Biologist - one who specializes in the science of living things

Next to my picture in the 1959 Janesville (MN) High School Golden Bears yearbook is listed "what I will be doing in the year 2000." It says "Biologist." I was mad about that! No one had asked me what to put next to my graduation picture. Someone else had filled in the information. If they had asked me, I would't have put down "Biologist." I said that no one can be just a "Biologist." One has to be a zoologist or a botanist or a microbiologist or a "whatever" ... but one can't be "just a biologist."

Guess what I've been doing for the last 27 years? In January 1972, I was hired as a Biologist to work in the Mankato State College Biology Department. Since then I have worked as a Biologist in the Mankato State University Biology Department. At present, my classification title is "Biologist" and my position title is "Biologist." And I'm still working in the same place but now it is called Minnesota State University, Mankato Biology Department. The name of my place of employment has changed ... my work responsibilities have changed ... but my title has not! I am still "just a biologist" . . . . .

Perhaps you might wonder what "just a biologist" does at Minnesota State University, Mankato. This is what my position description says.

Staff Biologist

To manage the Biology Store so that supplies are available when needed.

To purchase supplies and equipment for both departmental and research needs of Biology Department personnel.

To process shipments of supplies and equipment arriving or departing the Biology Department.

To maintain and / or assist Biology Department personnel with budget records of department and / or other accounts.

To provide professional support services as needed so that the Biology Department may be operated in an efficient and expeditious manner.

To ensure that the departmental vehicle is properly maintained so that it will be available for safe use when needed.