Animal Caretakers, Except Farm
Description OES Code: 79017
Animal Handlers are responsible for the daily care of laboratory animals. They provide food and water to the animals and clean and disinfect their cages, racks, and pens. Handlers examine the animals for signs of illness, provide grooming and baths, adjust the temperature and humidity of the animal quarters, and maintain records to comply with regulatory standards and operating procedures.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $6.48
25th Percentile $7.03
50th Percentile $8.33
75th Percentile $10.83

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage minimum
25th Percentile minimum
50th Percentile $7.81
75th Percentile $10.18

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 10,200
Projected Employment 2008 13,500
Percent Change 1998-2008 32.4%
Separations 1998-2008 1,700

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 160
Projected Employment 2006 210
Percent Change 1999-2006 31.3%
Separations 1999-2006 20

Employment Trends by California County

Advancement
This occupation is included in a group of biotechnology occupations which are technical in nature, and jobs which can serve as stepping stones to technical positions.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Identifying the different types of companies within the biotechnology industry can be difficult. Some companies are created for the purpose of exploring biotechnology, while others use the process of biotechnology to manufacture pharmaceutical, agricultural, environmental and food products.

The types of biotechnology companies can be divided in several ways. The Biotechnology Industry Organization separates the industry into the following areas: therapeutic, human diagnostics, supplier, chemical-environmental, and agricultural. Other industry organizations have added thecategories of energy production, medical devices, biopharmaceutical, veterinary, and various combinations of these categories.

The human therapeutics and diagnostics sectors have, by far, the greatest amount of activity, involving 65 to 70 percent of the biotechnology companies in the United States. About 17 percent of the companies are engaged in producing equipment and supplies for bioscience research and manufacturing.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
-- High school diploma or equivalent with a scientific background.
-- Possess up to two years of laboratory experience.

Speaking in general about careers in biotechnology, aspiring students should be prepared to complete high school courses such as chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
Laboratory experience and training is especially important to develop the basic skills that will be needed on the job or to succeed in course work at community college and university levels.

Skills & Other Requirements
Important skills, knowledge, and abilities for Animal Caretakers include:

-- Ability to monitor, restrain, handle, and care for laboratory animals.
-- Attention to detailed instructions.
-- Good oral, written and computer communication skills.
-- Ability to maintain detailed records.

References
California Occupational Guide #2007

Related Occupations: Biotechnology

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)