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Senior Technical Officer Make IT - Qualifications

Occupation Description

A senior technical officer (senior laboratory technician) undertakes duties similar to, but more complex than, those of other laboratory workers. They generally also have much more responsibility at work and also supervise other staff. Senior technical officers conduct a wide range of sampling and testing and have broad scientific and technical knowledge and skills. They perform laboratory tests, analyse test data and carry out a range of technical functions to support scientists. They may work in physical science areas such as physics, chemistry, biotechnology and engineering.

Senior technical officers may…

prepare materials, products and equipment for experiments and surveys

undertake complex experiments, often following strict testing and analysing procedures

prepare charts and diagrams and compile data

assist in assembling equipment for various experiments

monitor supplies of materials and ensure they are adequate

assist in preparing technical reports and documents for publication

take responsibility for ensuring that prescribed procedures are followed in experiments or production processes

Senior technical officers may also…

manage and administer laboratory operations

supervise laboratory staff

report to senior management regarding their department

Personal Requirements

You should

be interested in technical and scientific activities

have good powers of observation

have good analytical skills

be able to work to a high level of accuracy

have good problem-solving skills

have initiative

be able to work independently and as part of a team

possess good organisation skills

Environment

Senior technical officers usually work indoors in offices and in laboratories. They may also come in contact with dangerous chemicals, so are required to wear protective clothing such as laboratory coats and safety glasses.

Training

To work as a senior technical officer you will usually require an Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Technology.

Of course you can continue to progress further along a career pathway that could see you in a number of senior management positions.

Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations

Earnings, Job and Employment Prospects

For detailed information about earnings, job and employment prospects for this occupation, go to the Australian JobSearch Careers page and click on Job Outlook .

Printed Resources

The INFOSHEET PDFs provide information about the Manufacturing Industry and its various sectors and occupations. To view and print these documents click RESOURCES (you will need to have Adobe Reader ® installed).

Where Can I Go From This Job?

To find out more about potential Manufacturing career possibilities click PATHWAYS.



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