Science Technicians
Nature of the Work
Science technicians use their knowledge of science, mathematics, and technical
processes to assist scientists in research and development and in a variety of production-
related tasks.
In research and development, science technicians construct or maintain
experimental equipment, set up and monitor experiments, and calculate and record the
results. In production, science technicians follow the general directions of scientists and
engineers, often without close supervision. Many do quality control testing to ensure that
products contain the proper proportions of ingredients or meet strength and durability
standards. In the petroleum industry, science technicians perform a wide variety of
technical services.
Science technicians usually specialize in a particular area and often have a more
specific job title, such as chemical technician, for example, rather than the general title of
science technician.
Agricultural technicians work with agricultural scientists in food production and
processing. Some conduct tests and experiments to improve the yield and quality of crops
or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease, insects, or other hazards.
Other agricultural technicians do animal breeding and nutrition work.
Biological technicians work with biologists studying living organisms. Microbiological
technicians study microscopic organisms and may do medical research. Biological
technicians also analyze biological substances such as blood, food, and drugs; some
examine evidence in criminal investigations.
Chemical technicians work with chemists and chemical engineers, developing and
using chemicals and related products and equipment. Most do research and development,
testing, or other laboratory work. They often set up and conduct tests and experiments and
collect and analyze data. Some chemical technicians collect and analyze samples of air
and water to monitor pollution levels.
Nuclear technicians operate nuclear test and research equipment, monitor radiation,
and assist nuclear engineers and physicists in research. Some also operate remote control
equipment to manipulate radioactive materials or materials to be exposed to radioactivity.
Mathematical technicians work with scientists and engineers to solve computational
problems encountered in research and development and other areas. They also apply
standardized mathematical formulas to translate data into graphs and charts.
Petroleum technicians perform a variety of tasks related to oil and natural gas
production. Some petroleum technicians measure and record physical and geologic
conditions in oil or gas wells using instruments lowered into wells or by analysis of the mud
that is circulated down and back up wells. Other petroleum technicians help geologists
search for new oil and gas deposits by collecting and examining geological data or by
testing geological data or by testing geological samples to determine petroleum and mineral
content. Some petroleum technicians are called scouts. They investigate and collect
information about oil and gas well drilling operations, geological and geophysical
prospecting, and land or lease contracts.
Other science technicians collect weather information, test manufactured products
to ensure their quality, or assist oceanographers.
Working Conditions
Science technicians work under a wide variety of conditions. Many work indoors,
usually in laboratories, and have regular hours. Some occasionally work irregular hours to
monitor experiments that can't be completed during regular working hours. Others such as
agricultural and petroleum technicians perform much of their work outdoors, sometimes in
remote locations, and some may be exposed to hazardous conditions. Chemical
technicians sometimes work with toxic chemicals, nuclear technicians may be exposed to
radiation, and biological technicians sometimes work with disease-causing organisms.
However, there is little risk if the proper safety procedures are followed.
Employment
Science technicians held about 234,000 jobs in 1990. About 40 percent worked in
manufacturing, especially in the chemical, petroleum refining, and food processing
industries. Over one-quarter worked in service industries, mainly in colleges and
universities.
In 1990, the Federal Government employed almost 19,600 science technicians,
mostly in the Departments of Defense, Agriculture, Commerce, and Interior.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
There are several ways to qualify for jobs as science technicians. Most employers
prefer applicants who have at least 2 years of specialized training or experience. Many
junior and community colleges offer associate degree programs which either give training
for a specific type of science technician job or give a more general education in science and
mathematics. Technical institutes generally offer the technical training needed for a specific
type of job but less theory and general education than junior or community colleges.
The
length of programs at technical institutes varies, although 2-year associate degree
programs are common. Many science technicians have a bachelor's degree in science or
mathematics, or have had science and math courses in 4-year colleges. Some with
bachelor's degrees become science technicians because they can't find a job as a scientist.
In some cases, they may be able to move into jobs as scientists, managers, or sales
workers in the organization.
Some companies offer training programs or extensive on-the-job training for science
technician jobs. Technicians also qualify for their jobs with training obtained in the armed
Forces.
Persons interested in a career as a science technician should have an aptitude for
science and mathematics and should take as many high school science and math courses
as possible. They should also be able to work well with others since technicians often are
part of a team.
Advancement opportunities for science technicians vary by the type of technician
and employer. Technicians usually begin work as trainees in routine positions under the
direct supervision of a scientist or experienced technician. As they gain experience, they
take on more responsibility and carry out a particular assignment under only general
supervision. Some eventually become supervisors.
Job Outlook
Science technicians with good technical and communications skills should
experience very good employment opportunities through the year 2000. Employment is
expected to increase about as fast the average for all occupations through the year 2000
due to an expected growth in scientific research and development and production of
technical products. Because of the growth of biotechnology, employment of biological
technicians is expected to grow faster than other science technicians. Employment of
chemical, nuclear and petroleum technicians is expected to grow more slowly.
Despite the projected growth, most job openings will be to replace technicians who
transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
Earnings
Median annual earnings of science technicians were about $22,400 in 1990; the
middle 50 percent earned between $16,900 and $30,600. Ten percent earned less than
$13,400, and 10 percent earned over $39,500.
In the Federal Government in 1990, science technicians could start at $13,032,
$14,629, or $16,300 depending on their education and experience. The average salary for
science technicians employed by the Federal Government was $22,500 in 1990.
Related Occupations
Other technicians who apply scientific principles in their work include engineering
technicians, electrical and electronics technicians, broadcast technicians, drafters, and
health technologists and technicians. Some of the work of agricultural and biological
technicians is related to that of agriculture and forestry occupations.
Sources of Additional Information
For information about a career as a chemical technician, contact:
American Chemical Society, Education Division, cAreer Services, 1155 16th
St. NW., Washington, D.C. 20036.
Norman J. Worth, Chairman, National Conference of Chemical Technicians
Affiliates, E 302/315. DuPont Experimental Station, Wilmington, Del. 19898.
For more information about a career as a biological technician and other biology-
related careers, contact:
American Institute of Biological Sciences, 1401 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA
22209.
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