First Technical Assistant (Ecologist) - Department of Plant Science

FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE

FIRST TECHNICAL ASSISTANT (ECOLOGIST)

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 9

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will be responsible for the following:

• Academic:
  • Preparation and cleaning up of practicals for the undergrad and Honours courses, including MLB 111, BOT 161, BOT 251, BOT 356, BOT 358, BOT 730 and BOT 786;
  • Organise speakers and compile practical roster for BOT 251, and attend each practical;
  • Prepare Turning Point tests as well as hard copies thereof, mark test and enter marks online;
  • Answer student queries;
  • Responsible for module’s ClickUp page, placing lecture material as well as practical material on ClickUp;
  • Assist staff and postgraduate students with research activities;
  • Assist students with statistical analyses and contribute to the demonstration and teaching activities associate with BME 780 (Honours statistics course);
  • Liaise with relevant academic staff and organise excursions and field trips, including booking of accommodation, vehicles, compiling menu, excursion booklet, weekend programmes, etc;
  • Accompany students on excursions (trips associated with BOT 700, BOT 300 and BOT 251, as well as additional trips for postgraduates).
• Administrative:
  • Obtain quotations for apparatus, consumables and services and place orders;
  • Responsible for various facilities and apparatus associated with the Ecology section, including audio-visual apparatus in the microscopy laboratory and Ecolab, the departmental vehicle and trailer and the maintenance thereof, purchase and maintenance of undergraduate microscopes (dissection and light microscopes), computers and their maintenance, Ecology storerooms, keys and apparatus, as well as maintenance thereof;
  • Participate in various departmental committees;
  • Responsible for the safety and security of the Plant Science Complex, and attend both monthly University and Faculty safety and security meetings, and all allied aspects of departmental health and safety.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• An Honours degree in Plant Science specialising in Ecology or a related field;
• Driver’s license.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Excellent organisational skills and appropriate experience;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and statistical analyses;
• Appropriate language and communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Sound knowledge of ecological and other biodiversity-related disciplines;
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural team environment;
• Proven leadership skills;
• Sound knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety legislation, procedures and associated aspects including First Aid and fire fighting;
• IT / computer skills including a sound working knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, internet, WiFi and related technology;
• The ability to co-ordinate and manage the preparation for practical classes for a number of undergraduate subjects and assist with organisation of, and participate in, undergraduate and postgraduate field trips (sometimes over the course of weekends);
• The ability to assume responsibility for vehicle bookings and facilities bookings, ordering of chemicals and consumable, maintenance of microscope lab and related equipment and facilities;
• Financial management experience;
• Passionate and knowledgeable about indigenous plants and ecology;
• Able to undertake/contribute to public relations activities promoting the Department (including contributing to the maintenance of the departmental website);
• Able to participate in various Departmental committees.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• MSc in Plant Science or a related biodiversity/ecological field;
• First Aid training to Level 4, or be willing to be trained to this level;
• Knowledge of biological/ecological statistics and associated software;
• Prior experience in a related position;
• Track record in conducting and publishing research;
• Willingness to study further;
• Ability to conduct independent research to promote and manage the activities of the Ecology/Biodiversity section within the Department;
• Experience with 4x4 vehicles and research-related logistics (including field work and administration);
• Experience working within other facets of the biodiversity field.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

The total remuneration package for this position ranges from approximately R 321 756 to R 383 229 as determined by UP policy guidelines. (These amounts include the University’s contributions to standard UP benefits, namely provident fund, group life and funeral cover, but exclude contributions to medical aid, as the latter varies per employee.) UP subscribes to the BESTMED medical aid scheme and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.

In applying for this post, please attach:

• A comprehensive CV;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 1 June 2016

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Prof Nigel Barker, Tel: (012) 420 2593

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 August 2016, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference will be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.