Australia's Science Forum

I am just interested in seeing what other States call the role of 'Laboratory Technician'
Because I am possibly looking at changing states at some time in the future and would love to know what to actually look for on Government job sites etc.

Thanks in advance

Mine is Lab Technician, but I like to say that i'm the boss of the teachers, they sometimes agree

Here in NSW, the department of education calls the role "science assistant".

Leave Tasmania??! I haven't been there but it looks so peaceful but too cold!
Anyway, here I'm a Science Lab Assistant. I work for The Anglican Schools Corporation and each school has their own name. In the Catholic system I was a School Support Officer - Science. Each location I was a designated labbie, that was my job and I couldn't be moved. I understand (I could be wrong) that in the state system you are not employed in a position and can be moved. I've heard of people getting moved from Science to Admin - yikes!

I work in a government school in NSW and I am an Admin Officer. I work in the library, office and Science because we are a very small school and we have to be flexible. I feel that Science is my home, though.

I always describe myself as a science technician - as far as I am concerned I have the qualifications and are far more than an assistant!

Yes DoE NSW we are SAO School Admin Officer, yep like the biscuits. We can and will be moved any where at the drop of a hat. I had qualifications but it made no difference to the SAM Senior Admin Manager. Part of the reason I retired.

Google - 2014 school science laboratory technicians standards. This document is worth a read. It will give an idea of what you should possibly be classified as and what type of requirements are needed for each classification. Don't hold your breath though if you expect any changes. After 39 years I am still called a lab assistant. I am the only tech in the school and it is both a middle school and a senior school. So I always refer to myself as the lab technician and at certain moments wonder what pay I could get as a lab manager. I'm pretty much self directed in deciding what jobs to do apart from general lab tech work and keeping the place running as smoothly as possible. It is a big job and really not one where you can move people in and out at the drop of a hat. Anyhow have a look at the document and pass it on to your head of department. If you are looking to change your classification you will need their support.

Sent you a PM Lyn

Kathryn wrote: ↑04 Jun 2020, 12:41 I always describe myself as a science technician - as far as I am concerned I have the qualifications and are far more than an assistant!

For me, I'm happy going with the term "assistant". It makes me feel like I have less responsibility. After a long time in the outside world where I had lots of responsibility (which is both good and bad), I'm really enjoying just going with the flow, well at least in my mind. But I understand that it isn't for everyone!

i go under so many different name but basically as far as i am concerned i am simple the Science Assistant. On all paper work to do with the school i am a SAO (School admin Assistant).
Some days when making up electrical wires etc i feel like i am a electrician, than the next day making Agar Plates i feel like a highly trained scientist, than cleaning up after a messy experiment i don't know what i would call myself. Than come to dissection I turn into a meat worker.
So what do i call myself - a Science Assistant - why - because i Assist is the Science Department regardless of the requirement.

Hi everyone,
Can someone tell me, is there any difference in the salary package for SSO AND LSUP.
Thanks

Im in an independant School in NSW, Im a Lab Tech and thats how I like it, I have a science degree, Im not an assistant. MariaQ

My 2 cents worth. I worked in the public system for many years, a switch from being called lab Tech in private and I am being told I cant be called a "lab assistant or "lab tech" for that matter. I am a SAO instead! hahaha
I have qualification, but it means nothing if were not recognised by our pay... so for now we are only "lab assistant' a helper in the science dept. Because the Govt refuses to pay us properly we cant be called anything else... Hopefully our union will fight and make the Govt recognised our jobs is specialised and valued and pay us properly once and for all.

If only they ever will, I feel your pain, its been like that for years and years, It will never change.