HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
The usual pathway is a college diploma or a degree in a related field such as agriculture, microbiology, biotechnology, or another life-science area. In some jobs, a bachelor’s degree is common, while others may accept a college-level credential. Experience in a lab or research setting can improve job prospects, especially for positions that involve testing, data work, or field sampling. Because employers vary, the exact mix of education and experience can differ by workplace and province. Students can prepare by taking science and math courses, building strong lab habits, and looking for co-op, internship, volunteer, or summer opportunities in labs, farms, research centres, or environmental work.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Set up and conduct biological, microbiological and biochemical tests and laboratory analyses in support of research and quality control in food production, sanitation, pharmaceutical production, biotechnology and other fields
- Apply methods and techniques such as microscopy, histochemistry, chromatography, electrophoresis and spectroscopy
- Perform experimental procedures in agriculture, plant breeding, animal husbandry, biology and biomedical research
- Conduct field research and surveys to collect data and samples of water, soil, and plant and animal populations
- Conduct environmental monitoring and compliance activities for the protection of fisheries stock, wildlife and other natural resources
- Analyze data and prepare reports
- Conduct or supervise operational programs such as fish hatchery, greenhouse and livestock production programs.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A typical day may start with reviewing sample lists, safety steps, and the tests that need to be completed. In the lab, a biological technologist might prepare equipment, run analyses, observe specimens through a microscope, and record accurate results. Later in the day, they may organize data, compare findings, and draft reports for scientists, managers, or clients. Some days involve fieldwork, such as collecting soil, water, plant, or animal samples and documenting site conditions. In workplaces linked to agriculture or production, they may help track crop, livestock, or hatchery programs. The work often requires steady focus, careful note-taking, and teamwork with researchers, technicians, and other staff.
SKILLS TO BUILD