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Biological Sciences Technician / Technologist, Environmental Technician / Technologist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Biological technicians’ duties vary depending on their training, experience, and where they work. They may:
Depending on the type of work, biological technicians may also:
A biological technician’s education and experience determines the nature and level of responsibility they have on the job.
Work settings vary a lot. Biological technicians may do most of their work indoors in labs and offices. They may work outdoors in all weather conditions. Some technicians work in both settings. Those who work outdoors may travel to remote locations and drive boats, quads, or trucks with standard transmissions.
Some types of work are more physically demanding. Other work involves microbial tests and lab analyses. Technicians doing this type of work must follow health and safety rules. This helps them avoid exposure to infectious bacteria and viruses. Fieldwork can expose technicians to fungi, viruses, and other biological agents.
Hours of work can vary. Long hours may be required, including evenings and weekends. Some jobs are seasonal.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in assisting biologists to conduct laboratory analyses and biological, microbiological and biochemical tests
Interest in precision working with laboratory equipment to conduct experiments and tests
Interest in compiling information to assist in conducting field research and surveys; and in collecting data and samples
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Biological technicians need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 37 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 05, 2022 and Apr 18, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Analyze data and prepare reports | 24 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Assist in analysis of data and preparation of reports | 24 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 22 |
| Tasks: Set up and conduct biological, microbiological, biochemical tests and laboratory analyses | 22 |
| Tasks: Assist in conducting field research and surveys to collect data and samples | 21 |
| Tasks: Assist in conducting biological, microbiological, biochemical tests and laboratory analyses | 20 |
| Tasks: Conduct field research and surveys to collect data and samples | 17 |
| Attention to detail | 16 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 15 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 14 |
Most employers require a 2-year diploma related to biological sciences. Some will accept an equivalent number of courses. Employers also may require applicants to have:
Training in research ethics is often needed (including in biohazards, human subject handling, and animal use protocols).
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Certified Technicians are applied science, information technology, or engineering technology professionals. They perform routine technical procedures with occasional direct supervision. They also may assume limited responsibility for decision-making processes.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must register as a member of the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the title Certified Technician (C.Tech.).
You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Technician.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Technician.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Biological technicians may work for:
Competition for positions is keen. Many new entrants do seasonal or part-time work before they get permanent positions.
Prospects for advancement are limited. Master’s and doctoral degrees are needed for most research and management positions.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 2221: Biological technologists and technicians occupational group, 78.2% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2221: Biological technologists and technicians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Earnings for biological technicians vary greatly depending on education, experience, and location.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.27 | $36.81 | $28.50 | $29.70 |
| Overall | $20.06 | $47.48 | $33.92 | $33.98 |
| Top | $22.00 | $50.64 | $37.72 | $39.76 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $64,829 |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $56,397 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $62,494 |
| Public Administration | $75,848 |
Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: www.aset.ab.ca
ECO Canada website: eco.ca
Environmental Services Association of Alberta website: esaa.org
Government of Alberta website, fisheries and wildlife management career paths: albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/about-us/working-together/job-profiles/
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
