ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Civil Engineering Technician: ANZSCO code 312212

Civil Engineering Technician is occupation 312212 in ANZSCO 1.3, the classification Immigration New Zealand uses for most work visas and every Skilled Migrant Category application. It sits at ANZSCO skill level 2, in unit group 3122 Civil Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians.

ANZSCO code
312212
Skill level
2
Unit group
3122 Civil Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians
Green List
Yes, Tier 1 (named roles)

Civil Engineering Technician: qualifications and experience required in New Zealand

ANZSCO places this occupation at skill level 2. For New Zealand, ANZSCO describes the qualifications and experience as:

NZQF Diploma. 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. Registration or licensing may be required.

Under the National Occupation List, code 312212 is "Civil Engineering Technician" at NOL skill level 2: NZQCF Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (NZQCF Level 5-6/NOL Skill Level 2).

A skill level describes the occupation, not you. Immigration New Zealand matches a job to the single closest occupation, and the skill level comes from that occupation; more experience does not move an occupation to a higher level.

What does a civil engineering technician do?

Conducts tests of construction materials, prepares sketches and tabulations, and assists in estimating costs in support of Civil Engineering Professionals and Engineering Technologists. Registration or licensing may be required.

Tasks for unit group 3122 Civil Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians include:

  • Preparing sketches, charts, tabulations, plans and designs for civil engineering works such as drainage, water supply, sewerage reticulation systems, roads, airports, dams, bridges and other structures
  • Performing and directing fieldwork and laboratory testing
  • Interpreting work assignment instructions, applying appropriate procedures and selecting equipment
  • Collecting and analysing data, and carrying out computations
  • Estimating material costs and ensuring finished works are within specifications, regulations and contract provisions
  • Inspecting civil engineering works, and organising and supervising maintenance and repair work
  • Conducting field and laboratory tests of construction materials and soils, and collecting data for traffic surveys

Other job titles under ANZSCO 312212

Alternative titles and specialisations from ANZSCO, and job titles Stats NZ lists under the same code:

  • Civil Engineering Assistant
  • Civil Laboratory Technician
  • Geotechnical Laboratory Technician
  • Construction Design Technician
  • Scientific Soil Tester
  • Waste Water Treatment Officer

What skill level 2 means for New Zealand visas

Visa rule For this occupation More
Accredited Employer Work Visa: longest visa Up to 5 years for skill level 1 to 3 roles. AEWV guide
AEWV: evidence of English Not required for skill level 1 and 2 roles. AEWV guide
Supporting a partner's visa The skill level 1 to 3 wage threshold applies. Partner of a Worker
Skilled Migrant Category: Skilled Work Experience pathway Open to skill level 1 to 3 occupations, with work experience and pay requirements. Skilled Work Experience pathway
SMC red and amber lists Not on either list. INZ's lists
SMC Trades and Technician pathway Not on INZ's list of eligible occupations. INZ's list
Green List Civil Engineering Technician: Tier 1 (Straight to Residence). Only the named role qualifies, with INZ's qualification, registration or experience requirements for it. Green List guide

Rules as published by Immigration New Zealand. Lists synced 31 October 2026. Each visa has further requirements beyond skill level, including pay and work experience.

National Occupation List occupations for ANZSCO 312212

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 312212. Immigration New Zealand accepts a NOL code only for an AEWV or job check, and only for occupations on its published list; for any other visa, use the ANZSCO code.

NOL code NOL occupation NOL skill level INZ accepts for an AEWV
312212 Civil Engineering Technician 2 Not yet

More about this job in New Zealand

Stats NZ links this occupation to Tahatū, the government careers website, which has more about the work in New Zealand, including pay: Civil engineering technician .

Not sure this is your occupation?

Picking the right occupation decides the skill level, and with it the visa rules above. Talk it through with us: we will listen to your situation and match you with the right IAA-licensed adviser. You can also check your pay and work experience against the residence wage rules with our calculator.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Civil Engineering Technician?

Civil Engineering Technician is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 312212, in unit group 3122 Civil Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Civil Engineering Technician?

ANZSCO skill level 2, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. NZQF Diploma. 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. Registration or licensing may be required.

Is Civil Engineering Technician on the Green List?

Yes. Immigration New Zealand lists Civil Engineering Technician (Tier 1) under ANZSCO 312212. Only the named role qualifies, and INZ sets qualification, registration or experience requirements for it.

Sources: ANZSCO version 1.3, Australian Bureau of Statistics, CC BY 4.0, synced 31 October 2026; National Occupation List V3.0.0, Stats NZ, CC BY 4.0, synced 1 November 2026; Immigration New Zealand occupation lists, synced 31 October 2026. This page reproduces published classifications and Immigration New Zealand's lists. It is general information, not immigration advice. ProVisas is a licensed New Zealand immigration advisory firm (IAA Licence 201301110).