Technical Officer

• Manage the department's petrographic laboratory
• Supervise thin sectioning technician
• Ensure the preparation of high quality petrographic products to project specifications and schedules
• Responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of laboratory equipment and infrastructure
• Assist students with the use of departmental laboratories and equipment
• Assist with the preparation of standard operating procedures
• Assist with maintenance and operation of the department's research equipment
• 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 arranging and execution of departmental field works and excursions
• Ensure adherences to safe working practices
• Source and grow external revenue streams through the optimal usage of departmental research infrastructure
• Perform ad-hoc tasks as prescribed by the Head of Department

Inherent requirements:

• A BSc (Hons) degree in Geology
• Two (2) years' experience in managing a thin sectioning laboratory, preferably in a higher education environment
• Two (2) years' experience in the routine maintenance of petrographic equipment (saws, laps, polishing equipment, petrographic microscopes)

Required competencies:

• Good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to function with ease in the University's richly diverse working environment
• The ability to pick up and carry heavy objects for short distances
• A commitment to safe working practices
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work in a team
• Good health
• Business acumen
• Results orientated
• Strategic thinking
• Leading
• Building coalitions

Recommendations:

• A valid driver's license
• Prior experience in scientific collections management

Assumption of duties:

01 March 2019 or as soon as possible thereafter

Closing date:

31 January 2019

Salary:

The salary scale is available on request. For any further enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 2808/9962/3934

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 and cover letter (please note that the first three (3) referees on your CV will be contacted with regard to reference checking);
• certified copies (not older than 3 months) of all academic records;
• certified copies (not older than 3 months) of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications);
• a certified copy (not older than 3 months) of your identity document (ID).