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How a biologist can use AI, task by task

O*NET 19-1029.04: BiologistsMedian pay $98,920/year (BLS, May 2025)22 tasksJob Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Aquatic Biologist, Biological Scientist, Biologist, Botanist, Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist, Fisheries Biologist, Marine Biologist, Research Biologist, Research Scientist, Scientist.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 25%AI-assist 52%Stays human 22%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 5 AI-ready, 13 AI-assist and 4 human-led tasks out of 22. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

AI can draft these 5

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.

Weekly

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 65% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person. This label was updated from real usage data.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.

Context: We use IBM SPSS Statistics and The MathWorks MATLAB; the work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Data: [paste table]
Question: [what relationships matter]

Analyze correlations and trends with code or formulas. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Find trends and relationships

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you program and use computers (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Data] and [Question] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables.. Also involves: Write computer programming code.; Operate computers or computerized equipment..

Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.

Monthly

AI turns complex material into plain-language handouts.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 58% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is great at turning complicated material into plain-language guides, handouts, FAQs and how-tos for a specific audience. You check it's accurate.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.

Context: We use Wolfram Research Mathematica; the work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Topic: [impact, project]
Findings: [paste]

Draft the report with summary and technical sections. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Environmental report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare technical.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Findings] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare research or technical reports on environmental issues.. Also involves: Communicate results of environmental research..

Prepare requests for proposals or statements of work.

A few times a year

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 37% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to prepare requests for proposals or statements of work.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Research: [describe]
Funder: [guidelines]

Draft sections to the guidelines. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Grant application

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare requests.
Step 2Fill in [Research] and [Funder] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare proposal documents or grant applications..

Prepare plans for management of renewable resources.

Monthly

AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist for you to adjust.

Show prompt & steps

Describe the goal, the people and the constraints, and AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist. You adjust it to what you know about real life on the ground.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to prepare plans for management of renewable resources.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel; the work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Resource: [forest, soil, water, wildlife]
Goals and constraints: [yield, conservation, budget]

Draft a management plan with practices, schedule and monitoring. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Resource management plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare plans for management of renewable resources.
Step 2Fill in [Resource] and [Goals and constraints] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources..

Write grant proposals to obtain funding for biological research.

A few times a year

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to write grant proposals to obtain funding for biological research.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Funder and call: [paste guidelines]
Project: [aims, methods, budget notes]

Draft the specific aims and narrative sections to the funder's structure, flagging gaps with [CHECK]. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Grant proposal draft

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you write grant proposals.
Step 2Fill in [Funder and call] and [Project] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every requirement in the funder's guidelines and verify citations. Recompute every total yourself.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Write grant proposals..

AI can help you prep these 13

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and function.

Weekly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 12% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and function.

Context: We use Basic Local Alignment Search Tool BLAST and IBM SPSS Statistics; the work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Organism: [species or group]
What to observe: [behaviour, physiology, interactions]

Design an observation protocol: variables, recording method, sampling schedule and references. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Observation study of organisms

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you study basic principles of plant and animal life (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Organism] and [What to observe] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Trial the recording method for one session.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Examine characteristics or behavior of living organisms.. Also involves: Research topics in area of expertise..

Identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species.

Weekly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 53% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species.

Context: We use IBM SPSS Statistics and The MathWorks MATLAB; the work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Group: [insects, microbes, plants]
Features I can see: [describe or list characteristics]

Suggest likely identifications, the features that separate them, and the authoritative keys or references to confirm.

10-minute exercise: Identification key

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you identify, classify, and study structure, behavior and ecology (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Group] and [Features I can see] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Did it get there? Always confirm with an authoritative key.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Classify organisms based on their characteristics or behavior.. Also involves: Examine characteristics or behavior of living organisms..

Teach or supervise students and perform research at universities and colleges.

Weekly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to teach or supervise students and perform research at universities and colleges.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint and Wolfram Research Mathematica; the work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Topic: [concept]
Students: [level]

Plan a lecture with demonstrations, problems and misconceptions to address. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Science class session

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you teach or supervise students (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Students] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Instruct college students in physical or life sciences..

Research environmental effects of present and potential uses of land and water areas, determining methods of improving environmental conditions or such outputs as crop yields.

Weekly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to research environmental effects of present and potential uses of land and water areas, determining methods of improving environmental conditions or such outputs as crop yields.

Context: We use Wolfram Research Mathematica and IBM SPSS Statistics; the work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Activity and area: [land use, industry, development]
Species or resources of concern: [list]

Outline likely effects, study design, sampling methods, and literature to review. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Environmental effects study

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you research environmental effects of present and potential uses (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Activity and area] and [Species or resources of concern].
Step 3Check the sampling method against your field's standard protocol.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities..

Review reports and proposals, such as those relating to land use classifications and recreational development, for accuracy, adequacy, or adherence to policies, regulations, or scientific standards.

Monthly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to review reports and proposals, such as those relating to land use classifications and recreational development, for accuracy, adequacy, or adherence to policies, regulations, or scientific standards.

Context: We use IBM SPSS Statistics and The MathWorks MATLAB; the work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Proposal: [paste or describe]
Criteria: [technical, ecological, legal]

Assess against criteria and draft recommendations. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Conservation proposal review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review reports and proposals.
Step 2Fill in [Proposal] and [Criteria] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Review plans or proposals for environmental conservation..

Study aquatic plants and animals and environmental conditions affecting them, such as radioactivity or pollution.

Monthly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to study aquatic plants and animals and environmental conditions affecting them, such as radioactivity or pollution.

Context: We use IBM SPSS Statistics and The MathWorks MATLAB; the work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Project or product: [describe it]
Stakeholders: [community, regulators, customers]

List environmental concerns, risks and opportunities, which stakeholders care about each, and how to verify them.

10-minute exercise: Spot environmental concerns

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you study aquatic plants and animals and environmental conditions.
Step 2Fill in [Project or product] and [Stakeholders] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Pick the top concern and check it with a real data source.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Identify environmental concerns.. Also involves: Research topics in area of expertise..

Communicate test results to state and federal representatives and general public.

A few times a year

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to communicate test results to state and federal representatives and general public.

Context: The work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Topic: [results, practice information]
Audience: [public, officials]

Write plain-language answers. Keep answers to 2-3 sentences and flag any that depend on the situation.

10-minute exercise: Technical information for the public

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you communicate test results.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the answers you'd actually use and tweak each one the first time you send it.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Provide technical information or assistance to public.. Also involves: Communicate with government agencies..

Represent employer in a technical capacity at conferences.

A few times a year

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to represent employer in a technical capacity at conferences.

Context: We use IBM SPSS Statistics and The MathWorks MATLAB; the work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Topic: [status, results, fixes]
Audience: [customers, staff]
Notes: [paste]

Draft slides outline and speaker notes. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Technical presentation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you represent employer.
Step 2Fill in [Topic], [Audience] and [Notes] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 3.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations..

Develop methods and apparatus for securing representative plant, animal, aquatic, or soil samples.

Monthly

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to develop methods and apparatus for securing representative plant, animal, aquatic, or soil samples.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel and Wolfram Research Mathematica; the work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Process to study: [biological mechanism, cell characteristic]
Tools: [assays, instruments]

Propose method options and validation steps. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: New lab method

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop methods and apparatus.
Step 2Fill in [Process to study] and [Tools] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 3.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop biological research methods..

Study and manage wild animal populations.

Monthly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to study and manage wild animal populations.

Context: We use Wolfram Research Mathematica and IBM SPSS Statistics; the work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Ecosystem and process: [describe]
Resources: [sites, instruments, time]

Suggest hypotheses, sampling design, measurements, and literature. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Ecosystem process study

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you study and manage wild animal populations.
Step 2Fill in [Ecosystem and process] and [Resources] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Adapt the sampling design to your actual sites.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Conduct research of processes in natural or industrial ecosystems..

Develop pest management and control measures, and conduct risk assessments related to pest exclusion, using scientific methods.

Monthly

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to develop pest management and control measures, and conduct risk assessments related to pest exclusion, using scientific methods.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Area: [warehouse, IT, facility]
Risks: [hazards, threats]
Rules: [regulations, standards]

Draft a policy with scope, rules, responsibilities, training and enforcement. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Safety or security policy

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop pest management and control measures.
Step 2Fill in [Area], [Risks] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Review with the people who'll follow it.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop safety standards, policies, or procedures..

Plan and administer biological research programs for government, research firms, medical industries, or manufacturing firms.

A few times a year

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to plan and administer biological research programs for government, research firms, medical industries, or manufacturing firms.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel and Wolfram Research Mathematica; the work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Organism and question: [describe]
Setting: [lab, field]

Draft the study plan and ethics considerations. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Biological study plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you plan and administer biological research programs.
Step 2Fill in [Organism and question] and [Setting] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 3.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Plan biological research..

Study reactions of plants, animals, and marine species to parasites.

A few times a year

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to study reactions of plants, animals, and marine species to parasites.

Context: We use Wolfram Research Mathematica and IBM SPSS Statistics; the work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Disease or parasite: [name]
What I want to learn: [cause, spread, treatment]

Summarize what's known, open questions, experiment designs, and key references. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Disease research plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you study reactions of plants, animals and marine species.
Step 2Fill in [Disease or parasite] and [What I want to learn].
Step 3Verify the references in PubMed or your database.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 2.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Research diseases or parasites.. Also involves: Research topics in area of expertise..

These stay human 4

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: once a week or more but not every day · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time · Responsible for others' health and safety: high responsibility

Supervise biological technicians and technologists and other scientists.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to supervise biological technicians and technologists and other scientists.

Context: The work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Team: [technicians, scientists]
Issue or goal: [quality, project]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Leading a lab team

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise biological technicians and technologists and other scientists (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Team] and [Issue or goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Supervise scientific or technical personnel..

Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings.

Monthly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings.

Context: The work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Partner: [department, agency, board, community group]
What we both need: [goals, shared work]

Help me prepare for a first or reset conversation: openers, shared goals to name, questions to ask, and a light follow-up plan. Then play the partner.

10-minute exercise: Build a working relationship

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations.
Step 2Fill in [Partner] and [What we both need] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the meeting, send a short follow-up summarizing what you agreed.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop collaborative relationships between departments or with external organizations..

Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment.

Context: The work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Samples: [water, air, biological]
Method: [describe]

List collection, preservation and chain of custody. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Environmental sampling

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collect and analyze biological data about relationships.
Step 2Fill in [Samples] and [Method] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collect environmental data or samples.. Also involves: Conduct research of processes in natural or industrial ecosystems..

Measure salinity, acidity, light, oxygen content, and other physical conditions of water to determine their relationship to aquatic life.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to measure salinity, acidity, light, oxygen content, and other physical conditions of water to determine their relationship to aquatic life.

Context: The work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Substance and measurement: [pH, salinity, enzymes, oxygen]
Equipment: [instrument]

Make a calibration and measurement checklist with QC. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Chemical analysis prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you measure salinity and acidity.
Step 2Fill in [Substance and measurement] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Analyze chemical compounds or substances..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Speakingimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  • Social Perceptivenessimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  • Coordinationimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  • Persuasionimportance 2.8/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Critical Thinkingimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Getting Information
  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 4.1/5
    Used in: Getting Information
  • Active Listeningimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Getting Information
  • Writingimportance 4.1/5
    Used in: Documenting/Recording Information

Where you could move

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New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 1 new or updated task here: 0 AI-ready, 0 AI-assist, 1 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Inventory and order lab supplies.

New in O*NET

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a biologist. Part of my job is to inventory and order lab supplies.

Context: The work draws on biology, chemistry and education and training.
Supplies: [lab, treatment]
Par levels: [describe]

Plan count and reorder. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Medical supply count

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you inventory and order lab supplies.
Step 2Fill in [Supplies] and [Par levels] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

New O*NET task (08/2025). O*NET hasn't linked it to work activities yet, so its label comes from similar tasks, such as “Inventory and order medical, lab, or office supplies or equipment.” (Medical Assistants), and was checked by hand. O*NET work activity: Inventory medical supplies or equipment.. Also involves: Manage scientific or technical project resources.; Order materials, supplies, or equipment..

Getting into this job

Master's degree is most common (55% of workers)

  • Bachelor's 23%
  • Graduate degree 77%
  • On-the-job training: up to 1 month
  • Related experience: 4–6 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

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