ANZSCO 311412 · CSOL · STSOL
Earth Science Technician: ANZSCO 311412
Official Home Affairs skilled occupation list · checked 21 October 2026
Earth Science Technician (ANZSCO 311412) is on the CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List) and STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List). It can be used for the 190, 491, 494, 482, 186 and 407 visas, and the skills assessment is done by VETASSESS. Checked against the Home Affairs list on 21 October 2026.
Occupation lists
CSOL, STSOL
Core Skills Occupation List; Short-term Skilled Occupation List
Permanent visa options
190, 186
Visas that give permanent residence
Assessing authority
VETASSESS
Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services
Skill level
Level 2
Associate degree, advanced diploma or diploma, or at least 3 years of relevant experience
The job
What an earth science technician does
Collects and tests earth and water samples, records observations and analyses data in support of Geologists or Geophysicists.
Also known as
- Earth Science Technical Officer
Specialisations
- Earth Science Laboratory Technician
- Geochemical Laboratory Technician
- Geological Technical Officer
- Geoscience Laboratory Technician
- Meteorological Observer
- Seismology Technical Officer
- Soil Science Technical Officer
- Water Resources Technical Officer
Unit group 3114
Tasks of Science Technicians
- 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
Qualifications and experience
Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
- AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)
Assessing authorities check your duties against these tasks, so your experience must match them, not only the job title.
Visa options
Which visas ANZSCO 311412 can be used for
From the Department of Home Affairs combined list of eligible skilled occupations. Every visa also has its own points, age, English, experience and skills assessment rules.
| Visa | Eligible | ANZSCO version | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 Skilled Independent | No | — | |
| 190 Skilled Nominated (state) | Yes | ANZSCO 2013 | Needs a state or territory nomination |
| 407 Training visa | Yes | ANZSCO 2013 | |
| 485 Temporary Graduate | No | — | |
| 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional | Yes | ANZSCO 2013 | |
| 491 State Skilled Work Regional, state nominated | Yes | ANZSCO 2013 | Needs a state or territory nomination |
| 491 Family Skilled Work Regional, family sponsored | No | — | |
| 482 Skills in Demand, Core Skills stream | Yes | ANZSCO 2022 | |
| 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, Direct Entry | Yes | ANZSCO 2022 |
Skills assessment
Skills assessment for ANZSCO 311412
Most skilled visas need a positive skills assessment from the authority below before you can lodge. It must be for the same occupation you nominate.
Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS)
We prepare your VETASSESS assessment with you and check that your duties match ANZSCO 311412 before you apply.
States and territories
State and territory nomination
Earth Science Technician is on a list that allows state nomination for the 190 (permanent) and for the 491 (regional, provisional). Each state then decides which occupations it will nominate, and on what conditions.
State lists, points cut-offs and residence or job offer rules change during the program year, and some states close streams once their places are used. Ask us which states are nominating earth science technician now.
Similar occupations
Other occupations in Science Technicians
If your duties fit one of these better, that is the code to nominate.
Questions
ANZSCO 311412: common questions
What is the ANZSCO code for earth science technician?
What does an earth science technician do?
Which skilled occupation list is Earth Science Technician on?
Can I get a 189 visa as an earth science technician?
Is Earth Science Technician eligible for state nomination (190 or 491)?
Can an employer sponsor an earth science technician?
Who assesses earth science technician skills for Australian migration?
Talk to us
Is ANZSCO 311412 your occupation? Ask us about your options.
Tell us your duties, qualifications, experience and English scores. We will confirm the right occupation and the visas that fit.
Source: Department of Home Affairs, checked 21 October 2026. Descriptions: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO 2022 (CC BY 4.0). General information only, not immigration advice.
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