Training level or qualifications:

Level 5 duties typically require a skill level which assumes and requires knowledge or training equivalent to:

• completion of a degree without subsequent relevant work experience, or
• completion of an advanced diploma qualification and at least 1 years subsequent relevant work experience, or
• completion of a diploma qualification and at least 2 years subsequent relevant work experience, or
• completion of a Certificate IV and extensive relevant work experience, or
• completion of a post-trades certificate and extensive (typically more than 2 years) relevant experience as a technician, or
• an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.

Occupational equivalent:

Graduate (i.e. degree) or professional, without subsequent work experience on entry (including inexperienced computer systems officer); administrator with responsibility for advice and determinations; experienced technical officer.

Level of supervision:

In professional positions, routine supervision to general direction, depending on tasks involved and experience.  In other positions, general direction and may supervise other staff.

Task level:

Apply body of broad technical knowledge and experience at a more advanced level than Level 4, including the development of areas of specialist expertise.  In professional positions, apply theoretical knowledge, at degree level, in a straightforward way.  In administrative positions, provide interpretation, advice and decisions on rules and entitlements.

Organisational knowledge:

Perform tasks/assignments which require proficiency in the work area's rules, regulations, policies, procedures, systems, processes and techniques, and how they interact with other related functions, in order to assist in their adaptation to achieve objectives, and advise, assist and influence others.

Judgement, independence and problem solving:

In professional positions, solve problems through the standard application of theoretical principles and techniques at degree level.  In technical positions, apply standard technical training and experience to solve problems.  In administrative positions, may apply expertise in a particular set of rules or regulations to make decisions, or be responsible for co-ordinating a team to provide an administrative service.

Typical activities:

In technical positions:

• develop new equipment to general specifications
• under general direction, assist in the conduct of major experiments and research programs and/or in setting up complex or unusual equipment for a range of experiments and demonstrations
• under broad direction, set up, monitor and demonstrate standard experiments and equipment use
• prepare reports of a technical nature.

In library technician positions, perform at a higher level than Level 4, including:

• assist with reader education programs and more complex bibliographic and acquisition services
• operate a discrete unit within a library which may involve significant supervision or be the senior staff member in an out-posted service.

In administrative positions:

• responsible for the explanation and administration of an administrative function, e.g. HECS advice, records, determinations and payments, a centralised enrolment function, the organisation and administration of exams at a small campus.

In professional positions and under professional supervision:

• work as part of a research team in a support role
• provide a range of library services including bibliographic assistance, original cataloguing and reader education in library and reference services
• provide counselling services.