Latest release
Minor Group

241 Architects, Planners and Surveyors

OSCA - Occupation Standard Classification for Australia
Reference period
2024, Version 1.0

241 Architects, Planners and Surveyors

Design buildings, urban areas and landscapes, conduct survey work to precisely position geographical features, prepare and revise maps, and develop and implement plans and policies for controlling the use of land.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this minor group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 1: Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience
Unit Group

2411 Architects, Landscape Architects and Urban Designers

Design commercial, industrial, institutional, residential and recreational buildings, landscapes and urban areas.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 1: Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience
Occupation

241131 Architect

Plans and designs residential and multi-residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Provides concepts, plans, specifications and detailed drawings. Negotiates with builders and consultants, and advises on the procurement of buildings.

Registration or licensing is required.

Specialisations

  • Conservation or Heritage Architect
  • Design Architect
  • Project Architect

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Works with clients, engineers, consultants and other stakeholders to determine their requirements and objectives for architectural projects
  • Develops detailed, innovative, sustainable and functional architectural designs, taking into consideration social, environmental and economic concerns
  • Conducts site inspections to assess project feasibility and submit town planning designs for permits
  • Addresses requests for information as part of contract administration from consultants, engineers and other stakeholders involved in the building construction process
  • Evaluates and selects appropriate building materials, finishes and systems to achieve sustainability objectives
  • Completes design tasks (3D modelling) in accordance with project and client design briefs
  • Utilises building information modelling (BIM), and applies relevant building regulations and codes to manage the planning and design of building projects
Occupation

241132 Landscape Architect

Plans, designs and manages natural and built environments by applying aesthetic and scientific principles to address ecological sustainability, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance the quality and health of landscapes.

Landscape Designers are excluded from this occupation. Landscape Designers are included in Occupation 312134 Landscape Designer.

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Designs, plans, manages and maintains projects for new developments, heritage protection, preservation of natural and cultural landscapes, and the rehabilitation of degraded landscapes
  • Prepares landscape documentation including drawings, specifications, schedules and contract documents, and calls for tenders on behalf of clients
  • Conducts research and analysis to develop sustainable landscape designs, planning and management practices, methods and development strategies
  • Conducts feasibility studies and impact assessments to assess the impact of development upon the ecology, environmental character, cultural values and community health and welfare of landscapes
  • Collects and documents data through site analysis, considering indigenous practices, landform, soils, vegetation, hydrology, visual characteristics, and human-made and managed features
  • May provide expert advice and advocacy on landscape matters in conflict resolution, judicial courts and commissions
Occupation

241133 Urban Designer

Designs and plans the spatial form and layout of cities, towns, suburbs and precincts, considering the relationship between urban systems and social, environmental and economic needs.

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Designs and plans the division of land and layout of cities, towns and suburbs to integrate public spaces, infrastructure, buildings, streets and parks
  • Performs site analysis using spatial data, and analyses the physical, cultural, social and environmental characteristics of sites to inform urban design projects
  • Produces documents such as master plans, performs feasibility studies, and creates urban design guidelines
  • Creates detailed drawings and plans utilising artistic and graphic skills to convert concepts into technical drawings using software, such as computer-aided design (CAD)
  • Works with design and planning teams, and negotiates with stakeholders and consultants to shape urban places
  • Creates or contributes to policy, standards and guidelines that affect the built environment
  • Advises state and local governments about the potential impacts of development proposals on regions, cities or places
Unit Group

2412 Geospatial Information Professionals and Surveyors

Plan, direct and conduct survey work to determine and delineate boundaries and features of tracts of land, construction projects, marine floors and underground works, prepare and revise maps, charts and other geographic products, and analyse, present and maintain geographical information about locations in space and time.

Building Surveyors, Marine Surveyors and Quantity Surveyors are excluded from this unit group. Building Surveyors are included in Occupation 241931 Building Surveyor. Marine Surveyors are included in Occupation 313433 Marine Surveyor. Quantity Surveyors are included in Occupation 241932 Quantity Surveyor.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 1: Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience
Occupation

241231 Cartographer

Applies scientific, mathematical and cartographic design principles to prepare and revise maps, charts and other forms of cartographic output.

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Collects, researches and analyses geographic data for map and chart creation
  • Utilises geographic information systems (GIS) to organise and analyse spatial data
  • Creates and updates digital maps and charts using computer software
  • Prepares reports and presentations for cartographic communication
Occupation

241232 Engineering Surveyor

Inspects, evaluates, measures, sets-out and monitors infrastructure and construction works to ensure structures are built to plan.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Specialisation

  • Construction Surveyor

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Measures, sets-out and monitors construction projects, including high rise buildings, roads, tunnels, airports and other forms of infrastructure, to ensure they are built in accordance with design specifications
  • Performs surveys, fieldwork, calculations, data reduction and manipulation on construction sites using specialised software and technical equipment, such as theodolites, global positioning systems (GPS), lasers, and aerial and terrestrial scanners
  • Completes as-constructed survey reports and plans to confirm a construction project conforms to the intended design and specifications
  • Prepares data models for set-out and machine guidance to assist in planning, executing, monitoring and evaluating surveying work
  • Works with construction professionals, Architects, property owners, and Civil Engineers to provide accurate survey information for project planning and design phases
Occupation

241233 Geospatial Specialist

Acquires, integrates, analyses, interprets, presents, manages and distributes information about locations in time and space, and develops related equipment, software and services.

Specialisations

  • Geospatial Analyst
  • GIS Consultant
  • GIS Manager

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Gathers geospatial data through satellite imagery, aerial photography, GPS, surveys and other sources
  • Cleans, organises and formats geospatial data for analysis
  • Uses geospatial technology such as GIS to analyse spatial data to describe and infer trends and patterns, solve problems and answer spatial data-related queries
  • Communicates findings and insights from geospatial data using reports, dashboards and interactive maps to technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Develops and maintains databases and information systems for geospatial data management
Occupation

241234 Land Surveyor

Locates and defines public and private land boundaries by using precise measuring equipment.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Specialisation

  • Registered or Licensed Land Surveyor

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Uses specialised technical equipment, such as theodolites, GPS, lasers, and aerial and terrestrial scanners, to take, record and collate measurements and locations in relation to land boundaries
  • Establishes site horizontal and vertical height data
  • Determines the position of boundaries of public or private land, and prepares plans and associated documents
  • Develops and establishes reference systems for geographic and land information
  • Consults with other professionals such as Architects and engineers, to ensure land development projects are completed to plan
  • Works with government officials and other stakeholders to ensure that land development projects are completed in compliance with regulations and local laws
  • Sets-out land and building developments
  • May map out positions of boundaries where land is subdivided, bought or sold, and plan and provide critical professional advice for project developments in land and buildings
Occupation

241235 Mine Surveyor

Designs and measures mines, tunnels and other underground works, maps out mineral deposits, and determines the commercial viability of open cut and underground mines.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Identifies limits for excavation purposes and marks drill patterns for blasting in open cut mines
  • Determines, controls and maps the location and direction of tunnels in underground mines
  • Establishes site horizontal and vertical height data
  • Calculates the volume of materials moved or minerals mined
  • Uses GIS to create site maps, including mine structures and deposit layers
  • Identifies potential risks and environmental effects of mining activities
Occupation

241299 Geospatial Information Professionals and Surveyors nec

This occupation group covers Geospatial Information Professionals and Surveyors not elsewhere classified.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill level: 1

Occupations in this group include:

  • Geodetic Surveyor
  • Hydrographic Surveyor
Unit Group

2413 Urban and Regional Planners

Develop and implement plans and policies for the controlled use of urban and rural land, assess development and advise on economic, environmental and social factors affecting land use.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 1: Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience
Occupation

241331 Urban and Regional Planner

Develops and implements plans and policies for the controlled use of urban and rural land, assesses development, and advises on economic, environmental and social factors affecting land use.

Specialisations

  • Environmental Impact Assessment Planner
  • Land Planner
  • Statutory or Development Assessment Planner
  • Strategic Planner (Urban and Regional)
  • Town or Urban Planner
  • Traffic and Transport Planner

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Conducts research and analysis to assess current land use patterns and trends
  • Inspects sites to assess compliance with land use regulations and policies
  • Consults with stakeholders such as government officials, community groups and developers, to gather input and feedback on land use plans
  • Advises governments and organisations on urban and regional policy and resource planning
  • Undertakes development assessments and prepares, reviews and evaluates environmental impact reports, incorporating digital spatial information to inform decision-making
Unit Group

2419 Other Architects, Planners and Surveyors

This unit group covers Architects, Planners and Surveyors not elsewhere classified. It includes Building Surveyors and Quantity Surveyors.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 1: Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience
Occupation

241931 Building Surveyor

Reviews, analyses and assesses building plans for compliance to current building standards, and issues relevant legislative permits, certification and approvals.

Registration or licensing is required.

Alternative title

  • Building Certifier

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Assesses and approves building permit applications to ensure compliance with building codes, local ordinances, zoning and contract specifications
  • Undertakes, or directs Building Inspectors to undertake, critical stage inspections of buildings under construction to determine if the work complies with the development consent and legislative requirements
  • Prepares a written record of building work inspected and documents details identifying non-compliant issues
  • Enforces the requirements of building legislation by issuing written directions to fix non-compliant building work, providing building notices, and issuing or removing building orders
  • Responds to enquiries or complaints from people affected by their decisions made when carrying out statutory functions
  • Issues occupancy permits and certificates of final inspection upon the completion of building work if all requirements are met
Occupation

241932 Quantity Surveyor

Determines, analyses and manages the costs associated with construction projects, including the feasibility, design, construction and operation stages.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Specialisations

  • Cost Engineer
  • Cost Manager
  • Cost Planner
  • Estimating Manager

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Prepares cost estimates for construction projects based on varying levels of design
  • Prepares detailed cost plans for budgetary control, including bills of quantities, and manages progress payments
  • Monitors the project through the construction phases and adjusts cost based on variations
  • Prepares tender documents and evaluates contractor bids
  • Prepares tax depreciation reports
  • Prepares replacement cost assessments for insurance purposes
  • Engages with key stakeholders, including asset owners, financiers, Architects, builders, engineers and developers