Biosecurity Monitors
Overview
Introduction
Biosecurity monitors help to prevent and mitigate harmful biological agents, both naturally occurring ones and those that are human-made. These agents can affect humans, animals, and/or the environment. The giant African snail is an example of an invasive—and extremely harmful—species that biosecurity monitors must be on the watch for. The snail was first introduced to Hawaii in 1936 and then to the continental U.S. in 1966 in south Florida. It is known to consume at least 500 different types of plants, cause extensive damage to sub...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Biosecurity monitors earned average salaries of $87,146 in 2021, according to PayScale.com. Earnings ranged from $54,000 to $123,000 or more. Employers offer a variety of benefit packages, which can include the following: paid holidays, vacations, and sick days; personal days; medical, dental, and life insurance; profit-sharing plans; 401(k) plans; retirement and pension plans; and educational ...
Work Environment
Biosecurity monitors in the agricultural industry spend a lot of time outdoors on farms, which can be hot and dusty. Others perform monitoring activities for invasive species in wetlands, forests, and other natural areas. During their work, they may be exposed to extreme weather, encounter poisonous snakes and other potentially harmful animals, and face other environmental challenges. Biosecuri...
Outlook
There will be strong demand for biosecurity professionals in the next decade because the agriculture industry is increasing its efforts to protect its crops and animals from known and emerging biohazards. The recent COVID-19 pandemic and other threats such as anthrax and Ebola underscore the importance of biohazard surveillance and protection efforts. The threat of the use of bioweapons (such a...