Chemical technician
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours but may work shifts
- Usually work in laboratories
- May work in hazardous conditions
- Need to be methodical, accurate and safety conscious
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Carry out lab tests
- Prepare chemical mixtures for tests
- Study chemicals
- Evaluate quality of materials and products
- Set up laboratory and field equipment
- Interpret data
- Manage project resources
- Prepare scientific reports and presentations
- Teach others how to do lab work
- Maintain and clean laboratory tools and equipment
Outlook
Chemical technicians support testing, quality control, research and production across industries such as food, water, environmental science, manufacturing, agriculture and pharmaceuticals. In New Zealand, demand is influenced by the need for safe products, clean water, reliable testing and stronger environmental monitoring. Laboratory work is becoming more digital and automated, but accurate hands-on testing remains important. Technicians who can work carefully and follow standards are valuable across many sectors.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Accurate laboratory, testing and measurement skills
- Strong attention to detail and careful record-keeping
- Understanding of health, safety and chemical handling rules
- Ability to follow procedures and quality standards
- Confidence using laboratory equipment and digital systems
- Good teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.