Senior Assistant Officer: Technical Officer

Department Geology

Senior Assistant Officer: Technical Officer (post level 12)

Job ID: 2238

Duties and responsibilities:

• Prepare rock samples for chemical and mineralogical characterisation through crushing, milling and splitting.
• Weigh samples for the gravimetric determination of LOI accurately.
• Prepare fusion disks and pressed powder pellets for major and trace element determinations using X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry.
• Prepare samples for X-ray Diffractometry.
• Clean and maintain laboratory equipment and infrastructure.
• Assist students with the use of departmental laboratories and equipment.
• Assist with the preparation of standard operating procedures.
• Assist with the maintenance and operation of the department’s research equipment.
• Supervise the production of petrographic products.
• Supervise the department’s core storage facility and departmental collections.
• Administer and control the issuing of fieldwork equipment to students and staff members.
• Assist with the arrangements and execution of departmental fieldwork and excursions.
• Perform ad-hoc tasks as prescribed by the Head of the Department.

Inherent requirements:

• BSc-degree in geology or analytical chemistry.
• A good academic record.

Required competencies

• The ability to pick up and carry heavy objects for short distances.
• Commitment to safe working practices.
• Attention to detail.
• Teamwork skills.
• Good physical health.
• Business Acumen.
• Results Orientated.
• Strategic Thinking.
• Leading.
• Building Coalitions.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) and the ability to function well in the university’s richly diverse working environment.

Recommendations:

• A postgraduate qualification in geology (preferable) or analytical chemistry.
• Prior laboratory experience, ideally in a geochemistry/mineralogy laboratory.
• Valid driver’s license.

Assumption of duties: 

1 April 2018

Closing date: 

2 March 2018

Salary: 

The salary scale is available on request. For any further enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 2808/9962/3864.

Fringe benefits:

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

General: 

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The University subscribes to and applies the principles prescribed by the Employment Equity Act. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the aforementioned act and the employee profile of the specific department/division.

Applications may only be submitted online. All applications must be accompanied by the following:

• a detailed curriculum vitae;
• copies of all academic records;
• copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications);
• A copy of your identity document (ID).

Applications that are incomplete or sent by fax or e-mail, will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.