Earth Science Technician Career and Immigration options for Australia

Profile Title: Earth Science Technician Career and Immigration options for Australia

Alternative Title:Not Defined

ANZSCO Code: 311412 | Unit Code: 3114

Skill Level: Level 2 | Work Experience: 1 Years

Assessing Bodies: Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS)

Skill Occupation List (SOL): STSOL

Specialization: Earth Science Laboratory Technician Geochemical Laboratory Technician Geological Technical Officer Geoscience Laboratory Technician Hydrographer Hydrographical Technical Officer Hydrological Technical Officer Meteorological Observer Seismology Technical Officer Soil Science Technical Officer Water Resources Technical Officer

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

Job Duties:

• 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 Description: 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.

Available Visa Options (As on February 2024):

• 190 - Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
• 407 - Training visa (subclass 407)
• 489 - Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) - State or Territory nominated
• 482 - Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) - Short Term Stream
• 187 - Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
• 494 - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (subclass 494) - Employer sponsored stream
• 491 - Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) State or Territory nominated

Registration or Licensing: Not Required

Industries: Science Technicians are mainly employed in: Education and Training; Manufacturing; and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

Education Profile: The most common level of educational attainment for Science Technicians is Certificate III/IV (28.3 per cent).

Job Opening: Over the five years to November 2019, the number of job openings for Science Technicians is expected to be below average (between 5,001 and 10,000). Job openings count both employment growth and turnover (defined as workers leaving their occupation for other employment or leaving the workforce).

Age Group: The main age group is 45-54 years (34.0 per cent) and the median age is 43 years (compared to 40 years for all occupations).

Gender: The female share of Science Technicians is 56.9 per cent and 78.4 per cent of Science Technicians work full time. Average weekly hours for full time workers are 36.4 (compared to 40.2 for all occupations).

Earning: In August 2014 (latest available data) weekly earnings full-time before tax (and not including employer superannuation) were $1,162 (compared to earnings for all occupations of $1,200).

Employment: Employment for this occupation rose strongly (in percentage terms) in the past five years and fell slightly in the long-term (ten years). Looking forward, employment for Science Technicians to November 2020 is expected to grow slightly.