ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Life Science Technician: ANZSCO code 311413

Life Science Technician is occupation 311413 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 3114 Science Technicians.

ANZSCO code
311413
Skill level
2
Unit group
3114 Science Technicians
Green List
No

Life Science 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.

Under the National Occupation List, code 311413 is "Life Science 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 life science technician do?

Identifies and collects living organisms and conducts field and laboratory studies in support of Life Scientists or Environmental Scientists.

Tasks for unit group 3114 Science Technicians include:

  • 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

Other job titles under ANZSCO 311413

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

  • Life Science Technical Officer
  • Biological Technical Officer
  • Botanical Technical Officer
  • Ecological Technical Officer
  • Environmental Technical Officer
  • Fisheries Technical Officer
  • Forestry Technical Officer
  • Forestry Technician
  • Wood Technologist
  • Zoology Technical Officer
  • Biochemistry Technician
  • Biological Technician
  • Biology Technician
  • Botanical Technician
  • Entomology Technician
  • Forensic Technician
  • Forest Technician
  • Forestry Science Technician
  • Lab Tech Life Sciences
  • Lab Technician Life Sciences
  • Laboratory Assistant Life Sciences
  • Life Science Lab Assistant
  • Life Sciences Laboratory Analyst
  • Life Sciences Laboratory Technician
Show 10 more
  • Marine Biology Technician
  • Meatworks Laboratory Technician
  • Meatworks Technologist
  • Microbiology Lab Technician
  • Microbiology Technician
  • Parks and Reserve Technical Officer
  • Veterinary Laboratory Technician
  • Veterinary Technician
  • Water and Soil Technician
  • Fisheries Technician

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 Listed by INZ as an eligible occupation. Trades and Technician guide
Green List No Green List role is listed under this code. INZ's Green List

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 311413

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 311413. 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
311413 Life Science Technician 2 Not yet
311422 Bioinformatics 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: Biological technician , Forest and conservation 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 Life Science Technician?

Life Science Technician is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 311413, in unit group 3114 Science Technicians. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Life Science 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.

Is Life Science Technician on the Green List?

No Green List role is listed under ANZSCO 311413 on Immigration New Zealand's Green List as at 31 October 2026.

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).