Identifies and collects living organisms (generally tree, insect and other plant material) and conducts field and laboratory studies in support of life scientists or environmental scientists.

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; participate in fabricating, installing and modifying equipment to ensure that critical standards are met.

• Works inside but may spend significant time outdoors.
• Work spaces (typically laboratories) are generally adequately heated and ventilated, but employees are also required to work outside in all weather conditions if carrying out fieldwork.
• Likely to work with some dangerous chemicals and diseased organisms as part of laboratory work. Will wear safety clothing and utilise safe-handling equipment and processes.

• Physical demand is light. Lifting, pulling or carrying is typically does not exceed the light demand level in most situations.
• Sitting, standing and walking are frequently required.
• Stretching and reaching across and twisting of the body or neck are not significant components of the role.
• Bending, squatting, crouching or kneeling is occasionally required to gather samples.
• Repetitive movements are occasionally required when in the field, carrying out extensive data-entry or report writing via computer.
• Driving of vehicles is occasionally required to carry out field work but otherwise is not a significant requirement of the job.
• Use of hand tools/hand-held objects is occasionally to frequently required when sampling in the forest. Use of computers, scientific measuring equipment, microscopes and other electronic equipment will be frequent. Contact with skin irritants or water can be frequent (mitigated by use of protective equipment).
• Mental skills include technical, research, organisational, problem-solving and communication 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.