Biological technologists and technicians

Overview

Biological technologists and technicians provide technical support and services to scientists, engineers and other professionals working in fields such as 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 are employed in both laboratory and field settings by governments, manufacturers of food products, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, biotechnology companies, health, research and educational institutions, environmental consulting companies, and resource and utilities companies.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Biological technologists

  • 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

  • Apply methods and techniques such as microscopy, histochemistry, chromatography, electrophoresis and spectroscopy

  • Perform experimental procedures in agriculture, plant breeding, animal husbandry, biology and biomedical research

  • Conduct field research and surveys to 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 such as fish hatchery, greenhouse and livestock production programs.

  • Biological technicians

  • Assist in conducting biological, microbiological and biochemical tests and laboratory analyses

  • Perform limited range of technical functions in support of agriculture, plant breeding, animal husbandry, biology, biomedical research and environmental protection

  • Assist in conducting field research and surveys to collect data and samples of water, soil, and plant and animal populations

  • Assist in analysis of data and preparation of reports.

Job titles

  • agricultural sciences technician
  • agricultural technician
  • agricultural technologist
  • agrology technician
  • agrology technologist
  • agronomy technician

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2023 edition

Annual salary

Low

$37,249

Median

$48,824

High

$63,486

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

171

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • 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.

  • Completion of 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.

Additional information

  • There is limited mobility among occupations in this group.

  • Some technologists and technicians working in support of government and academic research in biology are university graduates.

Certification requirements

Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Biological technologists and technicians in B.C.

  • Registration with the College of Applied Biologists - Biological Technologists and Technicians

Registration with the College of Applied Biologists - Biological Technologists and Technicians

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a biological technologist or technician in B.C., you may choose to register with the College of Applied Biologists. Eligibility is achieved through completion of a recognized program and training courses.

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Post-secondary programs in B.C.

Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.

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