How to Be Entomologist Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 9, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increased use of pesticides and chemical-based insect repellents has resulted in a greater demand for entomologist technicians. These professionals specialize in the identification and control of insects, as well as in the evaluation and implementation of pest management strategies. They may work in a variety of settings, including agricultural fields, public health agencies, universities, and private pest control companies.

Entomologist technicians identify insects and other arthropods, observe their behavior, and collect data that can be used to control and eliminate them. They also help create integrated pest management plans that combine the use of chemical, physical, and biological techniques to minimize the use of pesticides while still providing effective pest control. By doing so, they help to protect human health and the environment by mitigating the risks associated with pesticide exposure.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent. Entomologist technicians typically need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent in order to be considered for the position.
Consider a Postsecondary Education. The next step to becoming an entomologist technician is to consider furthering your education. Most employers prefer to hire applicants who have some type of postsecondary education, such as an associates degree in biological sciences, entomology, or a related field.
Obtain Work Experience. While it is not always necessary to have work experience in the field of entomology in order to become an entomologist technician, it can certainly help. Employers often prefer to hire applicants who have some prior experience in the field, so gaining some related experience through internships or volunteer positions can be beneficial.
Obtain Certification. Obtaining certification is one way to demonstrate your qualifications and knowledge as an entomologist technician. The Entomological Society of America (ESA) offers a Certified Entomology Technician (CET) program that requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of work experience in the field.
Maintain Professionalism. As an entomologist technician, it is important to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor while on the job. You should also be prepared to work long hours, as the job may require you to respond to emergency calls and be available for on-call shifts.

Staying ahead and qualified as an entomologist technician requires dedication and hard work. Being up-to-date on the latest research and developments in the field is essential to staying ahead of the competition. One way to do this is to regularly attend conferences and seminars to learn about new advancements and strategies.

staying current on the latest technology and equipment used in entomology is also important. Investing in continuing education courses, such as those related to pest management, is also beneficial for honing skills and learning about new methods of pest control. Finally, its important to stay connected with the entomology community by joining professional organizations, like The Entomological Society of America, which provides resources and networking opportunities.

By taking advantage of these opportunities and investing in education, an entomologist technician can stay qualified and ahead of the game.

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Job Description

Collect and identify insects and other arthropods in a variety of habitats.
Record data on insect behavior, population dynamics, and other observations.
Prepare specimens for scientific study by sorting, mounting, labeling, and preserving them in collections.
Assist in the development of research protocols and participate in field studies.
Monitor pest populations and assist with pest control strategies.
Develop educational programs and materials about entomology.
Set up and maintain insect colonies for research purposes.
Provide technical support to entomologists in the laboratory and in the field.
Use microscopes to examine specimens for identification and research purposes.
Operate and maintain scientific equipment such as cameras and digital microscopes.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of insect biology and behavior
Ability to identify various species of insects
Proficiency in using identification tools, such as microscopes and magnifying glasses
Familiarity with the proper handling and storage of insects
Knowledge of the methods used in collecting, preserving, and mounting specimens
Ability to keep accurate records of specimens and their characteristics
Ability to use computers for data entry and analysis
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to work as part of a team
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Entomologist Technicians have many important skills that help them excel in their profession. One of the most important skills they must have is excellent communication. They must be able to effectively communicate with their colleagues, clients, and other experts in their field.

They also need to be able to accurately read scientific literature, analyze information, and explain results to others. Being organized and detail-oriented is essential for effective data collection and analysis. an entomologist technician must have a thorough knowledge of entomology, including the identification of insects, insect behavior, and insect biology.

A strong background in mathematics, computer science, and data analysis is also essential for success in this field. Finally, an entomologist technician must have problem-solving skills and be able to think critically in order to recognize patterns or trends in data. These skills are essential for any entomologist technician to excel in their career.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with entomological specimens?
How do you ensure accuracy and precision when working with entomological specimens?
What methods do you use to identify different species of insects?
What safety protocols do you follow when working with entomological specimens?
How do you maintain and organize entomological collections?
What do you know about the current trends in entomology research?
How do you stay up-to-date on changes in the field of entomology?
What techniques have you used to collect and preserve insect specimens?
How have you utilized digital technologies in your work with entomological specimens?
What is your experience in preparing specimens for display or analysis?

Common Tools in Industry

Magnifying Glass. Used to inspect small objects or insects in close detail (eg: looking for signs of insect infestation).
Net. Used to capture and collect insects for study (eg: sweeping a field for butterflies).
Forceps. Used for handling and manipulating delicate objects or insects (eg: transferring specimens from one container to another).
Microscope. Used to examine small objects or insects in greater detail (eg: identifying the species of a collected insect).
Dissecting Kit. Used to dissect specimens for further study (eg: examining the internal organs of a collected insect).
Preservation Kit. Used to preserve collected specimens (eg: mounting a butterfly in a frame).
Digital Camera. Used to take pictures of specimens (eg: capturing images of a rare beetle).
Flagging Tape. Used to mark locations where specimens were found (eg: labeling an area where ants were observed).

Professional Organizations to Know

Entomological Society of America
International Society of Chemical Ecology
Professional Pest Management Association
Association of Applied Insect Ecologists
American Mosquito Control Association
Entomological Society of Canada
Entomological Society of Japan
Entomological Society of India
Entomological Society of New Zealand
Entomological Foundation

Common Important Terms

Entomology. The scientific study of insects.
Entomologist. A scientist who specializes in the study of insects.
Taxonomy. The scientific classification of organisms.
Morphology. The study of the form and structure of organisms.
Behavior. The study of the behavior of organisms.
Ecology. The study of the relationship between organisms and their environment.
Collection. The process of gathering, sorting, and cataloging specimens.
Identification. The process of determining the identity of an organism.
Preservation. The process of preserving specimens for future use.
Pest management. A method of controlling pests using various strategies, such as biological control and chemical control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Entomologist Technician?

An Entomologist Technician is a professional who studies insects, their habits and their impact on the environment. They often work with scientists to collect and analyze data, perform experiments and make recommendations for pest control.

What qualifications are required to become an Entomologist Technician?

To become an Entomologist Technician, most employers require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in entomology, biology or a related field. In addition, some employers may require experience in laboratory procedures and/or field work.

What types of tasks does an Entomologist Technician typically perform?

An Entomologist Technician typically performs a variety of tasks such as collecting and cataloging insect specimens, conducting experiments, analyzing data, making recommendations for pest control, and preparing reports and presentations.