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.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$37,249
$48,824
$63,486
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
171expected 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.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.