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animal technologist
Animal technologists look after animals being bred for or used in research. Some are also involved in the experimental work.
Trainee animal technologists carry out routine tasks such as:
- providing food and water for the animals
- observing and checking animals
- cleaning out cages
- cleaning and sterilising equipment
- controlling heating and lighting.
More experienced technologists are involved in scientific procedures.
Animal technologists use a variety of computer packages for record keeping. They must work within the laws governing animal research.
Qualified and experienced animal technologists may be given a Home Office licence, which allows them to perform experimental work.
Hours and Environment
Animals need care 24 hours a day, all year round, so as an animal technologist you are likely to work weekends, bank holidays, and possibly shifts and occasional nights (normally on a rota). You will usually work a 37-hour week, but you may be able to work part-time.
You will usually work indoors, in purpose-built animal facilities, but there will be some outdoor work with larger species such as farm animals. Depending on the task, you may need to wear protective clothing and shoes, a face mask, and a hat or hair covering.
Skills and Interests
To be an animal technologist you need:
- commitment to the care and welfare of animals
- a responsible attitude to issues of confidentiality
- good mathematical skills
- close attention to detail and the ability to keep accurate records
- physical fitness, stamina and good health
- manual dexterity
- good computer skills
- the ability to work as part of a team.
Entry
You do not need any set qualifications to become an animal technologist, but most employers will expect you to have GCSEs (A-D)/S grades (1-4) in English, maths and science subjects, or equivalent qualifications. For some employers you might need higher qualifications such as A levels/H grades or similar qualifications.
You will need to convince employers that you are really interested in animal care and welfare. It will be useful if you have experience of working with animals, for example kennel work. This could be either paid or voluntary.
To find out what opportunities for volunteering there might be in your area you could try:
- Volunteering England or Volunteer Scotland (contact details in the Further Information section)
- Yellow Pages for animal welfare organisations and other local organisations who may need volunteers.
It will also be useful if you have experience of work in a scientific environment, for example as a laboratory assistant.
Training
When you start work as an animal technologist you will be trained on the job by experienced colleagues. You will learn how to do the routine tasks before becoming involved in scientific procedures.
You may be able to work towards NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Animal Technology.
The Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) is the professional body representing animal technologists. It sets national standards for laboratory animal care and runs and/or moderates all recognised animal technology qualifications in the UK.
You can take IAT qualifications on five levels. These are:
- IAT Certificate in Laboratory Animal Husbandry
- IAT Certificate in Laboratory Animal Technology
- IAT Membership Diploma - two years' study and three years' experience
- IAT Fellowship Diploma - a further two years' study and at least five years' experience
- BSc Degree accredited by the IAT.
For the degree courses you will need at least five years' experience. You can also do IAT-accredited postgraduate courses.
If you have a Membership or Fellowship Diploma and at least five years' experience, you can apply to join the Named Animal Care and Welfare Officers' Register. If your application is successful you can use the title RAnTech.
As a member of the IAT you can attend IAT training courses, seminars and workshops.
Visit the IAT website (in Further Information below) for details of careers, qualifications, training providers and IAT membership.
Opportunities
Typical employers of animal technologists include:
- universities
- hospitals
- pharmaceutical companies
- laboratory animal breeding companies
- specialist research companies.
When you have relevant experience and appropriate qualifications, you may be able to progress to supervisory and higher technician grades.
You could also specialise in areas such as breeding, immunology or training and management.
Annual Income
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
There are no national scales and variations exist between employers.
Trainee technologists earn around £13,000.
Senior technologists earn up to £25,000.
Managers earn between £30,000 and £45,000.
Extra allowances are paid in some areas, including London.
Further information
Stoneleigh Park
Nr Coventry
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 0845 707 8007
Summertown
Oxford
OX2 7JL
Back To Animals Plants and Land Careers
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The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
Careers Database Information By Learn Direct Advice