Career Profile: Natural Sciences Managers

Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 78,800 people employed as natural sciences managers in the United States. The median annual salary is $137,900. Entry level employees earn approximately $75,040 per year and senior employees earn approximately $208,000 (or more) per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement.
• Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
• Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
• Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
• Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.
• Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.
• Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.
• Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.
• Prepare project proposals.
• Recruit personnel or oversee the development or maintenance of staff competence.
• Prepare and administer budgets, approve and review expenditures, and prepare financial reports.
• Conduct own research in field of expertise.
• Develop innovative technology or train staff for its implementation.
• Make presentations at professional meetings to further knowledge in the field.
• Provide for stewardship of plant or animal resources or habitats, studying land use, monitoring animal populations, or providing shelter, resources, or medical treatment for animals.
• Advise or assist in obtaining patents or meeting other legal requirements.

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