Latest release
Minor Group

311 Agricultural, Health and Science Technicians

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

311 Agricultural, Health and Science Technicians

Perform tests and experiments including inspecting animals, plants and agricultural produce, and provide support to Managers and Professionals engaged in agriculture, health and science.

OSCA skill level

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

  • Skill Level 2: AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma, Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience
  • Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
Unit Group

3111 Agricultural Technicians and Inspection Officers

Provide technical support to Managers and Professionals engaged in agriculture, and perform tests and experiments including inspecting animals, plants and agricultural produce and facilities, to ensure compliance with government and industry standards.

OSCA skill level

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

  • Skill Level 2: AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma, Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience
  • Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
Occupation

311131 Agricultural and Agritech Technician

Performs tests and experiments, and provides technical support to assist Agricultural Research Scientists, Agronomists, and Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientists in areas such as research, production, servicing and marketing, and advises on, installs and services advanced agriculture technology and equipment, such as precision agricultural solutions, virtual fencing and automatic milking machines.

Specialisations

  • Agriculture Laboratory Technician
  • Precision Agricultural Technician

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Examines topographical, physical and soil characteristics of farmland to determine its most effective use and identify nutrient deficiencies
  • Assists Agricultural Research Scientists in developing new methods of planting, fertilising, harvesting and processing crops to achieve optimum land usage
  • Identifies pathogenic microorganisms and insects, parasites, fungi and weeds harmful to crops and livestock, and assists in devising methods of control
  • Provides advice, training and technical support and services on technology solutions such as sensors, farm management software, data and robotics
  • Installs, programs, tests, repairs and maintains advanced agriculture technology and equipment
  • Develops, operates and maintains complex technological systems and equipment in farm production, including analysing data and preparing reports
  • Applies geospatial and other technology systems to support primary production, such as automatic tractor guidance systems, variable rate chemical input applications, and survey equipment
Occupation

311132 Animal Husbandry Technician

Undertakes technical animal husbandry tasks such as pregnancy testing, artificial insemination, lactation management, and providing nutrition assessment and advice to assist in the breeding, raising and managing of livestock.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Specialisation

  • Artificial Insemination Technician

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Assists with breeding and raising livestock
  • Monitors livestock to evaluate the effectiveness of feed formulae, and assists with the management of livestock nutrition and feeding programs
  • Assists in controlled breeding experiments to develop improved livestock strains
  • Artificially inseminates livestock for breeding purposes, conducts pregnancy tests, manages lactation, and cares for young animals
  • Provides advice on breeding selection and techniques
  • Monitors and maintains the health and welfare of livestock
  • Collects and collates data for research and animal husbandry purposes
Occupation

311133 Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician

Assists Aquaculture Farmers and Fisheries Scientists in raising and managing aquatic stock by undertaking onshore and offshore technical fish husbandry tasks, sampling water, analysing data from ponds, pens and tanks, and identifying common diseases and pests. Performs tests and experiments, and provides technical support in areas such as research, production, servicing and marketing.

Specialisations

  • Fisheries Technical Officer
  • Hatchery Technician (Aquaculture)

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Monitors and maintains water quality in aquaculture facilities, including the collection and analysis of water samples
  • Identifies pathogenic microorganisms, fungi and other pests harmful to aquatic stock, and assists in devising methods of control
  • Examines environmental and other factors that influence the growth, health and production of aquatic stock
  • Monitors aquatic stock to gauge the effectiveness of feed formulae
  • Assists in controlled breeding experiments to develop improved aquatic stock strains
  • Conducts experiments and tests to improve aquaculture practices
  • Provides technical support to Aquaculture Farmers and Fisheries Scientists
  • Maintains and repairs equipment and infrastructure in aquaculture facilities
Occupation

311134 Biosecurity Officer

Inspects and assesses goods, conveyances, plants, animals and the environment for biosecurity risk to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and to prevent the incursion and spread of exotic pests and diseases.

Biosecurity officers (weeds and pests) are excluded from this occupation. Biosecurity officers (weeds and pests) are included in Occupation 591134 Invasive Pest, Weed and Disease Inspector.

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Inspects goods, ships, aircraft, passengers, plants and animals, and assesses documentation to confirm compliance with biosecurity requirements
  • Issues legal directions to control identified biosecurity risks
  • Provides advice about biosecurity matters to customers, clients, staff and managers
  • Identifies trends in biosecurity risks, and reports to superiors to assist in targeting intelligence and risk-based activities
  • Participates in biosecurity response activities to control and manage biosecurity incidents
  • Maintains records of biosecurity inspections, assessments and enforcement actions
Occupation

311135 Fisheries Officer

Inspects fishing vessels, gear, licences and catches to ensure that fisheries laws and regulations are obeyed.

Alternative title

  • Fisheries Inspector

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Patrols and investigates waterways for unlawful fishing activities and the removal of protected marine life
  • Conducts inspections of fishing vessels, gear and equipment to ensure compliance with laws and regulations
  • Checks fishing licences and permits to ensure validity
  • Monitors and records fishing catches to ensure compliance with catch limits and quotas
  • Investigates and responds to reports of illegal fishing activities
  • Provides advice and guidance to fishers on sustainable fishing practices
  • Educates, advises and provides information on a wide range of topics relating to fish and their protection
  • May initiate or assist in legal action to enforce regulations
Occupation

311136 Irrigation Designer

Designs and plans irrigation systems according to licensing, climatic and environmental considerations, water source availability, crop type and soil characteristics.

Alternative title

  • Irrigation Planner

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Conducts site assessments to identify suitable irrigation systems
  • Advises on most effective irrigation methods and equipment for efficient water use that meet the needs of the client and comply with regulations and standards
  • Designs efficient and cost-effective irrigation systems based on factors such as water availability, crop type and soil characteristics
  • Calculates water requirements and develops irrigation schedules
  • Prepares detailed irrigation plans and specifications, including layout, equipment and materials
  • Collaborates with engineers and other professionals to ensure compliance of irrigation systems with regulations and standards
  • Provides technical support and guidance to clients on the use, scheduling and maintenance of irrigation systems
  • Inspects, audits and evaluates irrigation systems to identify and address any issues or inefficiencies
Occupation

311137 Meat Inspector

Inspects animal carcases, internal organs and meat processing facilities for disease, to ensure compliance with government and industry standards with respect to quality and health.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Inspects animals prior to slaughter, animal carcases and meat products to identify product quality issues
  • Collects pathological and residue samples to assist with identifying disease, parasites, chemical residues and contamination in meat processing facilities and products
  • Audits and monitors quality procedures at meat processing facilities to ensure compliance with required quality and health standards
  • Provides advice and guidance to meat processing facility staff on best practices for disease prevention
Occupation

311138 Primary Products Quality Assurance Officer

Develops, implements and oversees monitoring, testing and application of quality assurance programs within a primary production or processing enterprise. May monitor production requirements as they relate to food safety, biosecurity or quality assurance.

Specialisations

  • Dairy Quality Assurance Officer
  • Meat Quality Assurance Officer

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Develops, implements, audits and monitors quality assurance procedures at farms and primary product processing facilities to ensure compliance with standards
  • Advises producers and processors on regulations related to grading, packing, processing and loading of products
  • Ensures that hygiene standards are observed in storage, processing and packing facilities, and transport vehicles
  • Informs producers and the general public of the health implications of diseases and impurities impacting primary products
  • May monitor production requirements as they relate to food safety, biosecurity or quality assurance
Occupation

311199 Agricultural Technicians and Inspection Officers nec

This occupation group covers Agricultural Technicians and Inspection Officers not elsewhere classified.

Skill level: 2

Occupations in this group include:

  • Animal Health Officer
  • Food Standards Officer
  • Fruit Fly Inspector
  • Grain Inspector
Unit Group

3112 Medical and Dental Technicians

Operate anaesthetic, operating theatre and medical testing equipment, construct and repair dentures and other dental appliances, and perform and assist with laboratory tests in support of Health Professionals.

OSCA skill level

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

  • Skill Level 2: AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma, Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience
  • Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
Occupation

311231 Anaesthetic Technician

Prepares and maintains anaesthetic equipment for operating theatres or clinics, and assists Anaesthetists during anaesthetic procedures.

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Prepares and sets up anaesthetic equipment and supplies for surgical procedures
  • Checks and tests anaesthetic equipment to ensure proper functioning, and assists with the insertion of invasive monitoring devices
  • Assists with the positioning and preparation of patients for surgery
  • Assists Anaesthetists in administering anaesthesia to patients, and monitors vital signs during procedures
  • Cleans and sterilises anaesthetic equipment after use, and participates in the maintenance and inventory of anaesthetic supplies and medications
Occupation

311232 Dental Technician

Constructs and repairs dentures and other dental appliances.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Specialisation

  • Dental Laboratory Assistant

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Creates models of the mouth and teeth from impressions taken by a dental practitioner
  • Makes replacement braces, retainers or dentures for patients using plastic, metal or ceramic materials
  • Crafts braces, mouthguards and plates for correcting irregular or damaged teeth
  • Designs, constructs and repairs ceramic restorations such as crowns, bridges or dentures
  • Polishes and finishes braces or retainers before they are placed in a patient's mouth
Occupation

311233 Medical Laboratory Technician

Performs routine medical laboratory tests, and operates diagnostic laboratory equipment under the supervision of Medical Laboratory Scientists and Pathologists.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Alternative titles

  • Medical Laboratory Assistant
  • Medical Laboratory Technical Officer

Specialisation

  • Pathology Technician

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Prepares and stains slides and tissue sections to study the cells of blood for histological examination
  • Performs diagnostic tests on tissues and fluids, and analyses the chemical constituents of blood, urine, faeces and tissues
  • Tests for diseases by looking for the presence of antibodies and the products of immune response in samples
  • Operates and maintains laboratory equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability of test results
  • Records and analyses test results, and reports findings to medical professionals
  • Assists in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases by providing accurate and timely laboratory test results
Occupation

311234 Operating Theatre Technician

Prepares and maintains an operating theatre and its equipment, assists the surgical team during operations, and provides support to patients in the recovery room.

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Prepares operating theatre for surgical procedures, and cleans and sterilises operating theatre equipment and instruments
  • Assists surgical team during operations by passing instruments and supplies
  • Monitors and maintains sterile field during surgical procedures
  • Handles specimens and prepares them for laboratory analysis
  • Assists with positioning and transferring patients before and after surgery
  • Provides support to patients in the recovery room, monitoring vital signs and assisting with post-operative care
Occupation

311235 Respiratory Technician

Performs routine lung function tests, and uses and maintains diagnostic equipment under the supervision of Respiratory and Sleep Scientists. Monitors patients on ventilation or those undergoing sleep studies.

Alternative title

  • Sleep Technician

Specialisation

  • Neurophysiological Technician

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Performs routine lung function tests and assists with conducting sleep studies on patients
  • Uses and maintains diagnostic equipment for respiratory tests
  • Monitors patients on ventilation to ensure proper functioning
  • Assists Respiratory and Sleep Scientists in analysing test results and making recommendations
Occupation

311299 Medical and Dental Technicians nec

This occupation group covers Medical and Dental Technicians not elsewhere classified.

Skill level: 2

Occupations in this group include:

  • Dialysis Technician
  • Electroencephalographic Technician
  • Hyperbaric Technician
  • Mortuary Technician (Forensic)
  • Ophthalmic Technician
  • Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician
  • Perfusionist
  • Renal Technician
Unit Group

3113 Pharmacy Technicians

Dispense and label patients' prescriptions, manage scheduled medicines, and provide clinical assistance under the supervision of Community and Hospital Pharmacists.

OSCA skill level

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

  • Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
Occupation

311331 Community Pharmacy Technician

Dispenses and labels patients' prescriptions and scheduled medicines under the supervision of a Community Pharmacist.

Alternative titles

  • Dispensary Assistant
  • Dispensary Technician

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Assists Community Pharmacists in dispensing and labelling prescription medication for patients
  • Assists Community Pharmacists in conducting medical history for all patients taking scheduled medications
  • Assists with labelling Pharmacist Only Medicines under the direction and supervision of a Community Pharmacist
  • Provides advice on appropriate health information, medication and other conditions to patients
  • Maintains stock of non-prescription and prescription medication
  • Prepares medication in dosage administration aids
Occupation

311332 Hospital Pharmacy Technician

Facilitates the provision of hospital pharmacy services through clinical assistance on wards and outpatient clinics, inventory control, and dispensing medications under the supervision of a Hospital Pharmacist.

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Conducts medication history and reviews with patients, carers or community health professionals for Hospital Pharmacists
  • Prepares a current medicines list for patients
  • Refers prescriptions to Pharmacists and assists with preparing medications
  • Documents and refers patients with medicine allergies and adverse drug reactions to Hospital Pharmacists
  • Assists Hospital Pharmacists with clinical prioritisation by identifying patients at high risk of medicine-related problems
  • Records patients' laboratory data for pharmacist review
  • Fills and labels patients' prescriptions under the supervision of a pharmacist
  • Provides advice on appropriate health information, medication and other conditions to patients
Unit Group

3114 Phlebotomists

Extract, collect, label and preserve blood and other specimens from patients for laboratory analysis.

OSCA skill level

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

  • Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
Occupation

311431 Phlebotomist

Extracts, collects, labels and preserves blood and other specimens from patients for laboratory analysis.

Alternative titles

  • Pathology Collector
  • Specimen Collector

Specialisation

  • Blood Collector

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Gathers necessary equipment and supplies for specimen collection
  • Explains the procedure to patients and addresses any concerns or questions
  • Prepares the collection site and cleans the area with antiseptic
  • Selects the appropriate collection method and collects blood or other specimens from patients
  • Labels and properly documents collected specimens for accurate identification and tracking
  • Ensures proper handling and storage of collected specimens to maintain integrity and prevent contamination
  • Adheres to infection control and safety protocols during specimen collection
  • Maintains accurate records of collected specimens and related information
  • Collaborates with laboratory staff to ensure timely and accurate processing of specimens
Unit Group

3115 Science Technicians

Perform tests and experiments, and provide technical support functions to assist with research, design, production and teaching in the natural sciences.

OSCA skill level

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

  • Skill Level 2: AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma, Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience
Occupation

311531 Chemical Technician

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.

Fire assayers are excluded from this occupation. Fire assayers are included in Occupation 313935 Metallurgical or Materials Technician.

Specialisations

  • Chemistry Laboratory Technician
  • Dairy Laboratory Technician

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Assists in setting up and conducting chemical experiments, tests and analysis on organic and inorganic chemicals according to existing procedures
  • Assists in the fabrication, installation and modification of chemistry equipment to ensure it meets standards
  • Collects samples from production batches, and tests them for impurities and defects
  • Sets up and maintains chemistry laboratory equipment, instruments and inventory
  • Assists in monitoring the quality of products and processes at chemical manufacturing facilities to ensure they meet standards and specifications
  • Undertakes a limited range of technical activities to support chemical research
Occupation

311532 Earth Science Technician

Collects and tests earth and water samples, records observations, and analyses data in support of Geologists, Geophysicists and other earth scientists.

Specialisations

  • Earth Science Laboratory Technician
  • Geology Technician
  • Geoscience Laboratory Technician
  • Geotechnician
  • Meteorological Observer

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Assists in the collection, preparation, testing and analysis of rock, soil and water samples
  • Calibrates and maintains testing equipment used by earth scientists
  • Assists Geologists, Geophysicists and other earth scientists in the analysis of data
  • Supports earth scientists in practical field operations by planning field work, arranging access to sites, and ensuring supplies and equipment are available for field surveys
  • Conducts surveys on field sites and other areas of interest
  • Collects, records and analyses weather conditions information
Occupation

311533 Geospatial Technician

Analyses and manipulates geospatial data from multiple technologies, formats and projects to form integrated datasets.

Alternative title

  • Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Officer

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Assists with the development and maintenance of geographical information systems (GIS)
  • Creates, maintains, displays and updates GIS databases
  • Works with geospatial technology to assist with data gathering, compilation, mapping and data analysis
  • Produces accurate maps and other representations of data for use in activities such as fieldwork
  • Conducts fieldwork to resolve conflicting information and ensure the accuracy of data
  • Records and documents details of map updates, additions and/or deletions
Occupation

311534 Hydrographer

Measures, analyses and maintains the flow and quality of water in rivers, lakes, stormwater and sewage, and assists with surveying and mapping oceans, seas and rivers.

Hydrographic surveyors are excluded from this occupation. Hydrographic surveyors are included in Occupation 241299 Geospatial Information Professionals and Surveyors nec.

Alternative titles

  • Hydrographic Technician
  • Water Monitoring Officer

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Performs routine mathematical calculations and assists in undertaking measurements for surveying and charting bodies of water
  • Installs, calibrates and maintains hydrography equipment to monitor water levels and flow, meteorology, sediments and water quality
  • Assists in the collection of water surveying data such as coastline identification, bed relief or depth, and heights of water in oceans, rivers or lakes, using navigation systems
  • Measures the depth of water bodies, and monitors turbidity and the accumulation of silt
  • Uses underwater acoustic equipment to establish and monitor tidal data and outline coastlines
Occupation

311535 Life Science Technician

Identifies, collects and tests living organisms, and conducts field and laboratory studies in support of Life Scientists, Medical Scientists or Environmental Scientists.

Animal technicians and fisheries technical officers are excluded from this occupation. Animal technicians are included in Occupation 269532 Veterinary Technologist. Fisheries technical officers are included in Occupation 311133 Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician.

Specialisation

  • Microbiology Analyst

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Assists in the collection and identification of living organisms
  • Assists in maintaining records of collected specimens
  • Assists with experiments conducted on living organisms and analysis of data collected about them
  • Provides technical services and support for scientists in several fields, including biology, agriculture and environmental science
Occupation

311536 School Laboratory Technician

Provides the knowledge, skills and support necessary for practical science activities to be run in schools, and ensures the safety of staff and students in science laboratories, with a focus on chemical and laboratory management.

Registration or licensing is required.

Alternative title

  • School Laboratory Manager

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Prepares, distributes and sets up samples and/or demonstrations, equipment and associated scientific materials for practical teaching laboratory use
  • Assists science teaching staff with demonstrations, instruction of students on the use of equipment during science experiments, and the application of safety measures
  • Maintains scientific teaching resources, classrooms, storerooms, preparation rooms and laboratories in a clean, safe, orderly and secure manner
  • Operates laboratory equipment and performs routine operator maintenance and instrument calibrations as required, in compliance with manufacturer specifications
  • Maintains a safe laboratory waste storage and disposal system in accordance with departmental guidelines
  • Works within a budget to ensure that laboratories have the correct equipment to carry out practicals
  • Performs record keeping and stocktaking of equipment and materials within the science department
  • Ensures personal protective equipment is in working order, communicates safety concerns to teachers, and writes standard operating procedures for equipment and processes to ensure student and staff safety
Occupation

311599 Science Technicians nec

This occupation group covers Science Technicians not elsewhere classified.

Skill level: 2

Occupations in this group include:

  • Calibration Technician
  • Drug and Alcohol Tester
  • Environmental Field Technician
  • Fibre Technologist
  • Fingerprint Expert
  • Textile Technical Officer