JOB REPORT / 11-9121 · 70 TASKS

Natural Sciences Managers.

Can AI do the work of Natural Sciences Managers?

Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS

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How many tasks do you use AI to assist with at work?

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The parts of your job AI can already do most of:

Prepare study-related documentation
Develop advertising and other informational materials to be used…
Track enrollment status of subjects and document dropout information

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A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Natural Sciences Managers work. It covers the 66 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.

WHAT WE LOOKED AT

Your job, task by task.

66 of 70 tasks reviewed

This job has 70 core tasks. We went through 66 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Natural Sciences Managers actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

TASK 01
Prepare study-related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports.
AI DOES
Drafts templates, formats reports, and pulls standard language for IRB submissions and adverse event forms
YOU DO
Verify every clinical detail, apply protocol-specific judgment, and sign off on regulatory accuracy
TASK 02
Develop advertising and other informational materials to be used in subject recruitment.
AI DOES
Drafts recruitment flyers, ads, and plain-language descriptions fast
YOU DO
Review every word for IRB rules, ethics, and participant safety
TASK 03
Track enrollment status of subjects and document dropout information such as dropout causes and subject contact efforts.
AI DOES
Auto-populates enrollment trackers, flags incomplete records, and drafts contact log summaries
YOU DO
Verify data accuracy, apply clinical judgment to dropout reasons, and meet regulatory documentation standards
TASK 04
Write proposals, project reports, informational brochures, or other documents on wastewater purification, water supply and demand, or other water resource subjects.
AI DOES
Drafts report sections, summarizes technical data, and suggests clear plain-language explanations
YOU DO
Bring real project data, local regulations, and professional accountability to every document
TASK 05
Compile and maintain documentation on the health of a body of water.
AI DOES
Summarizes water quality data, drafts reports, and flags trends in historical records
YOU DO
Collect field samples, verify data accuracy, and interpret results in local context
TASK 06
Compile water resource data, using geographic information systems (GIS) or global position systems (GPS) software.
AI DOES
Processes large datasets, generates maps, and flags patterns in GIS/GPS data automatically
YOU DO
Verify data quality and apply local knowledge about the watershed
TASK 07
Monitor water use, demand, or quality in a particular geographic area.
AI DOES
Analyzes sensor streams, spots trends, and sends alerts when water quality or usage looks unusual
YOU DO
Visit sites, verify findings, and decide what actions to take based on local knowledge
TASK 08
Perform hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling.
AI DOES
Suggests model parameters, flags anomalies in data, and summarizes simulation results
YOU DO
Validate site-specific conditions and own the engineering decisions
TASK 09
Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.
AI DOES
Drafts report sections, summarizes data, flags inconsistencies, and formats documents
YOU DO
Apply scientific judgment to interpret results and take responsibility for conclusions
TASK 10
Conduct cost-benefit studies for watershed improvement projects or water management alternatives.
AI DOES
Pulls cost data, runs financial models, summarizes similar project outcomes, and drafts report sections
YOU DO
Weigh community values, local ecology, and political realities that no dataset fully captures
TASK 11
Record adverse event and side effect data and confer with investigators regarding the reporting of events to oversight agencies.
AI DOES
Drafts structured adverse event reports, flags missing data fields, and summarizes reporting deadlines from regulations
YOU DO
Verify clinical accuracy, use judgment on event severity, and lead direct conversations with investigators and agencies
TASK 12
Review proposed study protocols to evaluate factors such as sample collection processes, data management plans, or potential subject risks.
AI DOES
Flags missing sections, summarizes risk factors, and checks protocol text against standard guidelines
YOU DO
Apply ethical judgment and site-specific expertise to assess real patient safety and study feasibility
TASK 13
Analyze storm water systems to identify opportunities for water resource improvements.
AI DOES
Crunches flow data, runs drainage models, and highlights problem areas in reports
YOU DO
Combine field observations, community context, and engineering judgment to pick the right fixes
TASK 14
Maintain contact with sponsors to schedule and coordinate site visits or to answer questions about issues such as incomplete data.
AI DOES
Drafts emails, summarizes open questions, and suggests meeting times
YOU DO
Own the relationship and make judgment calls on sensitive sponsor issues
TASK 15
Conduct technical studies for water resources on topics such as pollutants and water treatment options.
AI DOES
Searches research databases, summarizes pollutant data, and drafts study sections
YOU DO
Collect field samples, interpret site-specific conditions, and make treatment recommendations
TASK 16
Participate in the development of study protocols including guidelines for administration or data collection procedures.
AI DOES
Drafts protocol language, suggests data collection frameworks, and flags regulatory gaps
YOU DO
Apply clinical judgment and site-specific knowledge to finalize safe, compliant protocols
TASK 17
Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement.
AI DOES
Drafts policy documents, summarizes regulations, and spots missing compliance steps
YOU DO
Judge which policies actually fit your team's real work and take responsibility for safety
TASK 18
Review scientific literature, participate in continuing education activities, or attend conferences and seminars to maintain current knowledge of clinical studies affairs and issues.
AI DOES
Searches databases, summarizes papers, and flags key findings fast
YOU DO
Decide what knowledge applies to your patients and protocols
TASK 19
Register protocol patients with appropriate statistical centers as required.
AI DOES
Pre-fills registration forms, flags missing data fields, and checks entries against protocol criteria
YOU DO
Confirm patient eligibility, catch clinical nuances, and own accountability for each submission
TASK 20
Recommend new or revised policies, procedures, or regulations to support water resource or conservation goals.
AI DOES
Drafts policy language, summarizes existing regulations, and compares approaches from other regions
YOU DO
Weigh local tradeoffs, build stakeholder consensus, and take professional responsibility for recommendations
TASK 21
Make presentations at professional meetings to further knowledge in the field.
AI DOES
Drafts slide content, suggests structure, and summarizes research findings
YOU DO
Show up, speak with authority, and answer tough questions in the room
TASK 22
Identify methods for distributing purified wastewater into rivers, streams, or oceans.
AI DOES
Searches literature, summarizes discharge methods, compares regulatory frameworks, and drafts technical summaries
YOU DO
Assess real site conditions, apply local environmental judgment, and take responsibility for safe discharge decisions
TASK 23
Develop strategies for watershed operations to meet water supply and conservation goals or to ensure regulatory compliance with clean water laws or regulations.
AI DOES
Searches regulations, summarizes data trends, and drafts strategy outlines
YOU DO
Apply field knowledge and negotiate tradeoffs with communities and agencies
TASK 24
Maintain required records of study activity including case report forms, drug dispensation records, or regulatory forms.
AI DOES
Flags missing fields, suggests standard language, and organizes form templates
YOU DO
Verify every data point against source documents and take legal responsibility for accuracy
TASK 25
Identify protocol problems, inform investigators of problems, or assist in problem resolution efforts, such as protocol revisions.
AI DOES
Scans protocols to spot inconsistencies, missing data points, or regulatory gaps
YOU DO
Apply clinical judgment and build trust with investigators to resolve problems together
TASK 26
Prepare for or participate in quality assurance audits conducted by study sponsors, federal agencies, or specially designated review groups.
AI DOES
Drafts checklists, organizes documentation, flags missing records, and summarizes regulatory requirements
YOU DO
Own the audit room conversation, interpret site-specific context, and make judgment calls on compliance gaps
TASK 27
Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, investigations on matters such as water storage, wastewater discharge, pollutants, permits, or other compliance and regulatory issues.
AI DOES
Searches rules, summarizes permit requirements, and helps analyze water quality data
YOU DO
Go to the site, collect samples, and make final compliance calls
TASK 28
Review or evaluate designs for water detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities, or other hydraulic structures.
AI DOES
Checks hydraulic calculations, flags design inconsistencies, and summarizes code requirements
YOU DO
Apply site-specific judgment and take professional responsibility for safety
TASK 29
Contact industry representatives to ensure equipment and software specifications necessary for successful study completion.
AI DOES
Drafts outreach emails, summarizes equipment specs, and tracks communication logs
YOU DO
Build vendor relationships and confirm study-critical details directly
TASK 30
Prepare and administer budgets, approve and review expenditures, and prepare financial reports.
AI DOES
Drafts budget templates, summarizes spending data, and catches number errors
YOU DO
Own the approval decisions and explain trade-offs to leadership
TASK 31
Identify and characterize specific causes or sources of water pollution.
AI DOES
Searches databases, analyzes water quality data, and summarizes known pollution sources by region or industry type
YOU DO
Visit sites, collect samples, and apply local context to confirm what is actually causing the problem
TASK 32
Develop or implement standardized water monitoring and assessment methods.
AI DOES
Drafts monitoring protocols, summarizes regulations, and spots data trends in water quality datasets
YOU DO
Make field decisions, validate real-world conditions, and tailor methods to each unique site
TASK 33
Participate in preparation and management of research budgets and monetary disbursements.
AI DOES
Drafts budget spreadsheets, summarizes cost categories, and flags spending anomalies
YOU DO
Verify regulatory rules and approve every payment decision
TASK 34
Assess eligibility of potential subjects through methods such as screening interviews, reviews of medical records, or discussions with physicians and nurses.
AI DOES
Scans records and matches patient data against inclusion/exclusion criteria checklists
YOU DO
Talk with patients and clinicians to catch nuance, context, and edge cases a checklist misses
TASK 35
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
AI DOES
Drafts project plans, summarizes research findings, and flags scheduling conflicts
YOU DO
Lead teams, weigh competing priorities, and make calls under uncertainty
TASK 36
Instruct research staff in scientific and procedural aspects of studies including standards of care, informed consent procedures, or documentation procedures.
AI DOES
Drafts training guides, quizzes, and procedure summaries from study protocols
YOU DO
Lead live instruction, read the room, and answer unexpected questions with clinical judgment
TASK 37
Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.
AI DOES
Summarizes research literature, drafts project timelines, and suggests resource breakdowns
YOU DO
Apply hands-on scientific judgment and know your specific team's strengths and limits
TASK 38
Contact outside health care providers and communicate with subjects to obtain follow-up information.
AI DOES
Drafts follow-up emails, generates call scripts, and flags overdue contacts in tracking systems
YOU DO
Build rapport with patients and providers and handle sensitive or unexpected responses
TASK 39
Present water resource proposals to government, public interest groups, or community groups.
AI DOES
Drafts presentation slides, writes talking points, and summarizes technical data into plain language
YOU DO
Show up, read the room, and build trust with real people in the meeting
TASK 40
Develop plans to protect watershed health or rehabilitate watersheds.
AI DOES
Summarizes research, drafts plan templates, and analyzes watershed data patterns
YOU DO
Bring local site knowledge and lead community decisions
TASK 41
Conduct own research in field of expertise.
AI DOES
Searches papers, summarizes findings, spots patterns in datasets, and drafts sections of reports
YOU DO
Design novel experiments, interpret surprising results, and bring deep domain intuition
TASK 42
Develop innovative technology or train staff for its implementation.
AI DOES
Drafts training content, summarizes new technologies, and suggests implementation steps
YOU DO
Decide what technology fits your team's real needs and lead people through change
TASK 43
Schedule subjects for appointments, procedures, or inpatient stays as required by study protocols.
AI DOES
Drafts visit schedules based on protocol windows and flags conflicts
YOU DO
Confirm subject readiness, site capacity, and safety-critical timing with clinical staff
TASK 44
Recruit personnel or oversee the development or maintenance of staff competence.
AI DOES
Drafts job descriptions, screens resumes, and suggests training content
YOU DO
Trust your judgment on people, culture fit, and real-world mentorship
TASK 45
Monitor study activities to ensure compliance with protocols and with all relevant local, federal, and state regulatory and institutional polices.
AI DOES
Scans documents and data logs to flag missing steps or regulatory mismatches
YOU DO
Verify findings on-site and own the compliance judgment calls
TASK 46
Order drugs or devices necessary for study completion.
AI DOES
Drafts purchase orders, tracks inventory levels, and flags when supplies are running low
YOU DO
Verify regulatory requirements and approve every order personally
TASK 47
Arrange for research study sites and determine staff or equipment availability.
AI DOES
Drafts scheduling templates, summarizes site requirements, and flags calendar conflicts
YOU DO
Confirm real availability with actual people and sites in person or by phone
TASK 48
Solicit industry-sponsored trials through contacts and professional organizations.
AI DOES
Drafts outreach emails, researches potential sponsors, and tracks industry contacts and trial opportunities
YOU DO
Build genuine relationships and negotiate partnerships in person
TASK 49
Oversee subject enrollment to ensure that informed consent is properly obtained and documented.
AI DOES
Tracks consent form status, flags missing signatures, and checks documentation against protocol requirements
YOU DO
Sit with the subject, read their understanding, and confirm true voluntary agreement in the moment
TASK 50
Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.
AI DOES
Drafts meeting agendas, summarizes technical documents, and preps talking points
YOU DO
Lead the actual conversation, read the room, and build trust with experts and regulators
TASK 51
Confer with health care professionals to determine the best recruitment practices for studies.
AI DOES
Summarizes recruitment literature, drafts discussion guides, and flags past study enrollment challenges
YOU DO
Build rapport with clinicians and read the room during live conversations
TASK 52SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Code, evaluate, or interpret collected study data.
AI DOES
Runs statistical tests and generates initial code
YOU DO
Choose the right methods and meaning
About this analysis
51% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 53
Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
AI DOES
Screens resumes, drafts interview questions, summarizes performance data, and flags patterns in evaluations
YOU DO
Trust your gut on people decisions and take responsibility for team relationships
TASK 54
Negotiate for water rights with communities or water facilities to meet water supply demands.
AI DOES
Researches water law, summarizes past agreements, and drafts talking points or proposal documents
YOU DO
Show up, build trust, and make judgment calls that balance community needs with water supply demands
TASK 55
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.
AI DOES
Analyzes population data, flags trends in monitoring records, and summarizes land use reports
YOU DO
Go into the field, observe wildlife directly, and make care decisions that need trained eyes and hands
TASK 56
Direct the requisition, collection, labeling, storage, or shipment of specimens.
AI DOES
Generates requisition forms, flags labeling errors, and tracks shipment status in digital systems
YOU DO
Physically handle specimens and make real-time safety calls in the lab
TASK 57SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Collaborate with investigators to prepare presentations or reports of clinical study procedures, results, and conclusions.
AI DOES
Drafts presentations and formats clinical data visually
YOU DO
Interpret findings and guide the story
About this analysis
40% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 58SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, chemical, physical, and biological water quality monitoring or sampling to ensure compliance with water quality standards.
AI DOES
Analyzes samples and flags compliance issues
YOU DO
Judge field conditions and sampling strategy
About this analysis
35% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 59SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Advise or assist in obtaining patents or meeting other legal requirements.
AI DOES
Drafts patent applications and tracks filing deadlines
YOU DO
Judge patentability and guide strategy
About this analysis
15% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 60SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Inform patients or caregivers about study aspects and outcomes to be expected.
AI DOES
Drafts explanations and anticipates patient questions
YOU DO
Build trust and address real concerns
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 61SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
AI DOES
Generates phase templates and milestone suggestions
YOU DO
Sequence the work and adapt plans
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 62SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.
AI DOES
Drafts emails, summarizes meeting notes, and preps talking points
YOU DO
Build trust and read client needs
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 63SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare project proposals.
AI DOES
Drafts sections and formats proposal templates
YOU DO
Shape the vision and winning strategy
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 64SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Interpret protocols and advise treating physicians on appropriate dosage modifications or treatment calculations based on patient characteristics.
AI DOES
Calculates dosages and flags potential interactions
YOU DO
Judge patient complexity and override when needed
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 65SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Communicate with laboratories or investigators regarding laboratory findings.
AI DOES
Drafts messages and summarizes lab findings
YOU DO
Interpret results and guide next steps
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 66SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Provide technical expertise to assist communities in the development or implementation of storm water monitoring or other water programs.
AI DOES
Generates monitoring plans and regulatory summaries
YOU DO
Adapt solutions to local conditions and politics
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

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AT A GLANCE

Occupation: Natural Sciences Managers
SOC code: 11-9121
Tasks reviewed: 66 of 70

How we assess

PAY & OUTLOOK

Compare pay by state

Median pay (national): $167,220 · BLS OEWS 2025
Median pay (Colorado): $152,730 · BLS OEWS 2025
Employed (national): 108,690
Employed in Colorado: 1,640
Job outlook: +3.7% by 2034 · ~8,500 openings/yr

Wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. National figures cover the United States. Job outlook is national.

How does this fit your work?

Earn a certificate in your job

Your job, task by task.

Prepare study-related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports.

Develop advertising and other informational materials to be used in subject recruitment.

Track enrollment status of subjects and document dropout information such as dropout causes and subject contact efforts.

Write proposals, project reports, informational brochures, or other documents on wastewater purification, water supply and demand, or other water resource subjects.

Compile and maintain documentation on the health of a body of water.

Compile water resource data, using geographic information systems (GIS) or global position systems (GPS) software.

Monitor water use, demand, or quality in a particular geographic area.

Perform hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling.

Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.

Conduct cost-benefit studies for watershed improvement projects or water management alternatives.

Record adverse event and side effect data and confer with investigators regarding the reporting of events to oversight agencies.

Review proposed study protocols to evaluate factors such as sample collection processes, data management plans, or potential subject risks.

Analyze storm water systems to identify opportunities for water resource improvements.

Maintain contact with sponsors to schedule and coordinate site visits or to answer questions about issues such as incomplete data.

Conduct technical studies for water resources on topics such as pollutants and water treatment options.

Participate in the development of study protocols including guidelines for administration or data collection procedures.

Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement.

Review scientific literature, participate in continuing education activities, or attend conferences and seminars to maintain current knowledge of clinical studies affairs and issues.

Register protocol patients with appropriate statistical centers as required.

Recommend new or revised policies, procedures, or regulations to support water resource or conservation goals.

Make presentations at professional meetings to further knowledge in the field.

Identify methods for distributing purified wastewater into rivers, streams, or oceans.

Develop strategies for watershed operations to meet water supply and conservation goals or to ensure regulatory compliance with clean water laws or regulations.

Maintain required records of study activity including case report forms, drug dispensation records, or regulatory forms.

Identify protocol problems, inform investigators of problems, or assist in problem resolution efforts, such as protocol revisions.

Prepare for or participate in quality assurance audits conducted by study sponsors, federal agencies, or specially designated review groups.

Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, investigations on matters such as water storage, wastewater discharge, pollutants, permits, or other compliance and regulatory issues.

Review or evaluate designs for water detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities, or other hydraulic structures.

Contact industry representatives to ensure equipment and software specifications necessary for successful study completion.

Prepare and administer budgets, approve and review expenditures, and prepare financial reports.

Identify and characterize specific causes or sources of water pollution.

Develop or implement standardized water monitoring and assessment methods.

Participate in preparation and management of research budgets and monetary disbursements.

Assess eligibility of potential subjects through methods such as screening interviews, reviews of medical records, or discussions with physicians and nurses.

Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.

Instruct research staff in scientific and procedural aspects of studies including standards of care, informed consent procedures, or documentation procedures.

Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.

Contact outside health care providers and communicate with subjects to obtain follow-up information.

Present water resource proposals to government, public interest groups, or community groups.

Develop plans to protect watershed health or rehabilitate watersheds.

Conduct own research in field of expertise.

Develop innovative technology or train staff for its implementation.

Schedule subjects for appointments, procedures, or inpatient stays as required by study protocols.

Recruit personnel or oversee the development or maintenance of staff competence.

Monitor study activities to ensure compliance with protocols and with all relevant local, federal, and state regulatory and institutional polices.

Order drugs or devices necessary for study completion.

Arrange for research study sites and determine staff or equipment availability.

Solicit industry-sponsored trials through contacts and professional organizations.

Oversee subject enrollment to ensure that informed consent is properly obtained and documented.

Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.

Confer with health care professionals to determine the best recruitment practices for studies.

Code, evaluate, or interpret collected study data.

Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.

Negotiate for water rights with communities or water facilities to meet water supply demands.

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.

Direct the requisition, collection, labeling, storage, or shipment of specimens.

Collaborate with investigators to prepare presentations or reports of clinical study procedures, results, and conclusions.

Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, chemical, physical, and biological water quality monitoring or sampling to ensure compliance with water quality standards.

Advise or assist in obtaining patents or meeting other legal requirements.

Inform patients or caregivers about study aspects and outcomes to be expected.

Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.

Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.

Prepare project proposals.

Interpret protocols and advise treating physicians on appropriate dosage modifications or treatment calculations based on patient characteristics.

Communicate with laboratories or investigators regarding laboratory findings.

Provide technical expertise to assist communities in the development or implementation of storm water monitoring or other water programs.

Practice AI.Use your judgment.

Practice AI.
Use your judgment.