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Occupation Details

Wool Classer


(Woolclasser)

Fact Sheet

Classing super-fine wool

Wool classers sort, classify and grade wool into various types so that it can be sold at the best market price.

Duties and Tasks

Wool classers may perform the following tasks:

  • classify wool according to various characteristics (i.e. length, colour, evenness, burr content, strength and quality)
  • make sure that the wool is prepared to industry agreed standards
  • advise on the wool and its preparation for sale
  • advise on sheep classing and selection
  • instruct and supervise workers involved in wool handling
  • instruct wool pressers and supervise the pressing, weighing and branding of bales of wool
  • maintain and supervise records of wool characteristics
  • analyse and advise on laboratory test results
  • liaise with woolbrokers and advisory institutions
  • implement quality management systems
  • prepare documents that describe wool qualities

Specialisations

A wool classer may act as the shearing overseer depending on the number of shearing stands in operation. This involves account keeping, administration of the shearing team and the maintenance of mechanical shearing equipment.

A wool valuer assesses the value of wool on behalf of wool buyers, brokers and domestic and overseas woollen mills.

Quick Facts

School subjects that include some aspect of BIOLOGY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a biology-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of RURAL STUDIES provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an rural studies subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Use of precision or semi-precision tools or instruments or deft hand movements are required for these occupations. Included are jobs where poor co-ordination or incomplete use of hands or fingers may make tasks dangerous or difficult to undertake. Jobs requiring full use of hands/fingers are excluded.\par
These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.
These jobs are generally performed in an unusually hot, cold or humid environment, so may be unsuitable for people who have diabetes or other conditions aggravated by extremes of temperature or humidity. Jobs where work is performed in a hot, cold or humid environment are excluded.\par
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather. Jobs requiring mainly indoor work are excluded.
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs require daily physical exertion, such as bending and twisting, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying or other effort where physical fitness is required. People with heart, back or other conditions who should avoid physical strain may wish to avoid these jobs. Jobs requiring physical effort have been excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs are usually performed standing up for periods of at least two hours at a stretch.Jobs requiring standing for long periods have been excluded.
Included are jobs associated with primary production, horticulture, fishing and hunting, forestry and logging, and mining.\par
These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS, using the hands, or special tools or equipment to make, fix, install or adjust them. Activities include doing practical and physical tasks, and may require an understanding of how equipment or machinery works.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS in the natural world, such as conservation, handling animals, raising crops or livestock, or sport. Activities include growing and caring for living things, or an involvement with sport, leisure or the environment.
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study such as a Certificate III or IV, and on-the-job training, may be required.

Work Conditions

Wool classers work in shearing sheds and wool handling centres. They mostly work indoors and stand for long periods. Wool classers may need to travel long distances from property to property to work during the shearing season.

Personal Requirements

  • physically fit
  • good with hands
  • normal eyesight (may be corrected)
  • good communication skills
  • willing to travel
  • able to work as part of a team

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Occupation Video - Wool Classer