Overview
All Science Technicians
-
$1,500 Weekly Pay
-
Stable Future Growth
Earth Science Technicians
-
1,600 workers Employment Size
-
High skill Skill level rating
-
86% Full-Time Full-Time Share
-
51 hours Average full-time
-
36 years Average age
-
19% female Gender Share
Earth Science Technicians collect and test earth and water samples, record observations and analyse 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, Hydrographical Technical Officer, Hydrological Technical Officer, Meteorological Observer, Seismology Technical Officer, Soil Science Technical Officer, Water Resources Technical Officer.
You need extensive experience, or a formal qualification in environmental science, environmental technology, laboratory technology or another related field to work as an Earth Science Technician. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university are both common study pathways.
Tasks
- Prepares materials for experimentation, including freezing and slicing specimens and mixing chemicals.
- Collects information and samples.
- Conducts field and laboratory experiments, tests and analyses.
- Presents results in graphic or written form by preparing maps charts, sketches, diagrams and reports.
- Performs routine mathematical calculations and computations of measurement.
- Controls the quality and quantity of laboratory supplies by testing samples and monitoring usage.
- Checks, calibrates and maintains test equipment.
- Participates in fabricating, installing and modifying equipment to ensure that critical standards are met.
Prospects
The number of Earth Science Technicians fell over 5 years:
from 2,900 in 2011 to 1,600 in 2016.
Caution: These estimates do not take account of the impact of COVID-19. They may not reflect the current jobs market and should be used and interpreted with caution.
- Size: This is a very small occupation.
- Location: Earth Science Technicians work in many parts of Australia. Western Australia has a large share of workers.
- Industries: Most work in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Mining; and Construction.
- Full-time: Most work full-time (86%, much higher than the average of 66%).
- Hours: Full-time workers spend around 51 hours per week at work (compared to the average of 44 hours).
- Age: The average age is 36 years (compared to the average of 40 years).
- Gender: 19% of workers are female (compared to the average of 48%).
Main Industries
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Industries are based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC 06).
States and Territories
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian States and Territories, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Education Level
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Pathways
You need extensive experience, or a formal qualification in environmental science, environmental technology, laboratory technology or another related field to work as an Earth Science Technician. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university are both common study pathways.
Before starting a course, check it will provide you with the skills and qualifications you need. Visit
- Course Seeker to search and compare higher education courses.
- ComparED to compare undergraduate and postgraduate student experiences and outcomes.
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Laboratory Operations, Food Processing and Australian Meat Processing VET training pathways.
Skills & Knowledge
Employers look for Science Technicians who are reliable, work well in a team and have a strong work ethic.
Filter Skills & Knowledge
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
-
Chemistry
Chemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
-
Mathematics
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
-
Computers and electronics
Circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
-
Geography
Describing land, sea, and air, including their physical characteristics, locations, how they work together, and the location of plant, animal, and human life.
-
English language
English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Mechanical
Machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
Physics
The physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
-
Engineering and technology
Use engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
-
Production and processing
Raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
-
Technical design
Design techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
-
Clerical
Word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
-
Communications and media
Media production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
-
Customer and personal service
Understanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
-
Education and training
Curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
Administration and management
Business principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
-
Public safety and security
Use of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
-
Biology
Plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, how they rely on and work with each other and the environment.
-
History and archeology
Events of the past, their causes, how we learn about them, and how they influence the way we live today.
-
Building and construction
Materials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
-
Telecommunications
Transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
-
Reading comprehension
Reading work related information.
-
Critical thinking
Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
-
Monitoring
Keeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
-
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
-
Mathematics
Using maths to solve problems.
-
Writing
Writing things for co-workers or customers.
-
Quality control analysis
Doing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
-
Active learning
Being able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
-
Active listening
Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
-
Operation monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
-
Speaking
Talking to others.
-
Complex problem solving
Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
-
Coordination with others
Being adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
-
Systems analysis
Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect it.
-
Time management
Managing your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
-
Judgment and decision making
Figuring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
-
Learning strategies
Figuring out the best way to teach or learn something new.
-
Systems evaluation
Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
-
Troubleshooting
Figuring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
-
Operation and control
Controlling equipment or systems.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities.
-
Oral comprehension
Listen to and understand what people say.
-
Written comprehension
Read and understand written information.
-
Inductive reasoning
Use lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
-
Near vision
See details that are up-close (within a few feet).
-
Oral expression
Communicate by speaking.
-
Deductive reasoning
Use general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
-
Sorting or ordering
Order or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
-
Problem spotting
Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
-
Flexibility of closure
See a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.
-
Categorising
Come up with different ways of grouping things.
-
Written expression
Write in a way that people can understand.
-
Working with numbers
Add, subtract, multiply, or divide.
-
Far vision
See details that are far away.
-
Mathematics
Choose the right maths method or formula to solve a problem.
-
Arm-hand steadiness
Keep your hand or arm steady.
-
Brainstorming
Come up with a number of ideas about a topic, even if the ideas aren't very good.
-
Control precision
Quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
-
Perceptual speed
Use your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
-
Colour discrimination
Notice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.
-
Selective attention
Pay attention to something without being distracted.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
Collecting and organising information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
-
Making sense of information and ideas
Looking at, working with, and understanding data or information.
-
Keeping your knowledge up-to-date
Keeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
-
Handling and moving objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
-
Monitoring people, processes and things
Checking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
-
Planning and prioritising work
Deciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
-
Documenting or recording information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
-
Controlling equipment or machines
Operating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
-
Communicating within a team
Giving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
-
Working with mechanical equipment
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
-
Checking for errors or defects
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
-
Looking for changes over time
Comparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
-
Estimating amounts, costs and resources
Working out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.
-
Working with electronic equipment
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing electronic devices and equipment.
-
Building good relationships
Building good working relationships and keeping them over time.
-
Making decisions and solving problems
Using information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
-
Working with computers
Using computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
-
Researching and investigating
Looking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
-
Checking compliance with standards
Deciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
-
Driving vehicles or equipment
Running, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 19-4041.02 - Geological Sample Test Technicians.
Work Environment
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Filter Work Environment
Demands
The physical and social demands workers face most often are shown below.
-
Electronic mail
Use electronic mail.
-
Indoors, heat controlled
Work indoors with access to heating or cooling.
-
Being exact or accurate
Be very exact or highly accurate.
-
Wear common protective or safety equipment
Wear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
Face-to-face discussions
Talk with people face-to-face.
-
Telephone
Talk on the telephone.
-
Freedom to make decisions
Have freedom to make decision on your own.
-
Repeating same tasks
Repeat the same tasks or activities (e.g., key entry) over and over, without stopping.
-
Unstructured work
Have freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
Teamwork
Work with people in a group or team.
-
Using your hands to handle, control, or feel
Spend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
Dangerous conditions
Work near dangers like high voltage electricity, flammable material, explosives or chemicals.
-
Health and safety of others
Take responsibility for the health and safety of others.
-
Consequence of error
Work where mistakes have serious consequences.
-
Time pressure
Work to strict deadlines.
-
Impact of decisions
Make decisions that have a large impact on other people.
-
Exposure to contaminants
Be exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
-
Frequent decision making
Frequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
Spend time sitting
Spend time sitting at work.
-
Responsible for outcomes
Take responsibility for the results of other people's work.
Values
Work values are important to a person’s feeling of satisfaction. All six values are shown below.
-
Support
Supportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
Independence
Work alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
-
Relationships
Serve and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
Achievement
Results oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
-
Recognition
Advancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
-
Working conditions
Job security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
-
Practical
Practical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
-
Analytical
Ideas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
-
Administrative
Following set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
Enterprising
Starting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
-
Creative
Working with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
-
Helping
Working with people. Helping or providing service to others.

O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 19-4041.02 - Geological Sample Test Technicians.
All Science Technicians
-
$1,500 Weekly Pay
-
Stable Future Growth
Earth Science Technicians
-
1,600 workers Employment Size
-
High skill Skill level rating
-
86% Full-Time Full-Time Share
-
51 hours Average full-time
-
36 years Average age
-
19% female Gender Share
Earth Science Technicians collect and test earth and water samples, record observations and analyse 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, Hydrographical Technical Officer, Hydrological Technical Officer, Meteorological Observer, Seismology Technical Officer, Soil Science Technical Officer, Water Resources Technical Officer.
You need extensive experience, or a formal qualification in environmental science, environmental technology, laboratory technology or another related field to work as an Earth Science Technician. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university are both common study pathways.
Tasks
- Prepares materials for experimentation, including freezing and slicing specimens and mixing chemicals.
- Collects information and samples.
- Conducts field and laboratory experiments, tests and analyses.
- Presents results in graphic or written form by preparing maps charts, sketches, diagrams and reports.
- Performs routine mathematical calculations and computations of measurement.
- Controls the quality and quantity of laboratory supplies by testing samples and monitoring usage.
- Checks, calibrates and maintains test equipment.
- Participates in fabricating, installing and modifying equipment to ensure that critical standards are met.
The number of Earth Science Technicians fell over 5 years:
from 2,900 in 2011 to 1,600 in 2016.
Caution: These estimates do not take account of the impact of COVID-19. They may not reflect the current jobs market and should be used and interpreted with caution.
- Size: This is a very small occupation.
- Location: Earth Science Technicians work in many parts of Australia. Western Australia has a large share of workers.
- Industries: Most work in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Mining; and Construction.
- Full-time: Most work full-time (86%, much higher than the average of 66%).
- Hours: Full-time workers spend around 51 hours per week at work (compared to the average of 44 hours).
- Age: The average age is 36 years (compared to the average of 40 years).
- Gender: 19% of workers are female (compared to the average of 48%).
Main Industries
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Industries are based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC 06).
States and Territories
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian States and Territories, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Education Level
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
You need extensive experience, or a formal qualification in environmental science, environmental technology, laboratory technology or another related field to work as an Earth Science Technician. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university are both common study pathways.
Before starting a course, check it will provide you with the skills and qualifications you need. Visit
- Course Seeker to search and compare higher education courses.
- ComparED to compare undergraduate and postgraduate student experiences and outcomes.
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Laboratory Operations, Food Processing and Australian Meat Processing VET training pathways.
Employers look for Science Technicians who are reliable, work well in a team and have a strong work ethic.
Filter Skills & Knowledge
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
-
Chemistry
Chemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
-
Mathematics
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
-
Computers and electronics
Circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
-
Geography
Describing land, sea, and air, including their physical characteristics, locations, how they work together, and the location of plant, animal, and human life.
-
English language
English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Mechanical
Machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
Physics
The physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
-
Engineering and technology
Use engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
-
Production and processing
Raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
-
Technical design
Design techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
-
Clerical
Word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
-
Communications and media
Media production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
-
Customer and personal service
Understanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
-
Education and training
Curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
Administration and management
Business principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
-
Public safety and security
Use of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
-
Biology
Plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, how they rely on and work with each other and the environment.
-
History and archeology
Events of the past, their causes, how we learn about them, and how they influence the way we live today.
-
Building and construction
Materials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
-
Telecommunications
Transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
-
Reading comprehension
Reading work related information.
-
Critical thinking
Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
-
Monitoring
Keeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
-
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
-
Mathematics
Using maths to solve problems.
-
Writing
Writing things for co-workers or customers.
-
Quality control analysis
Doing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
-
Active learning
Being able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
-
Active listening
Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
-
Operation monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
-
Speaking
Talking to others.
-
Complex problem solving
Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
-
Coordination with others
Being adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
-
Systems analysis
Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect it.
-
Time management
Managing your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
-
Judgment and decision making
Figuring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
-
Learning strategies
Figuring out the best way to teach or learn something new.
-
Systems evaluation
Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
-
Troubleshooting
Figuring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
-
Operation and control
Controlling equipment or systems.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities.
-
Oral comprehension
Listen to and understand what people say.
-
Written comprehension
Read and understand written information.
-
Inductive reasoning
Use lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
-
Near vision
See details that are up-close (within a few feet).
-
Oral expression
Communicate by speaking.
-
Deductive reasoning
Use general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
-
Sorting or ordering
Order or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
-
Problem spotting
Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
-
Flexibility of closure
See a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.
-
Categorising
Come up with different ways of grouping things.
-
Written expression
Write in a way that people can understand.
-
Working with numbers
Add, subtract, multiply, or divide.
-
Far vision
See details that are far away.
-
Mathematics
Choose the right maths method or formula to solve a problem.
-
Arm-hand steadiness
Keep your hand or arm steady.
-
Brainstorming
Come up with a number of ideas about a topic, even if the ideas aren't very good.
-
Control precision
Quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
-
Perceptual speed
Use your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
-
Colour discrimination
Notice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.
-
Selective attention
Pay attention to something without being distracted.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
Collecting and organising information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
-
Making sense of information and ideas
Looking at, working with, and understanding data or information.
-
Keeping your knowledge up-to-date
Keeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
-
Handling and moving objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
-
Monitoring people, processes and things
Checking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
-
Planning and prioritising work
Deciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
-
Documenting or recording information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
-
Controlling equipment or machines
Operating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
-
Communicating within a team
Giving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
-
Working with mechanical equipment
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
-
Checking for errors or defects
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
-
Looking for changes over time
Comparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
-
Estimating amounts, costs and resources
Working out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.
-
Working with electronic equipment
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing electronic devices and equipment.
-
Building good relationships
Building good working relationships and keeping them over time.
-
Making decisions and solving problems
Using information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
-
Working with computers
Using computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
-
Researching and investigating
Looking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
-
Checking compliance with standards
Deciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
-
Driving vehicles or equipment
Running, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 19-4041.02 - Geological Sample Test Technicians.
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Filter Work Environment
Demands
The physical and social demands workers face most often are shown below.
-
Electronic mail
Use electronic mail.
-
Indoors, heat controlled
Work indoors with access to heating or cooling.
-
Being exact or accurate
Be very exact or highly accurate.
-
Wear common protective or safety equipment
Wear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
Face-to-face discussions
Talk with people face-to-face.
-
Telephone
Talk on the telephone.
-
Freedom to make decisions
Have freedom to make decision on your own.
-
Repeating same tasks
Repeat the same tasks or activities (e.g., key entry) over and over, without stopping.
-
Unstructured work
Have freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
Teamwork
Work with people in a group or team.
-
Using your hands to handle, control, or feel
Spend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
Dangerous conditions
Work near dangers like high voltage electricity, flammable material, explosives or chemicals.
-
Health and safety of others
Take responsibility for the health and safety of others.
-
Consequence of error
Work where mistakes have serious consequences.
-
Time pressure
Work to strict deadlines.
-
Impact of decisions
Make decisions that have a large impact on other people.
-
Exposure to contaminants
Be exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
-
Frequent decision making
Frequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
Spend time sitting
Spend time sitting at work.
-
Responsible for outcomes
Take responsibility for the results of other people's work.
Values
Work values are important to a person’s feeling of satisfaction. All six values are shown below.
-
Support
Supportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
Independence
Work alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
-
Relationships
Serve and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
Achievement
Results oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
-
Recognition
Advancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
-
Working conditions
Job security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
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Practical
Practical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
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Analytical
Ideas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
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Administrative
Following set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
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Enterprising
Starting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
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Creative
Working with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
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Helping
Working with people. Helping or providing service to others.

O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 19-4041.02 - Geological Sample Test Technicians.