Earth Science Technician

An Earth Science Technician collects, processes, and analyses geological, hydrological, or atmospheric samples and data in field and laboratory settings. They support earth scientists and environmental consultants by operating field instruments, maintaining sample chains of custody, and producing technical reports for mining, water management, environmental assessment, and resource exploration projects across Australian jurisdictions.

Collect soil, rock, water, and sediment samples from field sites using standardised sampling protocols and document sample locations using GPS and site mapping tools. Operate field instruments including pH meters, conductivity probes, soil augers, and borehole drilling equipment to measure hydrogeological and geotechnical properties. Maintain sample chains of custody and laboratory logbooks in compliance with NATA accreditation standards and client specifications. Prepare geological and hydrological samples for analysis by washing, crushing, sieving, and sub-sampling using laboratory equipment. Conduct routine laboratory analyses including particle size distribution, permeability testing, and basic geochemical screening. Record field observations including soil stratigraphy, weathering patterns, and structural features in geological notebooks and digital logging systems. Calibrate and maintain testing equipment such as microscopes, spectrometers, and analytical balances according to manufacturer specifications. Assist in the production of geological logs, cross-sections, and stratigraphic columns using CAD or mapping software.

The standard entry pathway requires a diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree (ABS skill level 2). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

Most positions cap out at technician level with little advancement unless you study further to become a geologist. The work is repetitive (washing samples, running the same tests, logging data) which suits some people but feels grinding to others. Field work means early starts, remote sites, and weather exposure. Job security depends entirely on mining and resources cycles.

Practically speaking, work concentrates in regional mining towns and their service centres. Some environmental consulting roles exist in capital cities, but regional availability is much stronger. Remote work is rare in this role.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 3114, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Attention to Detailcore
• Cartographycore
• Data Entry and Accuracycore
• Digital Literacycore
• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiencycore
• Policy and Procedure Adherencecore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
• Record Managementcore
• Report Writingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Calibrate laboratory equipment
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Electronic Document Management
• Incident Reporting
• Microsoft Excel Data Management
• Process Documentation
• Regulatory and Legislative Awareness
• Stakeholder Communication

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

What Earth Science Technician workers move into, from ten years of tax records.

Last updated: 30 October 2026