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Biological science technician vs wildlife technician

The differences between biological science technicians and wildlife technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a biological science technician and a wildlife technician. Additionally, a biological science technician has an average salary of $35,390, which is higher than the $33,462 average annual salary of a wildlife technician.

The top three skills for a biological science technician include laboratory equipment, data collection and rehabilitation. The most important skills for a wildlife technician are GPS, hand tools, and harvest.

Biological science technician vs wildlife technician overview

Biological Science TechnicianWildlife Technician
Yearly salary$35,390$33,462
Hourly rate$17.01$16.09
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs13,8019,809
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

What does a biological science technician do?

A biological science technician is responsible for supporting scientists in conducting laboratory experiments and examinations. Biological science technicians perform data analysis procedures, evaluate findings, and create data reports. They also ensure the cleanliness of the laboratory, including the laboratory tools and equipment, to prevent contamination that may affect the accuracy of test results. A biological science technician must have excellent scientific knowledge, especially on the application of scientific methods, assessing research studies, and other related scientific principles.

What does a wildlife technician do?

A wildlife technician is responsible for supporting wildlife biologists and management personnel on conducting research projects for habitat preservation and environmental welfare. Wildlife technicians create data reports, assist in laboratory examinations, collect biological samples, and maintaining the safety and security of the premises by observing surveillance equipment and adhering to safety policies and protocols. They also operate and inspect the efficiency of tools and equipment, provide routine maintenance, and request immediate repairs as necessary. A wildlife technician helps in planning wildlife programs and managing information dissemination to the public.

Biological science technician vs wildlife technician salary

Biological science technicians and wildlife technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Biological Science TechnicianWildlife Technician
Average salary$35,390$33,462
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $47,000Between $25,000 And $44,000
Highest paying CityWatertown Town, MASpringfield, MA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsNew Hampshire
Best paying companySenesTechBoulder County
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between biological science technician and wildlife technician education

There are a few differences between a biological science technician and a wildlife technician in terms of educational background:

Biological Science TechnicianWildlife Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Biological science technician vs wildlife technician demographics

Here are the differences between biological science technicians' and wildlife technicians' demographics:

Biological Science TechnicianWildlife Technician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 51.0% Female, 49.0%Male, 66.5% Female, 33.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 12.7% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4%Black or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 10.1% White, 56.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between biological science technician and wildlife technician duties and responsibilities

Biological science technician example responsibilities.

  • Create PowerPoint and other support media for presentation of research to PhD research leads.
  • Assist in developing a genetic algorithm for generating sound recognition templates for insect calls (still ongoing).
  • Develop an image viewer design to let researchers train programs so that they can see and label insect calls
  • General laboratory work - collecting tissue sample, organization/preparation, plant seeds, greenhouse work, maintenance of plants, etc
  • Train on FDA regulations for biological materials and regulating inventory.
  • Prepare bacteria suspension for greenhouse cotton bolls and inject bacterial suspension bolls.
  • Show more

Wildlife technician example responsibilities.

  • Lead fish exclusion and relocation efforts, using backpack electro fishing gear.
  • Research new techniques to properly manage invasive species such a common carp.
  • Perform automated DNA and RNA extraction of clinical specimens.
  • Collect and process biological samples for epidemiology PCR and RT-PCR studies.
  • Work with other volunteers and sometimes independently to search for, identify and record GPS coordinates of invasive plant species.
  • Extract nematode specimens from soil samples, remount old nematode slides, and enter vital information into USDA nematode collection database.
  • Show more

Biological science technician vs wildlife technician skills

Common biological science technician skills
  • Laboratory Equipment, 10%
  • Data Collection, 7%
  • Rehabilitation, 7%
  • Scientific Data, 5%
  • USDA, 5%
  • Water Quality, 4%
Common wildlife technician skills
  • GPS, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Harvest, 7%
  • Data Entry, 6%
  • Wildlife Habitat, 6%
  • GRASS, 5%

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