Profession zoology technician

Zoology technicians provide technical assistance in researching and testing animal species using laboratory equipment. They aid in research concerning animals as well as their environments and ecosystems. They collect and analyse data, compile reports and maintain laboratory stock.

Personality Type

• Realistic / Investigative
• Investigative / Realistic

Knowledge

• Animal biology

  The structure, evolution and classification of animals and how they interact with their ecosystems.

• Biology

  Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.

• Scientific research methodology

  The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

• Laboratory equipment

  The tools and equipment used by scientists and other scientific professionals in a laboratory.

• Animal behaviour

  The natural behavioural patterns of animals, i.e. how normal and abnormal behaviour might be expressed according to species, environment, human-animal interaction and occupation.

• Laboratory techniques

  Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.

• Applied zoology

  The science of applying animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behaviour in a particular practical context.

Skills

• Write technical reports

  Compose technical customer reports understandable for people without technical background.

• Apply safety procedures in laboratory

  Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.

• Use laboratory equipment

  Make correct use of laboratory equipment when working in a laboratory.

• Manage inventory

  Control product inventory in balance of availability and storage costs.

• Perform scientific research

  Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

• Assist in the production of laboratory documentation

  Assist in documenting laboratory work, especially paying attention to policies and standard operating procedures.

• Calibrate laboratory equipment

  Calibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment. Make the measurements in as similar a way as possible.

• Maintain laboratory equipment

  Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and inspect it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.

• Apply scientific methods

  Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

• Analyse experimental laboratory data

  Analyse experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings

• Collect biological data

  Collect biological specimens, record and summarise biological data for use in technical studies, developing environmental management plans and biological products.

• Perform laboratory tests

  Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB