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Career Details : Biological Technicians

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Description

Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

Tasks

  • Sets up laboratory and field equipment to assist research workers.
  • Plants seeds in specified area and counts plants that grow, to determine germination rate of seeds.
  • Pricks animals and collects blood samples for testing, using hand-held devices.
  • Records production and test data for evaluation by personnel.
  • Measures or weighs ingredients used in testing or as animal feed.
  • Adjusts testing equipment and prepares culture media, following standard procedures.
  • Waters and feeds rations to livestock and laboratory animals.
  • Examines animals and specimens to determine presence of disease or other problems.
  • Cleans and maintains laboratory and field equipment and work areas.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Job-Required Social Interaction
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Objective or Subjective Information
    • Indoors

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