Life Science Technicians identify and collect living organisms and conducts field and laboratory studies in support of Life Scientists or Environmental Scientists.

Skill Level

2

Alternative Titles

• Life Science Technical Officer

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

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Life Science Technician is Vocational Education and Training Assess (VETASSESS). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

• Qualification assessed at AQF Diploma level WITH a highly relevant field of study AND at least one year of post-qualification highly relevant employment at an appropriate skill level in the past five years;

OR

• Qualification assessed at AQF Diploma level WITH an additional qualification at AQF Certificate IV in a highly relevant field of study AND at least one year of post-qualification highly relevant employment at an appropriate skill level in the past five years

OR

• Qualification assessed at AQF Diploma WITHOUT a highly relevant field of study AND at least two years of post-qualification highly relevant employment at an appropriate skill level in the past five years
• Applicants must meet both the qualification and employment requirements to obtain a positive skills assessment
• Highly relevant fields of study include:
  • Life Sciences
  • Biomedical Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Laboratory Technology
  • Applied Science
  • Biotechnology

According to VETASSESS, your pre-qualification experience may be considered in the skills assessment if it meets the following requirements:

• 3 years of relevant pre-qualification employment; and
• 1 year of highly relevant employment within the past five years

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.

Tasks

• 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

Skill Level

In Australia and New Zealand:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the following qualifications and experience:

• Australia (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)
  • AQF Associate Degree; or
  • AQF Advanced Diploma; or
  • AQF Diploma; or
• New Zealand (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)
  • NSQF Diploma; or

Please note 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.

Occupations in this Group

• 311411 Chemistry Technician
• 311412 Earth Science Technician
• 311413 Life Science Technician
• 311414 School Laboratory Technician
• 311415 Hydrographer
• 311499 Science Technicians nec