Biological, Agricultural, and Food Technicians
| Description |
OES Code: 24502 |
Assist scientists in laboratory and production activities by performing tasks necessary to experiment, test, and develop new and improved methods in production, preservation, and processing of plant and animal life.
Wages, California
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$9.84 |
| 25th Percentile |
$10.77 |
| 50th Percentile |
$12.93 |
| 75th Percentile |
$16.39 |
Wages, San Joaquin County
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$12.43 |
| 25th Percentile |
$12.42 |
| 50th Percentile |
$13.71 |
| 75th Percentile |
$16.76 |
Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey
Hours & Benefits
Most who work in biotechnical occupations have regular hours. Some occasionally work irregular hours to monitor experiments that can be completed during regular working hours. Production technicians often work in 8-hour shifts around the clock. Others perform much of their work outdoors, sometimes in remote locations.
Employment Trends, California
| Employment 1998 |
5,100 |
| Projected Employment 2008 |
6,100 |
| Percent Change 1998-2008 |
19.6% |
| Separations 1998-2008 |
1,300 |
Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
| Employment 1999 |
50 |
| Projected Employment 2006 |
60 |
| Percent Change 1999-2006 |
20% |
| Separations 1999-2006 |
10 |
Employment Trends by California County
Working Conditions
Science technicians work under a wide variety of conditions. Most work indoors, usually in laboratories. Others, such as agricultural, forest and conservation, geological and petroleum, and environmental science and protection technicians, perform much of their work outdoors, sometimes in remote locations.
Some science technicians may be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals, or toxic materials. However, these working conditions pose little risk, if proper safety procedures are followed.
Advancement
Technicians usually begin work as trainees in routine positions, under the direct supervision of a scientist or a more experienced technician. Job candidates whose training or educational background encompasses extensive hands-on experience with a variety of laboratory equipment, including computers and related equipment, usually require a short period of on-the-job training. As technicians gain experience, they take on more responsibility and carry out assignments under only general supervision, and some eventually become supervisors. However, technicians employed at universities often have their fortunes tied to particular professors; when professors retire or leave, these technicians face uncertain employment prospects.
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Many technical and community colleges offer associate degrees in a specific technology or a more general education in science and mathematics. A number of 2-year associate degree programs are designed to provide easy transfer to a 4-year college or university, if desired. Technical institutes usually offer technician training, but provide less theory and general education than technical or community colleges. The length of programs at technical institutes varies, although 1-year certificate programs and 2-year associate degree programs are common. Some schools offer cooperative-education or internship programs, allowing students the opportunity to work at a local company or other workplace, while attending classes in alternate terms. Participation in such programs can significantly enhance a students' employment prospects.
Skills & Other Requirements
Employers have stated that there are many skills and abilities that they look for in entry-level workers. Some of these include the following:
-- Ability to work as a team member.
-- General laboratory skills.
-- English language skills: to communicate and understand written and spoken instructions and directions, conduct record keeping, and maintain log books.
-- Use of basic math: add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; solve problems using percentages, metric system conversions, and ratios. Highly level technical jobs will require competency in college level mathematics.
-- Use of computers for word processing, producing spreadsheets, and manipulating data.
-- Ability to understand and follow instructions such as governmental regulations and company policies relating to safety, production practices and laboratory procedures.
-- Attention to detail.
-- Recognition of problems and reporting them.
References
US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Related Occupations: Engineering Technicians, Health Technologist and Technicians
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