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Science technician vs wildlife technician

The differences between 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 science technician and a wildlife technician. Additionally, a science technician has an average salary of $35,570, which is higher than the $33,462 average annual salary of a wildlife technician.

The top three skills for a science technician include lab equipment, safety regulations and research projects. The most important skills for a wildlife technician are GPS, hand tools, and harvest.

Science technician vs wildlife technician overview

Science TechnicianWildlife Technician
Yearly salary$35,570$33,462
Hourly rate$17.10$16.09
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs16,0739,809
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

What does a science technician do?

A science technician is responsible for supporting research studies and product development processes by utilizing a scientific method approach and theories. Science technicians assist in conducting laboratory investigations, ensuring the adequacy of laboratory inventory, and inspecting the efficiency and performance of laboratory tools and equipment to prevent examination delays and potential hazards. They also write findings reports, record results, and develop accurate analysis. A science technician runs quality control procedures, interpret data, and ensuring that the investigations adhere to internal regulations and state requirements.

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.

Science technician vs wildlife technician salary

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

Science TechnicianWildlife Technician
Average salary$35,570$33,462
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $47,000Between $25,000 And $44,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MASpringfield, MA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsNew Hampshire
Best paying companyWayfairBoulder County
Best paying industryGovernmentManufacturing

Differences between science technician and wildlife technician education

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

Science TechnicianWildlife Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Science technician vs wildlife technician demographics

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

Science TechnicianWildlife Technician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 61.7% Female, 38.3%Male, 66.5% Female, 33.5%
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, 10.8% 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 science technician and wildlife technician 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.
  • 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

Science technician vs wildlife technician skills

Common science technician skills
  • Lab Equipment, 13%
  • Safety Regulations, 11%
  • Research Projects, 10%
  • Social Work, 7%
  • Data Entry, 4%
  • Technical Support, 4%
Common wildlife technician skills
  • GPS, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Harvest, 7%
  • Data Entry, 6%
  • Wildlife Habitat, 6%
  • GRASS, 5%

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