Insectary Manager

For some time now, insects have been used as predators for pest control in crop farming, insecticide testing and, increasingly, experiments involving transgenic plants. One of the characteristics of transgenic plants is their resistance to the harmful effects of certain insects; it is therefore essential to carry out experimental tests to gauge their response to different agricultural pest-causing insects. The insectary manager coordinates the activities which take place in insectaries, that is, insect breeding and development facilities. S/he is in charge of ensuring that the various insect types are available and in good condition. S/he is responsible for all aspects related to the use of insects used to carry out experiments and direct pest control. Part of his/her work is office-based, although s/he also monitors insect breeding in the lab and their use in experiments.

• Direct a group of technicians and support staff who work directly with insects, and ensure their activities are carried out efficiently and effectively.
• Ensure that the characteristics and specificity of the insects bred for experiments and trials match those stipulated.
• Implement improvements to achieve better quality insects (better resistance, survival and general health).
• Ensure the availability of a large enough quantity of insects.
• Work towards improving insect mass production and inoculation to produce recombined proteins.
• Fine-tune insect breeding methods.
• Keep a computer inventory of the insect population of each species.
• Control the quality, safety and maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• Train the laboratory assistants due to work with the insects directly.
• Attend congresses to find out about novel breeding technique and scientific advances in the field.
  

Regulated training and graduates

• Grau: Biologia
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes biològics
• Grau: Veterinària
• Grau: Enginyeria agrícola
• Grau: Enginyeria de Ciències Agronòmiques

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Orientation within reach: Level 3

Initiative: Level 3

Concern for order and quality: Level 3

People management: Level 3

Management

The organisation, administration and control of a company or entity are the main interests of people related to the management field. Activities included in this field of interest vary from effective resource management, feasibility analyses and solving business problems to the development of skills and fostering of motivation in relation to human resources. Knowledge regarding specific techniques of strategic administration and business management are required to carry out these activities.

Scientific research

Individuals who have an affinity for the field of scientific research focus their interest on activities that study different types of organisms and substances in order to obtain valuable products for human beings. A key part of performing this task is the planning and verification of scientific hypotheses through the use of different research designs and techniques. The objective of these searches is the development of new medicines and medical techniques, technological innovation based on the manipulation of cells, molecules and biological agents, as well as the study of cultures in order to improve the characteristics and properties of plants and food.

Environment

People who work in this field focus their professional interests on the preservation, improvement or restoration of the environment (vegetation, fauna, flora) in both built-up areas and natural spaces. Some of the activities that represent this field are the detection, analysis and control of pollutants, the carrying out of measurements and tests in relation to climatic or environmental variables and the reduction of the harmful effects of human activity on the environment. The carrying out of these activities requires knowledge of the environment, for its planning and use, and of environmental regulations.

Responsible for aquaculture operations

Integral pest control system technician

Genetically modified foods specialist

Fish pathologist

Agricultural holdings and organic production manager

• Work hours

  The work day may be part or full-time, either intensive or split shift.

• Salary

  Average gross annual wages vary from 34.059 to 48.297 euros, depending on each person's experience. Median: 41.168 euros annum gross.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.

• Professional category

  Middle management