3111 Agricultural Technicians and Inspection Officers
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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