UNIT GROUP 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)

In New Zealand:
NZ Register 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
311414 School Laboratory Technician
311415 Hydrographer
311499 Science Technicians nec

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

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

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
Fisheries Technical Officer
Forestry Technical Officer
Forestry Technician
Wood Technologist
Zoology Technical Officer

Prepares experiments and demonstrations, makes up solutions, prepares slides, orders books and equipment, and tidies up laboratories in support of teaching chemistry, earth sciences, life sciences and physical sciences.

Skill Level: 2

Measures, analyses and maintains the flow and quality of water in rivers, lakes, stormwater and sewage, and surveys and maps oceans, seas and rivers.

Skill Level: 2

This occupation group covers Science Technicians not elsewhere classified.

Skill Level: 2

Occupations in this group include:

Calibration Technician
Fibre Technologist
Optics Technical Officer
Physics Technical Officer
Textile Technical Officer