Agriculture, Water and Environmental Technologies

California is the leading state in agricultural production and exports, and the North Far North is a hub for Agriculture, Water, and Environmental Technologies (AgWET). The Greater Sacramento subregion recently won a Regional Innovation Cluster award for AgriFood technologies, and it is home to the leading four-year research institution for food, agricultural, and veterinary innovation. The Far North has a diverse agricultural landscape, and it is the leading supplier of wood and timber for the state.

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Region

North Far North

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41,859

2025 Jobs

+4.0%

2025–2030 Projected Change

21.25/hr.

2025 Avg. Entry Level Wage

Top jobs that Require Community College Credentials

Priority occupations are in-demand, living-wage careers that can be accessed with community college credentials.

How much will I make per hour?

What can I train for?	Job openings per year	Entry-level	Median	Experienced	Programs
Agricultural Inspectors	61	$19.12	$21.35	$24.14
Agricultural Technicians	74	$21.82	$28.88	$31.16	View programs
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians	20	$22.18	$28.56	$36.21	View programs
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers	270	$16.50	$18.34	$32.41	View programs
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers	79	$19.86	$25.10	$35.28	View programs
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers	184	$22.68	$31.90	$43.26	View programs
Food Science Technicians	34	$25.08	$30.08	$35.91	View programs
Forest and Conservation TechniciansPriority occupation	114	$24.47	$29.35	$37.91	View programs
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers	51	$22.52	$24.48	$29.61	View programs
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation	18	$19.32	$22.76	$26.62	View programs
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers	363	$21.11	$22.87	$27.50	View programs
Veterinary Technologists and TechniciansPriority occupation	128	$26.60	$29.37	$30.98	View programs

Agricultural Inspectors

Job openings per year:

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $19.12/hr.
Median: $21.35/hr.
Experienced: $24.14/hr.

Agricultural Technicians

Job openings per year:

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $21.82/hr.
Median: $28.88/hr.
Experienced: $31.16/hr.

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Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians

Job openings per year:

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $22.18/hr.
Median: $28.56/hr.
Experienced: $36.21/hr.

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Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Job openings per year:

270

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $16.50/hr.
Median: $18.34/hr.
Experienced: $32.41/hr.

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First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Job openings per year:

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $19.86/hr.
Median: $25.10/hr.
Experienced: $35.28/hr.

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First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

Job openings per year:

184

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $22.68/hr.
Median: $31.90/hr.
Experienced: $43.26/hr.

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Food Science Technicians

Job openings per year:

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $25.08/hr.
Median: $30.08/hr.
Experienced: $35.91/hr.

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Forest and Conservation TechniciansPriority occupation

Job openings per year:

114

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $24.47/hr.
Median: $29.35/hr.
Experienced: $37.91/hr.

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Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Job openings per year:

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $22.52/hr.
Median: $24.48/hr.
Experienced: $29.61/hr.

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Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation

Job openings per year:

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $19.32/hr.
Median: $22.76/hr.
Experienced: $26.62/hr.

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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Job openings per year:

363

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $21.11/hr.
Median: $22.87/hr.
Experienced: $27.50/hr.

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Veterinary Technologists and TechniciansPriority occupation

Job openings per year:

128

How much will I make?

Entry-level: $26.60/hr.
Median: $29.37/hr.
Experienced: $30.98/hr.

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Top Employers & Skills

Employers

University of California, Davis
Petco/Vetco
Lap of Love
VCA Animal Hospitals
State of California
Banfield Pet Hospitals
BrightView
ACRT Services
Veterinary Emergency Group
Ethos Veterinary Health
PetVet Care Centers
UC Davis Health
Great Basin Institute
Rentokil Initial
PRIDE Industries
VetnCare
Clark Pest Control
Yellowstone Landscape
City of Sacramento
Moon Valley Nurseries

Specialized skills

Lifting Ability
Landscaping
Surgery
Veterinary Medicine
Irrigation (Landscaping and Agriculture)
Biology
Mowing
Pruning
Animal Care
Anesthesia

Technology & software skills

Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word)
Spreadsheets
ArcGIS
Microsoft Access
Practice Management Software
Productivity Software
Zoom
R (Programming Language)
Medical Software
Autodesk Revit

Employability skills

Communication
Management/Leadership
Customer Service
Operations
Detail Oriented
Professionalism
Problem Solving
Compassion
Research
Coordinating

Lightcast 2026.3; QCEW, non-QCEW, Self-Employed. Compiled by the North/Far North Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research

Agricultural Inspectors

Inspect agricultural commodities, processing equipment, and facilities, and fish and logging operations, to ensure compliance with regulations and laws governing health, quality, and safety.

Sample of reported job titles:

Agricultural Commodities Grader (ACG)
Agricultural Products Agent
Apiary Inspector
Brand Inspector
CSI (Consumer Safety Inspector)
Food Inspector
Food Safety Inspector
FSIS Inspector (Food Safety and Inspection Service Inspector)
Grain Inspector
Shipping Point Inspector

Tasks:

Inspect agricultural commodities or related operations, as well as fish or logging operations, for compliance with laws and regulations governing health, quality, and safety.
Interpret and enforce government acts and regulations and explain required standards to agricultural workers.
Inspect the cleanliness and practices of establishment employees.
Verify that transportation and handling procedures meet regulatory requirements.
Write reports of findings and recommendations and advise farmers, growers, or processors of corrective action to be taken.
Collect samples from animals, plants, or products and route them to laboratories for microbiological assessment, ingredient verification, or other testing.
Examine, weigh, and measure commodities, such as poultry, eggs, meat, or seafood to certify qualities, grades, and weights.
Provide consultative services in areas such as equipment or product evaluation, plant construction or layout, or food safety systems.
Inspect food products and processing procedures to determine whether products are safe to eat.
Monitor the operations and sanitary conditions of slaughtering or meat processing plants.
Label and seal graded products and issue official grading certificates.
Take emergency actions, such as closing production facilities, if product safety is compromised.
Review and monitor foreign product inspection systems in countries of origin to ensure equivalence to the U.S. system.
Compare product recipes with government-approved formulas or recipes to determine acceptability.
Monitor the grading performed by company employees to verify conformance to standards.
Inspect or test horticultural products or livestock to detect harmful diseases, chemical residues, or infestations and to determine the quality of products or animals.
Set standards for the production of meat or poultry products or for food ingredients, additives, or compounds used to prepare or package products.
Direct or monitor the quarantine and treatment or destruction of plants or plant products.
Inquire about pesticides or chemicals to which animals may have been exposed.
Set labeling standards and approve labels for meat or poultry products.
Advise farmers or growers of development programs or new equipment or techniques to aid in quality production.
Testify in legal proceedings.

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Agricultural Technicians

Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

Sample of reported job titles:

Agricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech)
Agricultural Research Technologist
Agricultural Technician (Agricultural Tech)
Agriculture Assistant
Agronomy Research Technician (Agronomy Research Tech)
Field Assistant
Insect Research Technician (Insect Research Tech)
Lab Tech (Laboratory Technician)
Seed Analyst

Tasks:

Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
Collect animal or crop samples.
Examine animals or crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.
Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers.
Conduct studies of nitrogen or alternative fertilizer application methods, quantities, or timing to ensure satisfaction of crop needs and minimization of leaching, runoff, or denitrification.
Prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing.
Perform tests on seeds to evaluate seed viability.
Prepare data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results.
Perform laboratory or field testing, using spectrometers, nitrogen determination apparatus, air samplers, centrifuges, or potential hydrogen (pH) meters to perform tests.
Supervise pest or weed control operations, including locating and identifying pests or weeds, selecting chemicals and application methods, or scheduling application.
Devise cultural methods or environmental controls for plants for which guidelines are sketchy or nonexistent.
Conduct insect or plant disease surveys.
Perform general nursery duties, such as propagating standard varieties of plant materials, collecting and germinating seeds, maintaining cuttings of plants, or controlling environmental conditions.
Record environmental data from field samples of soil, air, water, or pests to monitor the effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
Determine the germination rates of seeds planted in specified areas.
Transplant trees, vegetables, or horticultural plants.
Prepare culture media, following standard procedures.
Respond to general inquiries or requests from the public.
Prepare or present agricultural demonstrations.
Assess comparative soil erosion from various planting or tillage systems, such as conservation tillage with mulch or ridge till systems, no-till systems, or conventional tillage systems with or without moldboard plows.

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Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

Sample of reported job titles:

Aquaculture Director
Farm Manager
Farm Operations Technical Director
Fish Hatchery Manager
Greenhouse Manager
Harvesting Manager
Hatchery Manager
Hatchery Supervisor
Nursery Manager
Ranch Manager

Tasks:

Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data.
Manage nurseries that grow horticultural plants for sale to trade or retail customers, for display or exhibition, or for research.
Direct and monitor trapping and spawning of fish, egg incubation, and fry rearing, applying knowledge of management and fish culturing techniques.
Direct and monitor the transfer of mature fish to lakes, ponds, streams, or commercial tanks.
Determine how to allocate resources and to respond to unanticipated problems, such as insect infestation, drought, and fire.
Determine plant growing conditions, such as greenhouses, hydroponics, or natural settings, and set planting and care schedules.
Devise and participate in activities to improve fish hatching and growth rates, and to prevent disease in hatcheries.
Position and regulate plant irrigation systems, and program environmental and irrigation control computers.
Prepare reports required by state and federal laws.
Inspect facilities and equipment for signs of disrepair, and perform necessary maintenance work.
Maintain financial, operational, production, or employment records for farms or ranches.
Coordinate clerical, record-keeping, inventory, requisitioning, and marketing activities.
Direct the breeding or raising of stock, such as cattle, poultry, or honeybees, using recognized breeding practices to ensure stock improvement.
Negotiate with buyers for the sale, storage, or shipment of crops or livestock.
Coordinate the selection and maintenance of brood stock.
Analyze soil to determine types or quantities of fertilizer required for maximum crop production.
Provide information to customers on the care of trees, shrubs, flowers, plants, and lawns.
Analyze market conditions to determine acreage allocations.
Supervise the construction of farm or ranch structures, such as buildings, fences, drainage systems, wells, or roads.
Replace chemical insecticides with environmentally friendly practices, such as adding pest-repelling plants to fields.
Conduct inspections to determine crop maturity or condition or to detect disease or insect infestation.
Conduct or supervise stock examinations to identify diseases or parasites.
Determine types or quantities of crops, plants, or livestock to be grown and raised, based on budgets, federal incentives, market conditions, executive directives, projected sales volumes, or soil conditions.
Determine, administer, and execute policies relating to operations administration and standards, facility maintenance, and safety.
Direct crop production operations, such as planning, tilling, planting, fertilizing, cultivating, spraying, and harvesting.
Evaluate marketing or sales alternatives for products.
Hire, supervise, and train support workers.
Monitor activities, such as irrigation, chemical application, harvesting, milking, breeding, and grading, to ensure adherence to safety regulations or standards.
Monitor environments to ensure maintenance of optimum animal or plant life.
Obtain financing for and purchase necessary machinery, land, supplies, or livestock.

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First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

Sample of reported job titles:

Animal Research Facility Supervisor
Cattle Manager
Farm Supervisor
Fish Hatchery Manager
Harvesting Supervisor
Hatchery Manager
Logging Crew Foreman
Logging Supervisor
Pest Management Supervisor
Wildlife Manager

Tasks:

Assign tasks such as feeding and treatment of animals, and cleaning and maintenance of animal quarters.
Record the numbers and types of fish or shellfish reared, harvested, released, sold, and shipped.
Monitor workers to ensure that safety regulations are followed, warning or disciplining those who violate safety regulations.
Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior, notifying veterinarians or managers as warranted.
Observe fish and beds or ponds to detect diseases, monitor fish growth, determine quality of fish, or determine completeness of harvesting.
Train workers in tree felling or bucking, operation of tractors or loading machines, yarding or loading techniques, or safety regulations.
Treat animal illnesses or injuries, following experience or instructions of veterinarians.
Train workers in spawning, rearing, cultivating, and harvesting methods, and in the use of equipment.
Train workers in techniques such as planting, harvesting, weeding, or insect identification and in the use of safety measures.
Confer with managers to evaluate weather or soil conditions, to develop plans or procedures, or to discuss issues such as changes in fertilizers, herbicides, or cultivating techniques.
Communicate with forestry personnel regarding forest harvesting or forest management plans, procedures, or schedules.
Inspect crops, fields, or plant stock to determine conditions and need for cultivating, spraying, weeding, or harvesting.
Coordinate dismantling, moving, and setting up equipment at new work sites.
Coordinate the selection and movement of logs from storage areas, according to transportation schedules or production requirements.
Schedule work crews, equipment, or transportation for several different work locations.
Drive or operate farm machinery, such as trucks, tractors, or self-propelled harvesters, to transport workers or supplies or to cultivate or harvest fields.
Perform both supervisory and management functions, such as accounting, marketing, and personnel work.
Transport or arrange for transport of animals, equipment, food, animal feed, and other supplies to and from work sites.
Inspect buildings, fences, fields or ranges, supplies, and equipment to determine work to be performed.
Read inventory records, customer orders, or shipping schedules to determine required activities.
Inspect facilities to determine maintenance needs.
Confer with managers to determine production requirements, conditions of equipment and supplies, and work schedules.
Prepare and maintain time or payroll reports, as well as details of personnel actions, such as performance evaluations, hires, promotions, or disciplinary actions.
Requisition or purchase supplies, such as insecticides, machine parts or lubricants, or tools.
Monitor or oversee construction projects, such as horticultural buildings or irrigation systems.
Issue equipment, such as farm implements, machinery, ladders, or containers to workers, and collect equipment when work is complete.
Calculate or monitor budgets for maintenance or development of collections, grounds, or infrastructure.
Direct or assist with the adjustment or repair of equipment or machinery.
Monitor operations to identify and solve problems, improve work methods, and ensure compliance with safety, company, and government regulations.
Plan work schedules according to personnel and equipment availability.

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First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities. Work may involve reviewing contracts to ascertain service, machine, and workforce requirements; answering inquiries from potential customers regarding methods, material, and price ranges; and preparing estimates according to labor, material, and machine costs.

Sample of reported job titles:

Field Manager
Golf Course Superintendent
Grounds Crew Supervisor
Grounds Foreman
Grounds Maintenance Supervisor
Grounds Manager
Grounds Supervisor
Groundskeeper Supervisor
Landscape Manager
Landscape Supervisor

Tasks:

Establish and enforce operating procedures and work standards that will ensure adequate performance and personnel safety.
Schedule work for crews, depending on work priorities, crew or equipment availability, or weather conditions.
Tour grounds, such as parks, botanical gardens, cemeteries, or golf courses, to inspect conditions of plants and soil.
Monitor project activities to ensure that instructions are followed, deadlines are met, and schedules are maintained.
Direct activities of workers who perform duties, such as landscaping, cultivating lawns, or pruning trees and shrubs.
Inspect completed work to ensure conformance to specifications, standards, and contract requirements.
Plant or maintain vegetation through activities such as mulching, fertilizing, watering, mowing, or pruning.
Direct or perform mixing or application of fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides.
Train workers in tasks such as transplanting or pruning trees or shrubs, finishing cement, using equipment, or caring for turf.
Prepare service estimates based on labor, material, and machine costs and maintain budgets for individual projects.
Identify diseases or pests affecting landscaping and order appropriate treatments.
Inventory supplies of tools, equipment, or materials to ensure that sufficient supplies are available and items are in usable condition.
Maintain required records, such as personnel information or project records.
Perform personnel-related activities, such as hiring workers, evaluating staff performance, or taking disciplinary actions when performance problems occur.
Provide workers with assistance in performing duties as necessary to meet deadlines.
Prepare or maintain required records, such as work activity or personnel reports.
Investigate work-related complaints to verify problems and to determine responses.
Perform administrative duties, such as authorizing leaves or processing time sheets.
Confer with other supervisors to coordinate work activities with those of other departments or units.
Direct or assist workers engaged in the maintenance or repair of equipment, such as power tools or motorized equipment.
Review contracts or work assignments to determine service, machine, or workforce requirements for jobs.
Order the performance of corrective work when problems occur and recommend procedural changes to avoid such problems.
Confer with managers or landscape architects to develop plans or schedules for landscaping maintenance or improvement.
Recommend changes in working conditions or equipment used to increase crew efficiency.
Answer inquiries from current or prospective customers regarding methods, materials, or price ranges.
Install or maintain landscaped areas, performing tasks such as removing snow, pouring cement curbs, or repairing sidewalks.
Design or supervise the installation of sprinkler systems, calculating water pressure, or valve and pipe coverage needs.
Negotiate with customers regarding fees for landscaping, lawn service, or groundskeeping work.

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Forest and Conservation Technicians

Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts under the direction of foresters, or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation and fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats.

Sample of reported job titles:

Biological Science Aide
Forest Technician
Forestry Aide
Forestry Technician (Forestry Tech)
Resource Technician
Timber Appraiser

Tasks:

Thin and space trees and control weeds and undergrowth, using manual tools and chemicals, or supervise workers performing these tasks.
Train and lead forest and conservation workers in seasonal activities, such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires, and maintaining recreational facilities.
Provide information about, and enforce, regulations, such as those concerning environmental protection, resource utilization, fire safety, and accident prevention.
Patrol park or forest areas to protect resources and prevent damage.
Map forest tract data using digital mapping systems.
Keep records of the amount and condition of logs taken to mills.
Manage forest protection activities, including fire control, fire crew training, and coordination of fire detection and public education programs.
Monitor activities of logging companies and contractors.
Perform reforestation or forest renewal, including nursery and silviculture operations, site preparation, seeding and tree planting programs, cone collection, and tree improvement.
Plan and supervise construction of access routes and forest roads.
Select and mark trees for thinning or logging, drawing detailed plans that include access roads.
Supervise forest nursery operations, timber harvesting, land use activities such as livestock grazing, and disease or insect control programs.
Develop and maintain computer databases.
Inspect trees and collect samples of plants, seeds, foliage, bark, and roots to locate insect and disease damage.
Measure distances, clean sightlines, and record data to help survey crews.
Issue fire permits, timber permits, and other forest use licenses.
Survey, measure, and map access roads and forest areas such as burns, cut-over areas, experimental plots, and timber sales sections.
Provide forestry education and general information, advice, and recommendations to woodlot owners, community organizations, and the general public.
Provide technical support to forestry research programs in areas such as tree improvement, seed orchard operations, insect and disease surveys, or experimental forestry and forest engineering research.
Conduct laboratory or field experiments with plants, animals, insects, diseases, and soils.

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Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.

Sample of reported job titles:

Abatement Worker
Asbestos Abatement Worker
Asbestos Worker
Clandestine Laboratory Responder (Clan Lab Responder)
D and D Operator (Decontaminate and Decommissioning Operator)
D and D Operator (Decontamination and Decommissioning Operator)
Hazmat Technician (Hazardous Materials Technician)
Mold Damage Technician (Mold Damage Tech)
Product Disposal Coordinator
Waste Handling Technician (Waste Handling Tech)

Tasks:

Remove asbestos or lead from surfaces, using hand or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high-pressure sprayers.
Build containment areas prior to beginning abatement or decontamination work.
Prepare hazardous material for removal or storage.
Comply with prescribed safety procedures or federal laws regulating waste disposal methods.
Record numbers of containers stored at disposal sites, specifying amounts or types of equipment or waste disposed.
Clean contaminated equipment or areas for reuse, using detergents or solvents, sandblasters, filter pumps, or steam cleaners.
Clean mold-contaminated sites by removing damaged porous materials or thoroughly cleaning all contaminated nonporous materials.
Operate machines or equipment to remove, package, store, or transport loads of waste materials.
Load or unload materials into containers or onto trucks, using hoists or forklifts.
Sort specialized hazardous waste at landfills or disposal centers, following proper disposal procedures.
Identify asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials to be removed, using monitoring devices.
Remove or limit contamination following emergencies involving hazardous substances.
Organize or track the locations of hazardous items in landfills.
Drive trucks or other heavy equipment to convey contaminated waste to designated sea or ground locations.
Identify or separate waste products or materials for recycling or reuse.
Process e-waste, such as computer components containing lead or mercury.
Operate cranes to move or load baskets, casks, or canisters.
Apply bioremediation techniques to hazardous wastes to allow naturally occurring bacteria to break down toxic substances.
Mix or pour concrete into forms to encase waste material for disposal.

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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.

Sample of reported job titles:

Animal Care Provider
Animal Caregiver
Avian Keeper
Certified Veterinary Assistant
Emergency Veterinary Assistant
Inpatient Technician Assistant
Kennel Vet Assistant (Kennel Veterinary Assistant)
Research Animal Attendant
Small Animal Caretaker
Veterinarian Assistant (Vet Assistant)

Tasks:

Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.
Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.
Fill medication prescriptions.
Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.
Perform routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests, such as taking or developing x-rays.
Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries.
Administer medication, immunizations, or blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.
Collect laboratory specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, for testing.
Perform office reception duties, such as scheduling appointments or helping customers.
Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments or equipment.
Record information relating to animal genealogy, feeding schedules, appearance, behavior, or breeding.
Provide emergency first aid to sick or injured animals.
Prepare surgical equipment and pass instruments or materials to veterinarians during surgical procedures.
Educate or advise clients on animal health care, nutrition, or behavior problems.
Prepare examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies.
Prepare feed for animals according to specific instructions, such as diet lists or schedules.
Provide assistance with euthanasia of animals or disposal of corpses.
Write reports, maintain research information, or perform clerical duties.
Perform hygiene-related duties, such as clipping animals’ claws or cleaning and polishing teeth.
Perform enemas, catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages.
Perform accounting duties, such as bookkeeping, billing customers for services, or maintaining inventories.
Exercise animals or provide them with companionship.
Place orders to restock inventory of hospital or laboratory supplies.
Sell pet food or supplies to customers.
Dust, spray, or bathe animals to control insect pests.
Administer anesthetics during surgery and monitor the effects on animals.
Groom, trim, or clip animals’ coats.

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Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.

Sample of reported job titles:

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
Emergency Veterinary Technician (Emergency Vet Tech)
Internal Medicine Veterinary Technician (Internal Medicine Vet Tech)
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)
Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
Veterinarian Technician (Vet Tech)
Veterinary Laboratory Technician (Vet Lab Tech)
Veterinary Nurse (Vet Nurse)
Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech)
Veterinary Technologist

Tasks:

Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals’ responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.
Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.
Restrain animals during exams or procedures.
Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.
Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials.
Provide veterinarians with the correct equipment or instruments, as needed.
Perform dental work, such as cleaning, polishing, or extracting teeth.
Observe the behavior and condition of animals and monitor their clinical symptoms.
Give enemas and perform catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages.
Fill prescriptions, measuring medications and labeling containers.
Collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination.
Prepare animals for surgery, performing such tasks as shaving surgical areas.
Take and develop diagnostic radiographs, using x-ray equipment.
Discuss medical health of pets with clients, such as post-operative status.
Clean kennels, animal holding areas, surgery suites, examination rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
Take animals into treatment areas and assist with physical examinations by performing such duties as obtaining temperature, pulse, or respiration data.
Prepare treatment rooms for surgery.
Maintain laboratory, research, or treatment records, as well as inventories of pharmaceuticals, equipment, or supplies.
Maintain instruments, equipment, or machinery to ensure proper working condition.
Dress and suture wounds and apply splints or other protective devices.
Provide assistance with animal euthanasia and the disposal of remains.
Schedule appointments and procedures for animals.
Provide information or counseling regarding issues such as animal health care, behavior problems, or nutrition.
Monitor medical supplies and place orders when inventory is low.
Supervise or train veterinary students or other staff members.
Perform a variety of office, clerical, or accounting duties, such as reception, billing, bookkeeping, or selling products.
Bathe animals, clip nails or claws, and brush or cut animals’ hair.
Conduct specialized procedures, such as animal branding or tattooing or hoof trimming.

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