Herpetology Veterinarian

Herpetology veterinarians specialise in the care of reptiles and amphibians. As with a general veterinarian, herpetology veterinarians diagnose and treat sick and injured animals, perform operations, carry out tests such as blood analysis, X-rays and scans, provide care for an animal in veterinary hospitals and carrying out regular health checks for reptiles. Herpetology veterinarians also need to supervise veterinary nurses and support staff and communicate with pet owners.

Attributes: passionate, communicative, hard-working

Animal Technologist

Animal technologists work in research and development laboratories where they are responsible for the care of animals such as rats and rabbits, which are used in labs for medical and pharmaceutical research. As well as ensuring the welfare, food, hygiene and health of the animals meets the required standards, an animal technologist also needs to make sure that the lab environment meets the requirements of the experiments to be conducted. An animal technologist will also take samples, make observations and make detailed records of changes in animal behaviour.

Attributes: resilient, committed, open-minded

Plant Geneticist

Plant geneticists conduct research to improve existing plants and crops, as well as create new varieties of plants and crops. They improve characteristics of plants and crops, such as appearance, nutritional value, size, drought resistance and increased levels of disease tolerance. This is vital to the agricultural industry in order for market requirements and consumer demands to be met and to increase and maintain yields in important crops. The work of a plant geneticist includes crossing plants to produce new breeding material for field and glasshouse trials and analysing and scientifically assessing plant breeding in laboratory and field trials.

Attributes: curious, observant, self-motivated

Irrigation Engineer

Irrigation is the process of transporting water safely from one location to another, usually for agricultural purposes. An irrigation engineer designs irrigation systems and oversees their construction or implementation. They construct irrigation systems such as dams, canals, and ditches, according to type of soil, climatic characteristics, water supply and return flow. If a system fails to work, or if performance is sluggish, the irrigation engineer will diagnose and fix the system. An irrigation engineer also conducts research on problems of soil drainage and conservation, applying knowledge of civil engineering.

Attributes: resilient, self-motivated, collaborative

Botanist

Botanists study plants including algae, fungi, lichens, mosses, ferns, conifers and flowering plants. They study their physiological processes such as photosynthesis at the molecular level, the evolutionary history and relationships of plants, or their current relationships with their environments. They may focus on the agricultural applications of plants used for food, fuel, turf, and cover crops, studying their responses to stresses from pests, disease, and climate variations. They may study the conservation of native species, reducing the invasion of non-native exotic plants, and improving the clean air and erosion protection they provide. Their research is involved in enhancing crops, developing medicines, cleaning up contaminated sites, and even powering our cars.

Attributes: hard-working, resilient, creative

Bioprocessing Engineer

A bioprocessing engineer analyses and develops the systems used to manufacture biological products. They usually work in agricultural research and development companies, food processing plants, biotechnology firms, alternative fuel manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies. A bioprocessing engineer works to improve efficiency, worker safety, and product quality. A lab engineer experiments with different biochemicals, such as those used in pharmaceuticals, observing their effects on bacteria or viruses under a microscope. A bioprocessing engineer in a manufacturing plant analyses the existing machinery and techniques used to make products to determine if they can be modified to increase production.

Attributes: imaginative, curious, creative