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Natural Sciences Managers

Natural sciences managers plan and direct the work of natural scientists.

Many natural sciences managers oversee research for private companies or government agencies. They may also work for companies that develop products or improve processes.

Natural Sciences Managers are in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics career cluster and the Science and Mathematics pathway.

Quick Facts

Wages:

 Well above the statewide median

$53.08 / hour    Read more about wages

Outlook:

 Percent Growth   8.6%

Average    Read more about outlook

Education & Training:

 Bachelor's or higher degree plus work experience is common.

On the Job:

 Work Activities
  • Oversee the work of natural scientists, including chemists, biologists, geologists, and physicists.
  • Consult with other scientists and managers to plan research or production projects.
  • Determine scientific or technical goals and plan how to accomplish them.
Read more about the job

Assess your skills

Job Title Examples:

 Coastal Management Planner,  Environmental Manager,  Laboratory Manager 
See more job title examples

Source: Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and CareerOneStop.


Wages & Outlook

Wages


Wages vary by employer and the manager's level of experience and responsibility.

Managers usually receive benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, health insurance, and a retirement plan. In addition, managers sometimes receive extra benefits, especially higher level managers. Examples include expense accounts, stock option plans, and bonuses.

View the Regional Wage Comparison Chart for:

 

Employment

In Minnesota, about 1,286 natural sciences managers work in this small occupation.

Major employers:

  • Research and testing companies
  • Federal, state, and local government agencies
  • Drug manufacturers

Outlook


Advances in technology create competition among companies. They must upgrade and improve their products and services more often to compete with each other. This often means they hire more research scientists to work on their products. As a result, the demand for managers to direct the work of scientists should also increase. The fastest growth for this occupation will be with consulting firms and drug companies.

Employment Outlook for Natural Sciences Managers
  Employment Employment Change
2010 2020 Number Percent
U S 49,300 53,100 3,800 7.7%
Minnesota 1,332 1,446 114 8.6%
  2010 2020 Number Percent
Central Minnesota 24 27 3 12.5%
Northeast Minnesota 67 65 -2 -3%
Northwest Minnesota 73 73 0 0%
Southeast Minnesota 108 130 22 20.4%
Southwest Minnesota 40 40 0 0%
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN 1,011 1,096 85 8.4%


Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.


On the Job

Overview

Natural sciences managers plan and direct the work of natural scientists.
Natural science is the study of the physical world and laws of nature. On its own, natural science is very interesting to study. But to many, it's hard to tell what that means in terms of the world of work. However, natural science has a lot to do with the way we live. For example, chemists may work for companies that make cleaning products and come up with the perfect all-purpose cleaning solution. Biologists may develop organic fertilizers that are ideal for growing champion pumpkins and crunchy lettuces. Geologists can work to find ways to more efficiently dispose of waste, reducing the size of landfills. Physicists can come up with new computer technology that makes laptops and desktops work at lightning speed. Those are just a few examples of what those in the natural sciences can do.

The people who oversee the types of projects mentioned above are natural science managers. Many natural sciences managers oversee research for private companies or government agencies. They may also work for companies that develop products or improve processes. Natural sciences managers plan and direct the work of natural scientists who work for these companies. Examples of natural scientists are chemists, biologists, geologists, and physicists.

Natural sciences managers consult with other scientists to plan research or production projects. They also consult with top managers, many of whom do not have a science background. Managers set scientific or technical goals and plan how to achieve them. They direct research projects or production activities. To do this, they must schedule and supervise other scientists and support staff. In addition, they review research or operation reports prepared by scientists. Sometimes managers conduct their own research.

Managers spend a large part of their time performing managerial duties. For example, they plan budgets and write financial reports. They hire scientists and support staff and assign them to carry out parts of a project. They make important decisions about staff training and equipment purchases. In addition, managers may provide technical help to agencies who come to the company or lab to conduct environmental studies. They may also help with getting patents for products, or deal with other legal requirements.

Work Activities

The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.

  • Oversee the work of natural scientists, including chemists, biologists, geologists, and physicists.
  • Consult with other scientists and managers to plan research or production projects.
  • Determine scientific or technical goals and plan how to accomplish them.
  • Direct basic research projects or commercial activities.
  • Coordinate many phases of research. Direct problem analysis, solution proposals, and testing.
  • Schedule and supervise duties of engineers, researchers, technicians, and other staff.
  • Review project activities and research, testing, or operation reports.
  • Prepare project proposals.
  • May conduct their own research projects.
  • Prepare and oversee budgets and write budget reports.
  • Hire and assign other scientists and support staff to carry out parts of a project.
  • Make decisions about staff training, equipment purchases, and work procedures.
  • Provide technical assistance to agencies that conduct environmental studies.
  • Advise and assist in getting patents or meeting other legal requirements.

People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.

  • Analyze data or information.
  • Get information needed to do the job.
  • Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates.
  • Make decisions and solve problems.
  • Use computers.
  • Document and record information.
  • Process information.
  • Schedule work and activities.
  • Update and use job-related knowledge.
  • Communicate with people from outside the organization.
  • Identify objects, actions, and events.
  • Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
  • Establish and maintain relationships.
  • Think creatively.
  • Develop and build teams.
  • Coordinate the work and activities of others.
  • Guide, direct, and motivate subordinates.
  • Evaluate information against standards.
  • Explain the meaning of information to others.
  • Develop goals and strategies.

Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

    Interpersonal Relationships
  • Have a high level of social contact. They work closely with scientists and support staff.
  • Communicate on a daily basis by phone, in person, e-mail, letters, and memos.
  • Are responsible for the work done by other workers.
  • Are sometimes placed in conflict situations with employees or government agencies.
  • Almost always work as a part of a research team.
  • Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of other workers.
    • Physical Work Conditions
  • Often work indoors, but may on rare occasions work outdoors.
  • Are occasionally exposed to noisy or distracting sounds.
  • May work in an enclosed vehicle or equipment.
  • Occasionally wear safety attire.
    • Work Performance
  • Must be exact and accurate in their work. Errors could cause safety hazards or wasted resources.
  • Often make decisions that impact the results of a study and the reputation of the company or institution.
  • Set nearly all their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
  • Make most of their decisions without consulting a superior.
  • Repeat the same activities.
  • Must meet monthly deadlines.
    • Hours/Travel
  • Work at least 40 hours a week. They occasionally work much longer to meet project deadlines.

Physical Demands

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

    People in this career frequently:
  • Sit for long periods of time.
    • It is important for people in this career to be able to:
  • Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
  • Understand the speech of another person.
  • See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
    • It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:
  • See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
  • Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
  • Determine the distance between objects.
  • Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
  • Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
  • Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education.


Education & Training

Preparation

To work as a natural sciences manager, you typically need to:

  • have a high school diploma or GED;
  • have at least a bachelor's degree in science; and
  • have more than five years experience as a scientist.

Education after high school

You must have at least a bachelor's degree in science for management positions in applied science. You need a master's or doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in science to be a manager in research.

Many natural sciences managers have a master's degree. Science managers need administrative skills as well as technical skills. A master's in business administration (MBA) is good preparation for non-technical (applied science) management jobs. For technical management jobs, a master's degree or Ph.D. in science plus an MBA is the best preparation.

You should major in the natural science you are most interested in. Computer and management courses are also helpful.

Work experience

You must prove yourself as a scientist before you can move into this occupation. Natural science managers work for several years as chemists, biologists, geologists, or scientists in other fields before becoming managers.

On-the-job training

You should consider participating in an internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

Employers often provide training or pay for college course work. It is important that you update your technical skills and expand your administrative skills.

Related Programs (Current training programs available)


Fields of Study (What to study to prepare for this career)

Click on any of the Fields of Study listed below to find out more about preparing for this career.


Level of Education

The table below lists the level of education attained by a subset of workers in this occupation. The workers surveyed were between age 25 and 44.

Education level attainedPercentage of workers in this occupation*
Less than high school diploma1
High school diploma or equivalent1
Some college, no degree4
Associate degree2
Bachelor's degree31
Master's degree28
Doctoral (Ph.D.) or professional degree33

* National data for natural sciences managers (SOC 11-9121).

Helpful High School Courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Take as many classes as you can in the areas of science that interest you.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:

  • Accounting
  • Computer Applications
  • Introduction to Business
  • Keyboarding
  • Probability and Statistics

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career.


Source: Minnesota Department of Education.


Skills

People in this career need to:

    Communicate
  • Read and understand work-related materials.
  • Express ideas clearly when speaking or writing.
  • Listen to others, understand, and ask questions.
    • Reason and Problem Solve
  • Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
  • Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
  • Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
  • Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
  • Identify problems and review information. Develop, review, and apply solutions.
  • Develop rules or follow guidelines for arranging items.
  • Think of new ideas and original or creative ways to solve problems.
  • Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
  • Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
    • Use Math and Science
  • Use scientific methods and math skills to solve problems.
  • Use math skills to solve problems.
    • Manage Oneself, People, Time and Things
  • Manage the time of self and others.
  • Check how well one is learning or doing something.
  • Direct people as they work and check how well they are doing.
    • Work with People
  • Be aware of others' reactions and change behavior in relation to them.
  • Persuade others to approach things differently.
  • Teach others how to do something.
    • Work with Things
  • Test and inspect products, services, or processes. Evaluate quality or performance.

Knowledge

People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:

  • Chemistry: Knowledge of the properties of substances and the changes that occur when they interact.
  • Law, Government, and Jurisprudence: Knowledge of laws, rules, court procedures, and the political process.
  • English Language: Knowledge of the meaning, spelling, and use of the English language.
  • Mathematics: Knowledge of the rules and uses of numbers. Areas of knowledge include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
  • Administration and Management: Knowledge of managing the operations of a business, company, or group.
  • Biology: Knowledge of plants, animals, and living organisms and how they function.
  • Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of how to build machines, buildings, and other things. Also includes knowledge of how to use computers, machines, and tools to do work more usefully.
  • Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of computer hardware and software.
  • Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of providing special services to customers based on their needs.

Interests

People in this career are people who tend to:

  • Consider independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas on their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with little supervision.
  • Consider good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks, working alone, or being busy all the time.
  • Consider achievement important. They like to see the results of their work and to use their strongest abilities. They like to get a feeling of accomplishment from their work.
  • Consider support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where they are trained well.
  • Consider recognition important. They like to work in jobs which have opportunities for them to advance, be recognized for their work, and direct and instruct others. They usually prefer jobs in which they are looked up to by others.
  • Have enterprising interests. They like work activities that involve starting up and carrying out projects, especially in business. They like to lead and persuade others, make decisions, and take risks for profit.
  • Have investigative interests. They like work activities that have to do with ideas and thinking. They like to search for facts and figure out solutions to problems mentally.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education.


Tools & Technology for Natural Sciences Managers

Tools

Desktop computers
High capacity removable media drives
  • Universal serial bus USB flash drives
Liquid crystal display projector
  • Liquid crystal display LCD video projectors
Notebook computers
  • Laptop computers
Personal computers
Plotter printers
  • Color plotters

Technology

Analytical or scientific software
  • Laboratory information management system LIMS software
  • SAS software
  • SPSS software
  • StatSoft STATISTICA software
  • StataCorp Stata
Charting software
  • Microsoft Office Visio
Data base user interface and query software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Oracle DBMS
Electronic mail software
  • Microsoft Outlook
Graphics or photo imaging software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop software
  • Graphics software
Internet browser software
  • Web browser software
Map creation software
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office software
Presentation software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
Project management software
  • Microsoft Project
Spreadsheet software
  • IBM Lotus 1-2-3
  • Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word


Licensing / Certification

Certification Details

Certifications are examinations that test or enhance your knowledge, experience or skills in an occupation or profession.

There are 34 certifications related to this career.

Licensing Details

No State of Minnesota license requirements are found for this career.


Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and CareerOneStop.


Jobs

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Hiring Practices

Employers prefer to hire natural science managers who have good communication and administrative skills. They also prefer to hire managers who are familiar with computers.

Advancement Opportunities

Natural sciences managers generally start as scientists in their chosen field. Once they become managers, they may advance to positions at higher levels of management. Some may become managers in non-technical areas such as marketing.

Job Title Examples

Coastal Management Planner,  Environmental Manager,  Laboratory Manager,  Mineral and Aggregate Resources Planner,  Natural Resources Planner,  Research and Development Director,  Fisheries Director,  Health Sciences Manager,  Water Team Leader 

Similar Careers

Below are careers similar to Natural Sciences Managers you may be interested in reading about. If you are looking to broaden your job search, these careers require similar skills. Click on the names to link to their career profile.

Biologists
Business Executives
Chemists
Geologists and Geophysicists
Management Analysts
Meteorologists
Park Naturalists
Physicists
University and College Teachers

Related Industries

Below are industries related to Natural Sciences Managers you may be interested in reading about. Employers in these industries typically hire Natural Sciences Managers. Click on the names to link to their industry profile.

Agriculture
Business Management And Support Services
Chemicals, Drugs, And Chemical Products
Education
Fishing And Hunting
Forestry And Logging
Professional And Consulting Services
Research And Development
Software And Computer Services


Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.