Occupational Guide for Biological Technicians

Biological Science Laboratory Technicians; Environmental Technicians; Resource

Biologists; Wildlife Biology Technicians
What Would I Do?
Biological Technicians* work with biologists studying living organisms. They
set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments; monitor experiments;
make observations; calculate and record results; and often develop
conclusions. Many assist scientists who conduct medical research-helping to
find a cure for cancer or AIDS, for example. Those who work for pharmaceutical
companies help develop and manufacture medicines, while those working in the
field of microbiology generally work as laboratory assistants, studying living
organisms and infectious agents. They also analyze organic substances, such as
blood, food, and drugs. Biological Technicians working in biotechnology apply
knowledge and techniques gained from basic research, including gene splicing
and recombinant DNA, and apply them to product development.
Tools and Technology
Biological Technicians normally use such tools as inverted microscopes, manual
or electronic hematology differential cell counters, microplate readers, and
automated liquid handling systems, electrophoresis boxes, among others. They
should also be proficient in analytical, database user interface and query,
graphics or photo imaging, spreadsheet, and word processing software.
Green Economy
Within the green economy, Biological Technicians often work as part of a
natural resource management team. They can make field observations of natural
resource conditions, assist in preparation of draft reports, plans, and
guidelines, and provide logistical support and area orientation for contract
and cooperating scientists. Biological Technicians may also provide assistance
to students, student conservation assistants, and volunteers involved in
resource management projects and field research. With additional short-term
training in plant propagation and tissue culture, Biological Technicians also
aid in the production of biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel.
Important Tasks and Related Skills
Each Task below is matched to a skill required to carry out the task.
______________________________________________________________
| Task | Skill Used in this Task |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|
|Conduct research or assist in |Information Ordering |
|the conduct of research, | |
|including the collection of | |
|information and samples, such | |
|as blood, water, soil, plants, | |
|and animals and microbes. | |
| | |
|Analyze experimental data and |Critical Thinking |
|interpret results to write | |
|reports and summaries of | |
|findings. | |
| | |
|Keep detailed logs of all |Written Comprehension |
|work-related activities. | |
| | |
|Use computers, |Reading Comprehension |
|computer-interfaced equipment,| |
|robotics or high-technology | |
|industrial applications to | |
|perform work duties. | |
| | |
|Set up, adjust, calibrate, |Selective Attention |
|clean, maintain, and | |
|troubleshoot laboratory and | |
|field equipment. | |
| | |
|Measure or weigh compounds and|Category Flexibility |
|solutions for use in testing | |
|or animal feed. | |
| | |
|Isolate, identify and prepare |Science |
|specimens for examination. | |
| | |
|Examine animals and specimens |Inductive Reasoning |
|to detect the presence of | |
|disease or other problems. | |
| | |
|______________________________|______________________________|
Source: Occupational Information Network at http://online.onetcenter.org
Working Conditions
Biological Technicians work under a wide variety of conditions. Most work
indoors, usually in laboratories, and have regular hours. Some occasionally
work irregular hours to monitor experiments that cannot be completed during
regular working hours. Production Biological Technicians often work in eight-
hour shifts around the clock. Other Biological Technicians, such as those who
work in State or national parks, fisheries, and other natural resource
conservation areas, may perform much of their work outdoors, sometimes in
remote locations.
Biological Technicians sometimes work with disease-causing organisms or,
carcinogenic or radioactive agents. However, these working conditions pose
little risk if proper safety procedures are followed.
Biological Technicians are generally not unionized, except when employed by
federal, State, or local government.
Will This Job Fit Me?
People interested in becoming Biological Technicians should enjoy work
activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They
should also like to work with ideas, search for facts, and figure out problems
mentally.
What Wages and Benefits Can I Expect?
Wages
OES Wages for California in 2011;
_____________________________________________________
| | Median Wage | Mean Wage | Employment |
-----------------------------------------------------
| Hourly | $21.58 | $23.46 | 10,840 |
-----------------------------------------------------
| Annual | $44,882 | $48,782 | 10,840 |
-----------------------------------------------------
Benefits
Biological Technicians may expect to receive benefit packages including
medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as vacation, sick leave, and a
401(k). Some employers of Biological Technicians also offer various bonus and
incentive packages.
What is the Job Outlook?
Most job openings will be created by the need to replace Biological
Technicians who retire or leave the field for other reasons. Green economy
activities and technologies may increase the demand for Biological
Technicians; however, like many occupations, employment may be sensitive to
fluctuations in the economy.
Projections of Employment
In California , the number of
Biological Technicians is expected to grow much faster than average compared
with the total for all occupations. Jobs for Biological Technicians are
expected to increase by 39.1 percent or 2,500 jobs between 2000 and 2010.
_______________________________________________________________
| Estimated Employment and Projected Growth |
| Biological Technicians |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| Geographic | | | | | |
| Area | | | | | |
| (Estimated | | | | | to Net |
| Year- | | | | |Replacements|
| Projected | Estimated|Projected |Numeric|Percent| Additional |
| Year) |Employment|Employment| Change| Change|Openings Due|
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| California | 6,400 | 8,900 | 2,500 | 39 | 180 |
|( 2000-2010)| | | | | |
---------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Job Openings
In California, an average 250 new job openings per year are expected for
Biological Technicians, plus an additional 180 job openings due to replacement
needs, resulting in a total of 430 job openings.
Estimated Average Annual Job Openings
_______________________________________________________________________
| Geographic Area | Jobs From Growth | Jobs Due to Net | Total Annual |
| (Estimated Year- | | Replacements | Job Openings |
| Projected Year) | | | |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------
| California | 430 | 180 | 430 |
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: EDD/LMID http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/cgi/databrowsing/?
PageID=145 Projections of Employment by Occupation
The Sacramento Area is El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo Counties.
How Do I Qualify?
Education, Training, and Other Requirements
Prospective Biological Technicians should have at least an associate degree
or a certificate in applied science or science-related technology. Many
technical and community colleges offer programs in a specific technology or
more general education in science and mathematics. However, some employers of
Biological Technicians prefer applicants who hold a bachelor's degree in one
of the biological sciences. A number of associate degree programs are designed
to provide easy transfer to bachelors degree programs at colleges or
universities.
Experience
Those interested in a career as a Biological Technician may benefit from
specialized training under the direct supervision of a more experienced
technician. This hands-on experience in a laboratory or field setting,
combined with one's classroom learning of scientific principles and theory,
usually will produce the well-rounded applicant for which many employers of
Biological Technicians are looking.
Early Career Planning
High school students interested in careers as Biological Technicians should
take as many science and math courses as possible. Science courses taken
beyond high school, in an associate or bachelors degree program, should be
laboratory-oriented, with an emphasis on bench skills. A solid background in
applied chemistry, physics, and math is vital.
Continuing Education
While continuing education is not mandatory to become or stay employed as a
Biological Technician, many in the field may find it worthwhile to keep
updated on the ever-changing nature of scientific theories and laboratory
techniques.
Where Can I Find Training?
There are two ways to search for training information:
Search by Training Programs for information about the schools that offer
these programs. Once there, you will have a choice of searching by area
and program name. You may use keywords such as:
Search by Geographic Area for information about the training programs
offered. Once there, enter your county to view a list of the schools in
your area.
Note: Contact the schools you are interested in to learn about the classes
available, tuition and fees, and any prerequisite course work.
Where Would I Work?
Biological Technicians work in a variety of industries. The largest
industries in this occupation are as follows:
-----------------------------------------------
| Industry Title |Percent of Total|
| | Employment for |
| | Occupation in |
| | California |
|-----------------------------------------------|
|Scientific Research and | 45.0% |
|Development Svc | |
| | |
|Colleges and Universities | 19.3% |
| | |
|Federal Government | 11.1% |
| | |
|Pharmaceutical & Medicine | 8.8% |
|Manufacturing | |
| | |
|Architectural and Engineering | 4.1% |
|Services | |
| | |
|-----------------------------------------------|
Source: EDD/LMID Staffing Patterns
What Employers Say...
Finding a Job
Direct application to employers remains one of the most effective job
search methods. Newspaper classified ads, Internet job listings, job fairs,
professional associations, social networking sites, or college career
centers may also provide job leads.
Yellow Page Headings
You can focus your local job search by checking private firms listed on-
line or in your local telephone directory. Below are some suggested heading
where you might find employers of Biological Technicians.
Biological Laboratories
Environmental and Ecological Consultants
Government
Laboratories-Research and Development
Pharmaceutical Companies
Find Possible Employers
To locate a list of employers in your area, go to "Find Employers":
Select one of the top industries that employ the occupation.
This will give you a list of employers in that industry in your area.
Click on "View Filter Selections" to limit your list to specific cities
or employer size.
Click on an employer for the street address, telephone number, size of
business, Web site, etc.
Contact the employer for possible employment.
Where Could This Job Lead?
Biological Technicians usually begin work as trainees in routine positions
under the direct supervision of a scientist or a more experienced
Technician. As they gain experience, Technicians take on more
responsibility and carry out assignments under only general supervision and
some eventually become supervisors. Biological Technicians who have a
bachelor's degree often are able to advance to biologist positions after a
few years of experience working as a Technician or after earning a graduate
degree.
Related Occupations
Below is alist of occupations related to Biological Technicians with links
to more information.
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| Occupation |
| |
|--------------|
|Conservation |
|Scientists |
| |
|Foresters |
| |
|Dietitians |
|and |
|
| |
|
| |
|Podiatrists |
| |
|Veterinarians |
| |
|Medical and |
|Clinical |
|Laboratory |
|
| |
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Other Sources
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
www.asbmb.org
American Society for Cell Biology
www.ascb.org
American Society for Nutrition
www.nutrition.org
Bio-Link
www.bio-link.org
For the Career Professional