Biological Technician

Also called: Aquatics Technician, Artificial Breeding Laboratory Technician, Artificial Breeding Technician, Artificial Inseminator, Babcock Tester

Biological Technician

Varies

estimated salary

Biological technicians assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

  • Conduct research or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
  • Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
  • Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
  • Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
  • Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
  • Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
  • Input data into databases.
  • Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.
  • Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment.
  • Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas.
  • Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.
  • Place orders for laboratory equipment and supplies.
  • Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations.
  • Feed livestock or laboratory animals.
  • Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in food or other products.
  • Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.
  • Measure or weigh compounds and solutions for use in testing or animal feed.
  • Conduct or supervise operational programs such as fish hatcheries, greenhouses and livestock production programs.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 85% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 85% responded "Every day".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 52% responded "Extremely important".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 83% responded "Every day".
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 55% responded "Every day".
  • Contact With Others — 44% responded "Contact with others most of the time".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 45% responded "Extremely important".
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Work Activities
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Record research or operational data.
  • Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
  • Record research or operational data.
  • Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
  • Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis.
  • Collect biological specimens.
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Knowledge

Biology
  • Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Science
  • Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Inductive Reasoning
  • The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Document management software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat Hot Technology
Data base user interface and query software
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
  • Thomson EndNote
  • Database software
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
  • IBM Lotus 1-2-3
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