Natural Sciences Manager  What They Do

Just the Facts


Natural Sciences Managers Career Video



Plans, directs, or coordinates activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Natural Resource Systems pathway.


A person in this career:

  • Confers with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.
  • Develops client relationships and communicates with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.
  • Plans or directs research, development, or production activities.
  • Reviews project activities and prepares and reviews research, testing, or operational reports.
  • Determines scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and makes detailed plans to accomplish these goals.
  • Develops or implements policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement.
  • Hires, supervises, or evaluates engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
  • Designs or coordinates successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
  • Recruits personnel or oversees the development or maintenance of staff competence.
  • Prepares project proposals.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
  • Exposure to pollutants, gases, dust, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, etc.
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Environmental Program Manager -- Supervises, plans, directs, and coordinates activities of workers engaged in environmental protection projects.
  • Fisheries Director -- Supervises staff, develops budget, formulates and implements policies, and selects topics for study and control in order to preserve, protect, enhance, and promote the use of the fishery resources.
  • Health Sciences Manager --
  • Laboratory Manager --
  • Natural Science Manager --
  • Research and Development Director --
  • Research Manager --
  • Senior Investigator --
  • Senior Scientist --
  • Water Team Leader --