zoology technician
Snapshot
Are you fascinated by animals and eager to contribute to scientific understanding? As a zoology technician, you'll play a vital role in animal research, supporting scientists in their exploration of animal life and ecosystems.
Zoology technicians are essential members of research teams, providing technical support in laboratories and field settings. Your work involves assisting with experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and maintaining animal care standards. This role is ideal for detail-oriented individuals with a passion for animals and a desire to contribute to scientific discovery. You'll be working primarily in an employment setting, supporting ongoing research projects.
- • Collecting and analyzing data related to animal behavior, physiology, and genetics.
- • Maintaining laboratory equipment and ensuring a safe and organized workspace.
- • Assisting with animal care, including feeding, monitoring health, and maintaining records.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering associate professionals — 267 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Netherlands, Sweden.
Longest-running shortage: Netherlands, 4 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
Explore More
Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.
Could zoology technician fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Adaptability/Flexibility?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Dependability?
Future Outlook for zoology technician
The outlook for zoology technician reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could zoology technician change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could zoology technician change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- apply safety procedures in laboratory
- manage inventory
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- analyse experimental laboratory data
- perform scientific research
- apply scientific methods
Tasks most exposed to automation
- collect biological data
- assist in the production of laboratory documentation
- write technical reports
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Energy & Natural Resources
A typical day as a zoology technician
09 09:00 · Morning analyse experimental laboratory data
10 10:30 · Mid-morning apply safety procedures in laboratory
12 12:00 · Midday assist in the production of laboratory documentation
14 14:00 · Afternoon manage inventory
15 15:30 · Late afternoon use laboratory equipment
17 17:00 · Wrap-up apply scientific methods
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
-
animal behaviour
The natural behavioural patterns of animals, i.e. how normal and abnormal behaviour might be expressed according to species, environment, human-animal interaction and occupation.
-
applied zoology
The science of applying animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behaviour in a particular practical context.
-
laboratory equipment
The tools and equipment used by scientists and other scientific professionals in a laboratory.
-
animal food products
The principles of traceability, hygiene and processes involved in the production, manufacture, storage and putting into circulation of animal feedstuffs, or foodstuffs of animal origin intended for human and/or animal consumption.
-
cryopreservation
Cryopreservation deals with procedures, risks and conditions applied to cells or tissues in order to prevent contamination and damage. It refers to the preservation of embryos, eggs, semen and testicle tissue by cooling to very low temperatures (typically -80 or -196°C).
-
evolutionary biology
The study of evolutionary processes from which the diversity of Earth's life forms originated. Evolutionary biology is a subdiscipline of biology and studies Earth's life forms from the origin of life to the dawn of new species.
- animal biology
- biology
- laboratory techniques
-
perform laboratory tests
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
-
use laboratory equipment
Make correct use of laboratory equipment when working in a laboratory.
-
calibrate laboratory equipment
Calibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment. Make the measurements in as similar a way as possible.
-
perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
-
apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
-
maintain laboratory equipment
Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.
-
assist in the production of laboratory documentation
Assist in documenting laboratory work, especially paying attention to policies and standard operating procedures.
-
apply safety procedures in laboratory
Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.
-
write technical reports
Compose technical customer reports understandable for people without technical background.
-
analyse experimental laboratory data
Analyse experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings
-
manage inventory
Control product inventory in balance of availability and storage costs.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
Take the free Career DNA assessment to see how zoology technician aligns with your interests, work style, and future path. In less than 10 minutes, you will get a personalized fit signal and a roadmap for what to do next.
Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does zoology technician fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of education or experience is typically needed to become a zoology technician?
- While a bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related field is often preferred, an associate’s degree or relevant vocational training combined with experience in animal care or laboratory settings can also be a pathway. Strong attention to detail and laboratory skills are crucial.
- What types of animals might I work with as a zoology technician?
- The specific animals you work with will depend on the research focus of the laboratory or organization. You could be assisting with studies involving mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, or invertebrates.
- What are some of the key personal qualities that contribute to success in this role?
- Successful zoology technicians are meticulous, patient, and possess excellent observational skills. The ability to work effectively as part of a team, follow protocols precisely, and communicate findings clearly is also essential. A strong commitment to animal welfare is paramount.
- Zoology Technician — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 6 of the 8 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Finland and 2 more. 2 countries reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Zoology Technician — what does it pay in the United States?
- $52,000 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $41,300 to $71,440. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.