Biological Technicians

19-4021.00

Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
• Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
• Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
• Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
• Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
• Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
• Input data into databases.
• Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.
• Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment.
• Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas.
• Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.
• Place orders for laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations.
• Feed livestock or laboratory animals.
• Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in food or other products.
• Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.
• Measure or weigh compounds and solutions for use in testing or animal feed.
• Conduct or supervise operational programs, such as fish hatcheries, greenhouses and livestock production programs.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - BD Biosciences CellQuest; BoxShade; ClustalW; Gene Codes Sequencher; Gene Runner; Laboratory information management system LIMS; Phrap; Phred; PolyBayes; Primer3; SAS 🔥; Statistical software; Systat Software SigmaPlot; Systat Software TableCurve
• Data base user interface and query software - Database software; Microsoft Access 🔥; Thomson EndNote
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcGIS software 🔥; Geographic information system GIS software
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Photoshop 🔥; Graphics software; Harvard Graphics
• Map creation software - MapInfo MapMarker
• Office suite software - Corel WordPerfect Office Suite; Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - IBM Lotus 1-2-3; Microsoft Excel
• Word processing software - Microsoft Outlook 🔥; Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Collect biological specimens.
• Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
• Research microbiological or chemical processes or structures.
• Interpret research or operational data.
• Record research or operational data.
• Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis.
• Set up laboratory or field equipment.
• Clean objects.
• Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
• Care for plants or animals.
• Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
• Examine characteristics or behavior of living organisms.
• Manage agricultural or forestry operations.