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Science technician vs fishery observer

The differences between science technicians and fishery observers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a science technician and a fishery observer. Additionally, a fishery observer has an average salary of $36,453, which is higher than the $35,570 average annual salary of a science technician.

The top three skills for a science technician include lab equipment, safety regulations and research projects. The most important skills for a fishery observer are biological samples, vessel safety, and biological data.

Science technician vs fishery observer overview

Science TechnicianFishery Observer
Yearly salary$35,570$36,453
Hourly rate$17.10$17.53
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs16,073405
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 88%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

Science technician vs fishery observer salary

Science technicians and fishery observers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Science TechnicianFishery Observer
Average salary$35,570$36,453
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $47,000Between $27,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MA-
Highest paying stateMassachusetts-
Best paying companyWayfair-
Best paying industryGovernment-

Differences between science technician and fishery observer education

There are a few differences between a science technician and a fishery observer in terms of educational background:

Science TechnicianFishery Observer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 88%
Most common majorBiologyEcology, Population Biology, And Epidemiology
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Science technician vs fishery observer demographics

Here are the differences between science technicians' and fishery observers' demographics:

Science TechnicianFishery Observer
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 61.7% Female, 38.3%Male, 63.6% Female, 36.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.3% Asian, 12.8% White, 52.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4%Black or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 12.8% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.6%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between science technician and fishery observer duties and responsibilities

Science technician example responsibilities.

  • Identify owl species by sight and sound prompt using hoot flute and reed caller.
  • Manage daily RCRA inspections and mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment preventive/corrective maintenance procedures.
  • Administer laboratory tests and experiments that include various assays, such as ELISA and specialize technologies.
  • Create GIS layers and a corresponding database of artifacts find at various GPS locations in and around the project site.
  • Perform DNA quantification and real-time PCR analysis for determination of different bacterial species abundance.
  • Operate under GLP, FDA, EPA, and OSHA standards and requirements.
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Fishery observer example responsibilities.

  • Assist in taking patient medical history and managing clinical patients and participate in medical team discussions regarding patient treatment plans.
  • Monitor the vessels level of compliance with fishing regulations in accordance with the U.S. coast guard and NMFS.
  • Record data is reported to NOAA through online data entry as well as hard copy.
  • Work aboard foreign fisheries vessels to collect data, tag sharks, and monitor fishing activities.
  • Submit work proposals for the development of new training materials and curricula in coordination and collaboration with NMFS.
  • Monitor compliance of fisheries and environmental regulations.
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Science technician vs fishery observer skills

Common science technician skills
  • Lab Equipment, 13%
  • Safety Regulations, 11%
  • Research Projects, 10%
  • Social Work, 7%
  • Data Entry, 4%
  • Technical Support, 4%
Common fishery observer skills
  • Biological Samples, 19%
  • Vessel Safety, 13%
  • Biological Data, 7%
  • Fisheries Management, 7%
  • Data Collection, 7%
  • Nmfs, 7%

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