeholders.Strategic partnerships with producers, universities, and government agencies — establish and lead to advance applied animal science research at a regional or national scale.Complex multi-site research programs spanning nutrition, sanitation, and parasite control — oversee for quality, compliance, and timely delivery across all participating teams.Organizational data systems and GIS platforms — govern and optimize to ensure integrity, accessibility, and utility of research records across the institution.High-stakes communication with scientific bodies, legislative audiences, and the public — lead by representing the organization's research expertise and translating evidence into actionable guidance.Emerging technologies in animal production and data management — evaluate, champion adoption of, and integrate into institutional workflows to maintain research excellence.Institutional knowledge management in animal science — build through documentation of methodologies, best practices, and lessons learned to ensure continuity across personnel transitions.Culture of intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, and achievement orientation — model and reinforce across the science team to sustain high standards in research and producer service.
Also known as
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