Performs laboratory tests on organic and inorganic chemicals, analyses test data and carries out technical functions in support of chemists or chemical engineers in a wide variety of areas such as fuels, agricultural products, food, pharmaceuticals, paints, plastics, textiles, detergents, paper, fertilisers and cosmetics.

Prepares materials for experimentation, including freezing and slicing specimens and mixing chemicals; collects information and samples; conducts field and laboratory experiments, tests and analyses; presents results in graphic or written form by preparing maps charts, sketches, diagrams and reports; performs routine mathematical calculations, and computations of measurement; controls the quality and quantity of laboratory supplies by testing samples and monitoring usage; checks, calibrates and maintains test equipment; participates in fabricating, installing and modifying equipment to ensure that critical standards are met.

• Works indoors in laboratories, factories and offices and may also work outdoors.
• Wears appropriate protective clothing and footwear for the specific environment e.g. gloves, gumboots and hairnets for food production sites.
• Work places may be noisy and dirty.

• Physical demand is light.
• Sitting, standing and walking are frequent.
• Stretching and reaching across is not a significant component of the role.
• Bending, squatting, crouching, or kneeling, may be required occasionally, to assist in the gathering of samples.
• Twisting of the body or neck is not a significant component of the role.
• Contact with skin irritants or water is unlikely, but this may depend upon the tests being undertaken.
• Lifting, pulling or carrying is unlikely to exceed the level of light physical demand.
• Repetitive movements are occasionally required when carrying out extensive data-entry or report writing via computer and when carrying out test procedures.
• Driving of vehicles is not a significant component of the role.
• Use of hand tools/hand-held objects will include computing, laboratory and measuring equipment.
• Mental skills necessary include technical, computing, communication, mathematical/science problem-solving skills.

A New Zealand Register Level 5 or 6 qualification or at least three years relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.