ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Surveying or Spatial Science Technician: ANZSCO code 312116

Surveying or Spatial Science Technician is occupation 312116 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 3121 Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians.

ANZSCO code
312116
Skill level
2
Unit group
3121 Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians
Green List
No

Surveying or Spatial 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. Registration or licensing may be required.

Under the National Occupation List, code 312116 is "Surveying or Spatial 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 surveying or spatial science technician do?

Collects, records and evaluates spatial information and prepares databases, maps, charts and plans in support of Surveyors, Cartographers or Other Spatial Scientists. Registration or licensing may be required.

Tasks for unit group 3121 Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians include:

  • Assisting Construction Managers, Architects and Surveyors in planning and organisation
  • Interpreting plans, regulations and codes of practice
  • Preparing preliminary sketches, working drawings and specifications
  • Preparing, editing and revising plans, maps, charts and drawings
  • Coordinating works programs
  • Inspecting work and materials for compliance with specifications, regulations and standards
  • Calculating costs and estimating time scales
  • Collecting data using surveying instruments and photogrammetric equipment
  • Performing routine computations and plotting preliminary data

Other job titles under ANZSCO 312116

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

  • GIS Technician
  • Aerial Survey Technician
  • Photogrammetrist
  • Hydrographic Technician
  • Survey Technician
  • Surveyors Technician
  • Surveying Technologist
  • Surveying or Spatial 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 312116

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 312116. 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
312116 Surveying or Spatial Science Technician 2 Not yet
721925 Underground Utility Locator 4 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: Geographic information systems technician , Survey 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 Surveying or Spatial Science Technician?

Surveying or Spatial Science Technician is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 312116, in unit group 3121 Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Surveying or Spatial 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. Registration or licensing may be required.

Is Surveying or Spatial Science Technician on the Green List?

No Green List role is listed under ANZSCO 312116 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).