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Animal Technician

Animal technicians help veterinary, medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural and general scientists and students to care for and check on animals used for research, breeding and scientific purposes.

Animal technicians are usually required to work in shifts and on weekends. Some duties involve working with large animals and exotic species, which is often performed outdoors and conducted in all kinds of weather conditions.

Much of their time is spent doing routine tasks such as cleaning exhibits and feeding animals.

TASKS

Animal technicians may perform the following tasks:

perform daily checks and record the health status and behaviour of animals in their care
prepare food and water, and provide care for laboratory, field or zoo animals
maintain zoo exhibits, holding or breeding areas and equipment
assist in return-to-the-wild and animal enrichment programmes
carry out experiments using animals, recording the results under supervision and according to relevant codes of practice and the organisation's animal experimentation ethics committee rules
examine animals and take samples of their body fluids, faeces or tissue for analysis or veterinary inspection
inspect and test animals for worm infestation and disease
observe animals' reactions to tests
make routine calculations, such as for drug dosage, and prepare graphs
clean and disinfect cages and facilities, and sterilise equipment
work under supervision to establish and maintain breeding programmes
assist with fertility testing for sheep, cattle or poultry research
assist in the selection and grading of animals for breeding programmes
help with injections, surgery, dressings and care of animals after operations
assist with the design and use of animal experimentation and research protocols
euthanise animals humanely (under supervision) and handle animals that have died
participate in embryo transfer procedures
assist with post-mortem examinations on dead animals

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical and manual activities
interested in animals, their welfare and conservation
able to handle animals with confidence and patience
able to make accurate observations
free from allergies aggravated by animal hair, feathers, fur and dust
able to undertake manual and sometimes heavy work

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Field Assistant - cares for large animals, such as sheep and cattle used for research purposes, which are kept in outdoor pens and paddocks.

Zookeeper - helps to care for animals in zoos and wildlife parks, providing enrichment activities for the animals, assistance to veterinary staff and information to the public on animals and conservation.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become an animal technician you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in animal technology, captive animals or laboratory technology specialising in biological testing, environmental monitoring or biotechnology. Applicants may be required to attend an interview and/or have access to a relevant workplace. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

You can also become an animal technician through a traineeship in Captive Animals or Animal Technology.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Animal Care and Management Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

There is strong competition for positions in this field. Sources of employment include research institutions such as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), government veterinary laboratories, universities, major hospitals, animal breeding establishments and zoos.