| ||||
Summary Job Description | Tasks | |||
Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs. | Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities. | |||
| ||||
Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards. | ||||
| ||||
Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination. | ||||
| ||||
Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties. | ||||
| ||||
Conduct research or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals. | ||||
| ||||
Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment. | ||||
| ||||
Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences. | ||||
| ||||
Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas. | ||||
| ||||
Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations. | ||||
| ||||
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. | ||||
| ||||
Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings. | ||||
| ||||
Measure or weigh compounds and solutions for use in testing or animal feed. | ||||
| ||||
Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel. | ||||
| ||||
Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems. | ||||
| ||||
Conduct or supervise operational programs such as fish hatcheries, greenhouses and livestock production programs. | ||||
| ||||
Feed livestock or laboratory animals. | ||||
| ||||
CompGeo Salary Survey Benchmark Job Summary and Competencies
Biological Technicians
The Benchmark Job Description below represents the specific Position Characteristics of the job used in the Salary Survey. Benchmark Job Descriptions should be inspected carefully to review the degree of matching between an organizations' Job and the Salary Survey Benchmark. Matching internal Jobs to Salary Survey Benchmark Jobs should not be done on Job Title alone. A thorough comparison of Salary Survey Benchmark to Internal Job Descriptions is recommended. A good overlap should exist on any comparisons used on critical Job Dimensions and Competencies.- Job Description
- Knowledges
- Skills
- Abilites
- Tools and Technology
- Education and Experience
- Alternate Job Titles
- Salaries
| ||||
Important Knowledge Competencies | Competency Description | |||
Biology | Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment. | |||
| ||||
Chemistry | Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods. | |||
| ||||
Mathematics | Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. | |||
| ||||
English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. | |||
| ||||
Education and Training | Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. | |||
| ||||
| ||||
Important Skill Competencies | Competency Description | |||
Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. | |||
| ||||
Active Listening | Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. | |||
| ||||
Science | Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. | |||
| ||||
Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. | |||
| ||||
Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. | |||
| ||||
Active Learning | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. | |||
| ||||
Writing | Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. | |||
| ||||
Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. | |||
| ||||
Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. | |||
| ||||
Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. | |||
| ||||
Systems Analysis | Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. | |||
| ||||
Time Management | Managing one's own time and the time of others. | |||
| ||||
Mathematics | Using mathematics to solve problems. | |||
| ||||
Troubleshooting | Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it. | |||
| ||||
Coordination | Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. | |||
| ||||
Operation Monitoring | Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. | |||
| ||||
Quality Control Analysis | Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. | |||
| ||||
| ||||
Important Ability Competencies | Competency Description | |||
Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). | |||
| ||||
Inductive Reasoning | The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). | |||
| ||||
Information Ordering | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). | |||
| ||||
Selective Attention | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. | |||
| ||||
Written Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. | |||
| ||||
Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. | |||
| ||||
Deductive Reasoning | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. | |||
| ||||
Category Flexibility | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. | |||
| ||||
Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. | |||
| ||||
Speech Clarity | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. | |||
| ||||
Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. | |||
| ||||
Problem Sensitivity | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. | |||
| ||||
Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. | |||
| ||||
Fluency of Ideas | The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity). | |||
| ||||
Mathematical Reasoning | The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. | |||
| ||||
Perceptual Speed | The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object. | |||
| ||||
Originality | The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem. | |||
| ||||
Flexibility of Closure | The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material. | |||
| ||||
Arm-Hand Steadiness | The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position. | |||
| ||||
Finger Dexterity | The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects. | |||
| ||||
Visual Color Discrimination | The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness. | |||
| ||||
Number Facility | The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. | |||
| ||||
Visualization | The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged. | |||
| ||||
Far Vision | The ability to see details at a distance. | |||
| ||||
Manual Dexterity | The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. | |||
| ||||
| ||||
Tools/Technology Example | Product Category | |||
Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat software | Document management software | |||
| ||||
Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop software | Graphics or photo imaging software | |||
| ||||
BD Biosciences CellQuest | Analytical or scientific software | |||
| ||||
BOXSHADE software | Analytical or scientific software | |||
| ||||
ClustalW | Analytical or scientific software | |||
| ||||
Corel WordPerfect software | Word processing software | |||
| ||||
Database software | Data base user interface and query software | |||
| ||||
Gene Codes Sequencher | Analytical or scientific software | |||
| ||||
GeneRunner software | Analytical or scientific software | |||
| ||||
Graphics software | Graphics or photo imaging software | |||
| ||||
Harvard Graphics software | Graphics or photo imaging software | |||
| ||||
IBM Lotus 1-2-3 | Spreadsheet software | |||
| ||||
Laboratory information management system LIMS software | Analytical or scientific software | |||
| ||||
MapInfo MapMarker | Map creation software | |||
| ||||
Microsoft Access | Data base user interface and query software | |||
| ||||
Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | |||
| ||||
Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | |||
| ||||
Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | |||
| ||||
Microsoft Project | Project management software | |||
| ||||
Microsoft Word | Word processing software | |||
| ||||
Phrap | Analytical or scientific software | |||
| ||||
Phred | Analytical or scientific software | |||
| ||||
PolyBayes software | Analytical or scientific software | |||
| ||||
Primer3 software | Analytical or scientific software | |||
| ||||
SAS software | Analytical or scientific software | |||
| ||||
Statistical software | Analytical or scientific software | |||
| ||||
Systat Software SigmaPlot | Analytical or scientific software | |||
| ||||
Systat Software Table Curve | Analytical or scientific software | |||
| ||||
Thomson EndNote | Data base user interface and query software | |||
| ||||
Aerobic growth chambers | Refrigerated and heated reach in environmental or growth chambers | |||
| ||||
Agitators | Laboratory mixers | |||
| ||||
Amino acid analyzers | Amino acid analyzers | |||
| ||||
Anaerobic growth chambers | Anaerobic chamber | |||
| ||||
Analytical balances | Analytical balances | |||
| ||||
Autoclaves | Steam autoclaves or sterilizers | |||
| ||||
Automated cell counters | Manual or electronic hematology differential cell counters | |||
| ||||
Automated microplate ELISA readers | Microplate readers | |||
| ||||
Automated tissue/slide stainers | Histological staining apparatus | |||
| ||||
Automatic pipetters | Robotic or automated liquid handling systems | |||
| ||||
Balances | Laboratory balances | |||
| ||||
Bioanalyzers | Microbiology analyzers | |||
| ||||
Biological containment hoods | Fume hoods or cupboards | |||
| ||||
Centrifuges | Benchtop centrifuges | |||
| ||||
Conductivity meters | Conductivity meters | |||
| ||||
Coulter counters | Manual or electronic hematology differential cell counters | |||
| ||||
Cytofluorographs | Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters | |||
| ||||
Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA sequencers | Deoxyribonucleic sequence analyzers | |||
| ||||
Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA synthesizers | Complementary deoxyribonucleic acid cDNA synthesis kits | |||
| ||||
Dissection microscopes | Binocular light compound microscopes | |||
| ||||
Distillation equipment | Bi distillation units | |||
| ||||
Drying ovens | Drying cabinets or ovens | |||
| ||||
Electrophorators | Electrophoresis system power supplies | |||
| ||||
Electrophoresis boxes | Gel boxes | |||
| ||||
Flow cytometers | Microbiology analyzers | |||
| ||||
Fluoride electrodes | Ion selective electrode | |||
| ||||
Fluorometers | Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters | |||
| ||||
Full-face respirators | Respirators | |||
| ||||
Gas chromatographs GC | Gas chromatographs | |||
| ||||
Gel chromatography equipment | Gel filtration equipment | |||
| ||||
Gel imaging apparatus | Transilluminators | |||
| ||||
Glass washers | Laboratory washing machines | |||
| ||||
Hematology cell counters | Manual or electronic hematology differential cell counters | |||
| ||||
High-voltage electrophoresis apparatus | Instrumentation for capillary electrophoresis | |||
| ||||
Homogenizers | Homogenizers | |||
| ||||
Hybridization ovens | Hybridization ovens or incubators | |||
| ||||
Imaging systems | Scanners | |||
| ||||
Incubator microscopes | Incubator accessories | |||
| ||||
Incubators | Forced air or mechanical convection general purpose incubators | |||
| ||||
Inherit sequencing analysis systems | Deoxyribonucleic sequence analyzers | |||
| ||||
Inoculating loops | Microbiology inoculation loops or needles | |||
| ||||
Inverted microscopes | Inverted microscopes | |||
| ||||
Laser printers | Laser printers | |||
| ||||
Light/tissue culture microscopes | Inverted microscopes | |||
| ||||
Liquid handling robots | Robotic or automated liquid handling systems | |||
| ||||
Liquid nitrogen freezers | Cryogenic or liquid nitrogen freezers | |||
| ||||
Microcentrifuges | Microcentrifuges | |||
| ||||
Microplate readers | Microplate readers | |||
| ||||
Microplate shakers | Shaking incubators | |||
| ||||
Microplate washers | Microplate washers | |||
| ||||
Multichannel pipetters | Electronic multichannel pipetters | |||
| ||||
Notebook computers | Notebook computers | |||
| ||||
Ovens | Laboratory mechanical convection ovens | |||
| ||||
Paraffin embedding consoles | Tissue embedding stations | |||
| ||||
Personal computers | Personal computers | |||
| ||||
Petri dishes | Petri plates or dishes | |||
| ||||
Polymerase chain reaction PCR equipment | Temperature cycling chambers or thermal cyclers | |||
| ||||
Polymerase chain reaction PCR thermocyclers | Temperature cycling chambers or thermal cyclers | |||
| ||||
Protein sequencers | Protein analyzers | |||
| ||||
Radioactive counters | Beta gamma counters | |||
| ||||
Refrigerated centrifuges | Refrigerated benchtop centrifuges | |||
| ||||
Robotic laboratory equipment | Robotic or automated liquid handling systems | |||
| ||||
Spectrophotometers | Spectrophotometers | |||
| ||||
Sterilizers | Steam autoclaves or sterilizers | |||
| ||||
Stirring hotplates | Stirring hotplates | |||
| ||||
Test tubes | Multipurpose or general test tubes | |||
| ||||
Titration burets | Laboratory burets | |||
| ||||
Ultracentrifuges | Ultracentrifuges | |||
| ||||
Ultralow freezers | Ultra cold or ultralow upright cabinets or freezers | |||
| ||||
Ultramicrotomes | Microtomes | |||
| ||||
Ultrasonic cleaners | Ultrasonic cleaning equipment | |||
| ||||
Ultraviolet water purification systems | Ultra violet water purification units | |||
| ||||
Vacuum dehydration units | Dehydrators | |||
| ||||
Volumetric glassware | Volumetric pipettes | |||
| ||||
Water jacketed incubators | Water jacketed single chamber three gas incubators | |||
| ||||
Waterbaths | Water baths | |||
| ||||
pH meters | pH meters | |||
| ||||
| ||||
Prerequisite Qualification Category | Education and Experience Level | |||
Required Level of Education | Bachelor's Degree | |||
| ||||
On-the-Job Training | Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months | |||
| ||||
On-Site or In-Plant Training | Up to and including 1 month | |||
| ||||
| |||
Alternate Job Title(s) | |||
Aquatic Scientist | |||
Artificial Breeding Laboratory Technician | |||
Artificial Breeding Technician | |||
Artificial Inseminator | |||
Babcock Tester | |||
Bacteriology Lab Specialist | |||
Bacteriology Research Assistant | |||
Bacteriology Technician | |||
Biochemistry Technician | |||
Biological Aide | |||
Biological Science Laboratory Technician | |||
Biological Science Technician | |||
Biological Sciences Technician | |||
Biological Scientist | |||
Biological Technician | |||
Biologist Aide | |||
Biology Laboratory Assistant | |||
Biology Research Assistant | |||
Biology Specimen Technician | |||
Biotechnician | |||
Biotechnologist | |||
Botany Laboratory Assistant | |||
Culture Media Laboratory Assistant | |||
Cytogenetic Technologist | |||
Cytology Laboratory Technician | |||
Dairy Technologist | |||
Downstream Biomanufacturing Technician | |||
Environmental Technician | |||
Exotic Plants Technician | |||
Feed Research Aide | |||
Fiber Technologist | |||
Fisheries Biological Technician | |||
Fowl Blood Tester | |||
Game Technician | |||
Herbarium Worker | |||
Lab Supervisor | |||
Lab Technologist | |||
Laboratory Assistant | |||
Laboratory Associate | |||
Laboratory Technician | |||
Laboratory Worker | |||
Marine Fisheries Technician | |||
Medical Lab Assistant | |||
Medical Research Assistant | |||
Medical Technologist | |||
Microbiology Analyst | |||
Microbiology Lab Assistant | |||
Microbiology Quality Control Technician | |||
Microbiology Technician | |||
Molecular Lab Technologist | |||
Molecular Research Technologist | |||
Poultry Inseminator | |||
Research Assistant | |||
Research Associate | |||
Research Specialist | |||
Research Technician | |||
Resource Biologist | |||
Resource Biologist-Fisheries | |||
Scientific Technician | |||
Seed Analyst | |||
Specimen Technician | |||
Upstream Biomanufacturing Technician | |||
Veterinary Laboratory Technician | |||
Wildlife Biology Technician | |||
Wildlife Technician | |||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Copyright © 1995
- 2023 International Compensation Technologies and The Clayton Wallis Company. All Rights Reserved World Wide ictcw.com Member, WorldatWork - Formerly American and Canadian Compensation Associations (ACA/CCA) |