occupational guide for biological technicians (detail) revised

8/10/2019 Occupational Guide for Biological Technicians (Detail) Revised

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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 animalsand microbes. | |

| | |


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|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 organismsor,

carcinogenic orradioactive 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?


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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 a401(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 growmuch 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


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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.


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Where Can I Find Training?

There are two ways to search for training information:

Search by Training Programsfor 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 Areafor information about the training programsoffered. 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
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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 OccupationsBelow 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 |

| |
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|Medical and |

|Clinical |

|Laboratory |

|

| |

--------------

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

occupational guide for biological technicians (detail) revised

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