Biological Technologists and Technicians
(NOC 2221)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyBiological technologists and technicians provide technical support and services to scientists, engineers and other professionals working in agriculture, resource management, environmental protection, plant and animal biology, microbiology, cell and molecular biology and health sciences, or may work independently in these fields. They work in both laboratory and field settings for governments, manufacturers of food products, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, biotechnology companies, health, research and educational institutions, environmental consulting companies, and resource and utilities companies.
Job Outlook
Limited
Read more
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “limited”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is below average when compared with other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent and jobseekers may face competition. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline slightly over the next few years, which may affect the number of new opportunities available. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Biological Technologists and Technicians most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 47% of Biological Technologists and Technicians who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $52,392. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$21.63
Median$30.26
MaximumAnnual Pay
$9,521
Minimum$47,205
Median$72,753
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$37.80
Median$48.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Biological technologists and technicians provide technical support and services to scientists, engineers and other professionals working in agriculture, resource management, environmental protection, plant and animal biology, microbiology, cell and molecular biology and health sciences, or may work independently in these fields. They work in both laboratory and field settings for governments, manufacturers of food products, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, biotechnology companies, health, research and educational institutions, environmental consulting companies, and resource and utilities companies.
Job duties
Biological technologists:
- Set up and run biological, microbiological, and biochemical tests and laboratory analyses to support research and quality control in food production, sanitation, pharmaceutical production, biotechnology, and other fields.
- Apply methods and techniques like microscopy, histochemistry, chromatography, electrophoresis, and spectroscopy.
- Perform experiments in agriculture, plant breeding, animal husbandry, biology, and biomedical research.
- Collect data and samples of water, soil, and plant and animal populations.
- Conduct environmental monitoring and compliance activities for the protection of fisheries stock, wildlife, and other natural resources.
- Analyze data and prepare reports.
- Conduct or supervise operational programs like fish hatchery, greenhouse, and livestock production programs.
Biological technicians:
- Help run biological, microbiological, and biochemical tests and laboratory analyses.
- Perform limited range of technical functions supporting agriculture, plant breeding, animal husbandry, biology, biomedical research, and environmental protection.
- Help collect data and samples of water, soil, and plant and animal populations.
- Help analyze data and prepare reports.
Sample job titles
- agricultural technician
- aquaculture technician
- biotechnology technician
- crop production technician
- ecological technologist
- fisheries technologist
- food bacteriological technologist
- marine biology technician
- plant breeding technician
- wildlife biology technician
Skills
You should enjoy technical work and have an interest in science. A high degree of manual dexterity and mechanical ability may be necessary. You must be precise and analytical, and able to work alone or as part of a team. Good oral and written communication skills are important. Familiarity with computers is also required for some positions. Physical stamina may be needed for fieldwork.
Job requirements
- 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.
- A one- to two-year college program in a related field is required for employment as a biological technician.
- Certification with provincial associations is available, but voluntary.
Other considerations
Resource conservation and environmental concerns may help to generate job opportunities for people in these jobs. People in these jobs usually work regular hours; however, irregular hours may be required to follow through on an experiment or fieldwork. There is limited mobility among jobs in this group. Some technologists and technicians working in support of government and academic research in biology are university graduates.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public administration
Professional, scientific and technical services
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Educational services
Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
45-54
55-64
35-44
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$47,986 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$51,447 median annual incomeHigh school
$12,885 median annual incomeMaster
$56,065 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$37,236 median annual incomeCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Agricultural Business Technology
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to carry out specialized support functions related to agricultural business offices and operations and to operate agricultural office equipment, software, and information systems. They include courses in basic agricultural business principles, office management, equipment operation, standard software, and database management.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Agriculture - General
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on agricultural research and production. They include courses in basic animal, plant, and soil science, animal husbandry and plant cultivation, soil conservation, and agricultural operations like farming, ranching, and agricultural business.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Animal Behaviour and Ethology
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the scientific study of the psychological and neurological bases of animal sensation, perception, cognition, behaviour, and behavioural interactions within and outside the species. They include courses in ethology, behavioural neuroscience, neurobiology, behavioural evolution, cognition and sensory perception, motivators, learning and instinct, hormonal controls, reproductive and developmental biology, community ecology, functional behaviour, and applications to specific behaviours and patterns as well as to specific phyla and species.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Animal Sciences
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the scientific principles that underlie the breeding and husbandry of agricultural animals, and the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural animal products. They include courses in the animal sciences, animal husbandry and production, and agricultural and food products processing.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Biochemistry
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the scientific study of the chemistry of living systems, their fundamental chemical substances and reactions, and their chemical pathways and information transfer systems, with particular reference to carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. They include courses in bio-organic chemistry, protein chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, bioseparations, regulatory biochemistry, enzymology, hormonal chemistry, calorimetry, and research methods and equipment operation.
Institutions providing this program
Biology/Biological Sciences
College or University ProgramThis includes any general program of biology at the introductory, basic level or a program in biology or the biological sciences that is undifferentiated as to title or content. These programs include courses in general biology and programs covering a variety of biological specializations.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Environmental Engineering Technology/Environmental Technology
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing and using indoor and outdoor environmental pollution control systems. They include courses in environmental safety principles, testing and sampling procedures, laboratory techniques, instrumentation calibration, safety and protection procedures, equipment maintenance, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Environmental Studies
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on environment-related issues using scientific, social scientific, and/or humanistic approaches. They include courses in the basic principles of ecology and environmental science and related subjects such as policy, politics, law, economics, social aspects, planning, pollution control, natural resources, and the interactions of human beings and nature.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Forensic Science and Technology
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on applying the physical, biomedical, and social sciences to the analysis and evaluation of physical evidence, human testimony and criminal suspects. They include courses in forensic medicine, forensic dentistry, anthropology, psychology, pathology, forensic laboratory technology, crime scene analysis, fingerprint technology, document analysis, pattern analysis, examination procedures, applicable laws and regulations, and professional standards and ethics.
Institutions providing this program
Marine Sciences
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the study of biology, chemistry, geology and physics applied to marine, estuarine and coastal environments. They include courses in marine biogeochemistry, atmosphere and ocean dynamics, coastal ecology, coastal ocean processes, microbial ecology, marine ecosystem modeling, and polar microbiology.
Institutions providing this program
Microbiology
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the scientific study of unicellular organisms and colonies, and subcellular genetic matter and their ecological interactions with human beings and other life. They include courses in microbial genetics, cell biology, cell physiology, virology, pathogenic microbiology, environmental microbiology, immunology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, and laboratory methods including microscopy.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
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