Animal technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could apply directly for trainee animal technician jobs with GCSEs in maths, English and science. In addition, some employers may also expect you to have animal care and laboratory skills. You could gain these through a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in:

• animal care or animal management
• applied science
• biology
• laboratory animal science and technology

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could gain some of the skills needed for this role, from an animal care and welfare assistant intermediate apprenticeship.

Depending on your previous experience and qualifications, you may be able to do an animal technologist advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You may be able to apply directly if you have previous experience as an animal care assistant or veterinary nurse.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to use your initiative
• sensitivity and understanding
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• administration skills
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of biology
• customer service skills
• knowledge of English language
• active listening skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• the ability to sell products and services
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Animal technicians look after animals in medical and scientific research laboratories.

As part of your day-to-day duties you will:

• provide exercise, food and water to the animals
• carry out regular observations
• make sure that animals are clean and comfortable
• control heating, lighting and humidity
• monitor animals' weight and behaviour
• follow hygiene rules in the facility
• keep accurate records

Location : You could work at a research facility.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £17,000
Experienced : £28,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

Career Path:

You could become a senior animal technician and supervise or manage the work of other technicians.

With experience and further training, you could become an animal technologist or a named animal care and welfare officer.

You could specialise in working with animals in specific research areas like breeding, immunology or genetics.

There may also be opportunities to work as a trainer and assessor of new animal technicians.