3114 Science Technicians

Science Technicians perform tests and experiments, and provide technical support functions to assist with research, design, production and teaching in chemistry, earth sciences, life sciences, and physical sciences.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

  • AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

    At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

    Tasks Include:

    • preparing materials for experimentation such as freezing and slicing specimens and mixing chemicals
    • collecting information and samples
    • conducting field and laboratory experiments, tests and analyses
    • presenting results in graphic and written form by preparing maps, charts, sketches, diagrams and reports
    • performing routine mathematical calculations, and computations of measurements
    • controlling the quality and quantity of laboratory supplies by testing samples and monitoring usage
    • checking, calibrating and maintaining test equipment
    • participating in fabricating, installing and modifying equipment to ensure that critical standards are met
    • preparing experiments and demonstrations for science classes

    Occupations:

    • 311411 Chemistry Technician
    • 311412 Earth Science Technician
    • 311413 Life Science Technician
    • 311499 Science Technicians nec

    311411 Chemistry Technician

    Alternative Title:

    • Chemistry Technical Officer

    Performs laboratory tests on organic and inorganic chemicals, analyses test data and carries out technical functions in support of Chemists or Chemical Engineers in a wide variety of areas such as fuels, agricultural products, food, pharmaceuticals, paints, metals, plastics, textiles, detergents, paper, fertilisers and cosmetics.

    Skill Level: 2

    Specialisations:

    • Chemical Instrumentation Officer
    • Chemical Process Analyst
    • Chemistry Laboratory Technician
    • Dairy Laboratory Technician
    • Petroleum Laboratory Technician
    • Sugar Laboratory Assistant

    311412 Earth Science Technician

    Alternative Title:

    • Earth Science Technical Officer

    Collects and tests earth and water samples, records observations and analyses data in support of Geologists or Geophysicists.

    Skill Level: 2

    Specialisations:

    • Earth Science Laboratory Technician
    • Geochemical Laboratory Technician
    • Geological Technical Officer
    • Geoscience Laboratory Technician
    • Meteorological Observer
    • Seismology Technical Officer
    • Soil Science Technical Officer
    • Water Resources Technical Officer

    311413 Life Science Technician

    Alternative Title:

    • Life Science Technical Officer

    Identifies and collects living organisms and conducts field and laboratory studies in support of Life Scientists or Environmental Scientists.

    Skill Level: 2

    Specialisations:

    • Biological Technical Officer
    • Botanical Technical Officer
    • Ecological Technical Officer
    • Environmental Technical Officer
    • Forestry Technical Officer
    • Forestry Technician
    • Wood Technologist
    • Zoology Technical Officer

    311499 Science Technicians nec

    This occupation group covers Science Technicians not elsewhere classified.

    Skill Level: 2

    Occupations in this group include:

    • Calibration Technician
    • Drug and Alcohol Tester
    • Fibre Technologist
    • Fingerprint Expert
    • Textile Technical Officer