Life Science Technician (ANZSCO 311413)
Updated
What a Life Science Technician does
Identifies and collects living organisms and conducts field and laboratory studies in support of Life Scientists or Environmental Scientists.
- Also called
- Life Science Technical Officer
- Specialisations
- Biological Technical Officer, Botanical Technical Officer, Ecological Technical Officer, Environmental Technical Officer, Forestry Technical Officer, Forestry Technician, Wood Technologist, Zoology Technical Officer
Key facts
- ANZSCO code
- 311413
- Skill level
- 2Associate degree, advanced diploma or diploma
- Assessing authority
- VETASSESS
- National shortage
- No shortage
Visa options
Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.
Points-tested
- Subclass 189 Skilled IndependentNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 190 Skilled NominatedVia STSOLEligible
- Subclass 491, state or territory nominatedVia STSOL and ROLEligible
- Subclass 491, family sponsoredNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
Employer-sponsored
- Subclass 482 Skills in Demand, Core Skills streamNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, Direct Entry streamNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
Main tasks
- 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
Shortage by state
- NationalNo shortage
- ACTNo shortage
- NSWNo shortage
- NTNo shortage
- QLDNo shortage
- SANo shortage
- TASNo shortage
- VICNo shortage
- WANo shortage
State and territory nomination
For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.
Common questions
What does a Life Science Technician do?
Identifies and collects living organisms and conducts field and laboratory studies in support of Life Scientists or Environmental Scientists. Also called: Life Science Technical Officer. (ABS ANZSCO description.)
Is Life Science Technician on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Life Science Technician (ANZSCO 311413) is on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Regional Occupation List (ROL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 190, 491 and 494 visas.
What is the ANZSCO code for Life Science Technician?
311413. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.
How can a Life Science Technician migrate to Australia?
The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Life Science Technician for the Subclass 190, Subclass 491 and Subclass 494 visas. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.
Who assesses Life Science Technician for an Australian visa?
VETASSESS, the skills assessing authority listed for 311413.
Is Life Science Technician in demand in Australia?
Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "No shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.