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OSCA occupation
311532

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.

Major group
3 Technicians and Trades Workers
Unit group
3115 Science Technicians
Edition
OSCA 2024
Skill level
Level 2

Should you use OSCA or ANZSCO?

OSCA 2024 is the current Australian occupation classification for storing, organising and reporting occupation information. Use this OSCA record for current Australian statistical and analytical classification work.

Some migration and administrative programs still specify ANZSCO 2022. Check the exact system named by the agency or form rather than replacing the code automatically.

Check the current ABS guidance on OSCA and ANZSCO use

Official ANZSCO correspondence

Role overview

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

Use this page to confirm the official title, the parent unit group, the task list and the related ANZSIC industry context before using the occupation in classification, reporting or migration-adjacent workflows.

Occupation facts

Skill level
2
Major group
3 Technicians and Trades Workers
Sub-major group
31 Building, Engineering, ICT and Scientific Technicians
Minor group
311 Agricultural, Health and Science Technicians
Unit group
3115 Science Technicians

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

Skill level guidance

Skill level helps place the occupation inside the ABS hierarchy. Use it as a classification cue, then check the actual task list and occupational context before making a decision for HR, visa or reporting work.

How to use this occupation page

Start with the official OSCA title and task list. Then confirm the parent unit group and compare the related occupations on this page if the job title is broad, overlapping or used differently across employers.

The ANZSIC links are there to help when the same occupation appears across several industries and you need the business-side classification as well.

Compare before choosing

Compare OSCA 311532 with related occupations

Compare roles in the same OSCA unit group by their official definition, skill level, tasks and recognised alternative titles.

Comparison pointCurrent code311532 Earth Science Technician311531 Chemical Technician311533 Geospatial Technician
Official role definitionCollects and tests earth and water samples, records observations, and analyses data in support of Geologists, Geophysicists and other earth scientists.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.Analyses and manipulates geospatial data from multiple technologies, formats and projects to form integrated datasets.
Skill levelSkill Level 2Skill Level 2Skill Level 2
Key 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
  • 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 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
Alternative titlesNot statedNot stated
  • Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Officer

Comparison uses occupation definitions, skill levels, tasks and title variants from the ABS OSCA data files.

Official source

Official source
ABS OSCA 2024 release and correspondence tables
Last reviewed
2026-04-17

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