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Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

What They Do: Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

Also Called:
Analytical Research Program ManagerBiodiesel Division ManagerBiofuels ManagerBusiness Development and New Technology ManagerLaboratory Manager (Lab Manager)Project Development Director



Resource Details

On The Job

  • Design or conduct applied biodiesel or biofuels research projects on topics, such as transport, thermodynamics, mixing, filtration, distillation, fermentation, extraction, and separation.
  • Analyze data from biofuels studies, such as fluid dynamics, water treatments, or solvent extraction and recovery processes.
  • Prepare, or oversee the preparation of, experimental plans for biofuels research or development.
  • Provide technical or scientific guidance to technical staff in the conduct of biofuels research or development.
  • Propose new biofuels products, processes, technologies or applications based on findings from applied biofuels or biomass research projects.

Technology Skills

NameExample
Object or component oriented development software
  • Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
  • Oracle Java
Presentation software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Ab Initio
  • Microsoft Dynamics
Analytical or scientific software
  • Agilent ChemStation
  • Fleet Asset Management and Optimization Solutions FAMOS PEPSE
Development environment software
  • Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
  • National Instruments LabVIEW

Tools Used

NameExample
Remote reading thermometers
  • Temperature probes
Standard fermentation units
  • Fermentation systems
Dissolved oxygen meters
  • Dissolved oxygen monitors
Bi distillation units
  • Distillation equipment
Carbon filtration equipment
  • Absorption equipment

Knowledge

Namedescription
English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
ChemistryKnowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Engineering and TechnologyKnowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
MathematicsKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Production and ProcessingKnowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Skills

Namedescription
Complex Problem SolvingIdentifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision MakingConsidering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities

Namedescription
Deductive ReasoningThe ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Oral ComprehensionThe ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem SensitivityThe ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written ComprehensionThe ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Information OrderingThe ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Work Activities

Namedescription
Working with ComputersUsing computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsAnalyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Analyzing Data or InformationIdentifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Getting InformationObserving, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Processing InformationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Develop technical processes to improve the efficiency of biofuel production.
  • Evaluate energy production data.
  • Develop operating strategies, plans, or procedures for green or sustainable operations.
  • Supervise workers performing environmentally sustainable activities.
  • Develop specifications for new products or processes.

Work Context

Namedescription
E-MailHow frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within TeamsHow frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or TeamHow important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?
Freedom to Make DecisionsHow much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
Determine Tasks, Priorities and GoalsHow much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

Job Zone

  • Title:Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
  • Education:Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
  • Related Experience:A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
  • Job Training:Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
  • Job Zone Examples:Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
  • Specific Vocational Preparation Scale Range:(7.0 to < 8.0)

Education

  • Bachelor's degree

    Percentage of Respondents:55

  • Master's degree

    Percentage of Respondents:29

  • Associate's degree

    Percentage of Respondents:6

Interests

Namedescription
InvestigativeWork involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
EnterprisingWork involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
RealisticWork involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Work Styles

Namedescription
Adaptability/FlexibilityJob requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical ThinkingJob requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
DependabilityJob requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
IntegrityJob requires being honest and ethical.
Attention to DetailJob requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Work Values

Namedescription
AchievementOccupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working ConditionsOccupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
IndependenceOccupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Job Outlook

  • Description : New job opportunities are likely in the future.
    Category : Average

Salary :

Annual 10th percentileAnnual medianAnnual 90th percentileHourly 10th percentileHourly medianHourly 90th percentile
$111450$167740$53.58$80.64
53.58
80.64