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Biological Technologists and Technicians
What they do?
Biological technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Assist in conducting biological, microbiological and biochemical tests and laboratory analyses
B. Perform limited range of technical functions in support of agriculture, plant breeding, animal husbandry, biology, biomedical research and environmental protection
C. Assist in conducting field research and surveys to collect data and samples of water, soil, and plant and animal populations
D. Assist in analysis of data and preparation of reports.
E. Set up and conduct biological, microbiological and biochemical tests and laboratory analyses in support of research and quality control in food production, sanitation, pharmaceutical production, biotechnology and other fields
F. Apply methods and techniques such as microscopy, histochemistry, chromatography, electrophoresis and spectroscopy
G. Perform experimental procedures in agriculture, plant breeding, animal husbandry, biology and biomedical research
Where they find work?
1. Public administration - 26.0%
2. Educational services - 14.0%
3. Farms - 9.0%
4. Architectural engineering and related services - 5.0%
5. Scientific research and development services - 5.0%
6. Management scientific and technical consulting services - 5.0%
What education do I need?
1. Completion of a two- to three-year college program in a field related to agriculture, biology, microbiology, wildlife or resource management is usually required for employment as a biological technologist.
2. Completion of a one- to two-year college program in a related field is required for employment as a biological technician.
3. Certification with provincial associations is available, but voluntary.
4. Almost 2 in 10 have have either an undegraduate university degree or a community college diploma.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. English
3. Sciences
4. Social Studies
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Biological Technologists and Technicians is $19.83/HR, which is below average for occupations in the natural and applied sciences and related occupations and close to the average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at a below-average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
6% of Biological Technologists and Technicians are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Biological Technologists and Technicians is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an above-average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($19.83) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is below average.
3. The unemployment rate (6%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be close to the average.
2. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely exceed the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations Biological Technologists and Technicians are found in Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in Alberta and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (42%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Team project work
2. Proposal writing
3. Presenting
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
6% of Biological Technologists and Technicians are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 13,400 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 89% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The relatively high percentage of younger workers suggests more entry-level positions and jobs that may serve as stepping stones in a career. The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average reflecting the age/retirement structure of the occupation.
