Senior Technical Assistant: Herbarium and Teaching Assistant - Department of Plant and Soil Sciences

The incumbent will be responsible for the following:

• Herbarium:
  • Maintaining and updating the electronic herbarium database (BRAHMS), the herbarium slide and digital photo collections, the herbarium library and maps;
  • Handling and processing incoming material, and filing new specimens;
  • Exchanging agreements, loans and donations, and processing of outgoing and incoming specimens;
  • Managing the type and FAA-preserved collections;
  • Managing the loan of herbarium assets, including presses/maps/other equipment;
  • Assisting with plant identifications, handling enquiries and information sessions for students/other herbarium visitors;
  • Assisting in the collecting and processing of plant material;
  • Pest control and assisting with yearly fumigation;
• Teaching support:
  • Undergraduate modules and practicals:
    • Leading, or assisting with, the preparation, layout and clean-up of practicals;
    • Providing support during, and occasionally leading, practicals;
    • Printing and preparing practical notes and tests;
  • Assisting with the teaching activities (especially the set-up of undergraduate practical classes) for a range of undergraduate modules taught by staff of the Biodiversity Section in the Department;
  • Assisting with undergraduate course and mark administration;
  • Assist with practical assignments of selected honours-degree courses;
  • Assisting in organising undergraduate and postgraduate  research field trips; 
• Research support:
  • Managing the functioning and maintenance of the Microtechnique/Microscopy/Plant Anatomy Laboratory;
  • Managing chemical and glassware stores, including maintaining stock and control issuance of glassware to Biodiversity students/staff;
  • Maintaining electronic/microscopy-related equipment for anatomical work, including updating software, servicing, etc.;
  • Managing/curating and expanding the microscope slide collection;
  • Assisting in the maintenance of the roof-top  garden;
  • Assisting with research activities in the Biodiversity and Ecology Section;
  • Assisting with the planning of field excursions and organising equipment;
  • Assisting with laboratory experiments;
  • Accompanying and assisting on fieldwork excursions;
• Administration:
  • Preparing postal parcels and courier documents, plant material, herbarium specimens and other documents;
  • Maintaining herbarium stationery stock;
  • Handling external examination documents from UP and other universities;
  • Managing access control and keys register for the Biodiversity Section;
  • Maintaining the departmental archive of documents and photos;
  • Acting as representative on the Health and Safety Committee of Faculty, including First Aid Representative and handling of fire control/toxic substance handling and removal;
  • Assisting with departmental marketing activities including Open Day and the web site;
  • Assisting with preparation and set-up for departmental events;
  • Assisting with the administration of short courses, public lectures, field outings and other public engagements.

Minimum Requirements:

• BSc Honours in Plant Taxonomy/Systematics or related plant biodiversity field;
• Laboratory experience (plant-based studies);
• Drivers licence (Code 08).

Required Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Behavioural Attributes):

Plant taxonomy and systematics;

• Competence in MS Office suite of software;
• Plant anatomy skills;
• Laboratory and microscopy skills;
• Appropriate language and communication skills;
• Good time management and planning skills;
• Willingness for outdoor activities, including physically-challenging activities;
• Enthusiasm for plants;
• Willingness for public engagement;
• Be a team leader and a good team player.

Added Advantages and Preferences:

• MSc in Plant Taxonomy/Systematics or related plant biodiversity field;
• Plant identification experience;
• Herbarium curation experience;
• Knowledge of the herbarium database software “BRAHMS”;
• Experienced in field work in sometimes arduous conditions;
• Some knowledge of health and safety and first aid.

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 335 705 to R 421 884 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 and UMVUZO medical aid scheme and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

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:

27 November 2018

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 January 2019, 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 may 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. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials.

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