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life science technician
生命科学技术员
ANZSCO occupation profile
ANZSCO 2022
Indicative Skill Level
In Australia and New Zealand: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: NZQF 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.
Unit group duty description
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.
- 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
311413 life science technician
Identifies and collects living organisms and conducts field and laboratory studies in support of Life Scientists or Environmental Scientists.
Alternative titles: Life Science Technical Officer
Specialisations: Biological Technical Officer · Botanical Technical Officer · Ecological Technical Officer · Environmental Technical Officer · Forestry Technical Officer · Forestry Technician · Wood Technologist · Zoology Technical Officer
View the ABS source →ANZSCO content is a classification guide. Skills assessment requirements must be checked separately.
Visa pathways
Occupation-list availability for seven visa subclasses
List membership is not a finding of personal eligibility.
State and territory nomination
Eight jurisdictions, checked separately
Official sources checked 10 August 2026
Occupation and four-digit unit group checked against the NSW lists.
Official source →- Victorian ROI · 190
- Victorian ROI · 491
Applicant ranking depends on profile and ROI selection.
Official source →Checked separately against the onshore and offshore occupation lists.
Official source →2026–27 occupation settings have not yet been published.
Official source →Applications are unavailable pending the 2026–27 program settings.
Official source →- TAS · profile-based pathways · 190
- TAS · profile-based pathways · 491
All occupations on the relevant federal 190/491 list can access at least one Tasmanian pathway, but invitation depends on pathway eligibility and ROI priority attributes. No general OSOP 491 invitations are planned for 2026–27.
Official source →- Canberra Matrix · 190
- Canberra Matrix · 491
Occupation list match only; Matrix ranking and caps still apply.
Official source →- NT onshore/offshore · 190
- NT onshore/offshore · 491
The precise stream depends on residence, employment and offshore priority rules.
Official source →