Biosecurity Monitors

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 subtropical and tropical environments, and pose a serious health threat to humans by carrying the parasite rat lungworm, which is known to cause meningitis. Biosecurity monitors are employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which works with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to monitor the state and conduct a program to eradicate this species. Biosecurity monitors are also known as biosecurity surveillance officers.

Salary Range

$50,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

About as Fast as the Average

Personality Traits

Hands On

Problem-Solving

Scientific

Career Ladder

Consultant or College Professor

Manager or Executive

Biosecurity Specialist

Biosecurity Monitor