CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

To facilitate learning, teaching, and research of students and staff in the Department of Botany by providing technical support and assistance through the setting up of practicals, the operation and maintenance of equipment, management of laboratories, the glasshouse, and the herbarium, as well as providing support for field work.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Collection, preparation, and setting up of practical materials and equipment.
• Manage and maintain departmental equipment, including research vehicles and boats.
• Manage practical and research laboratories and cold rooms including supplies of consumables, storage of chemicals and the disposal of chemical waste.
• Support research projects through assistance with fieldwork and equipment operation.
• Manage department infrastructure through monitoring, inspecting, and repairing/facilitating repairs.
• Assist with management and maintenance of the departmental glasshouse and herbarium.
• Assist with sourcing and ordering laboratory and research equipment and consumables.
• Monitor departmental compliance with safety and health protocols and report issues to the senior technician/head of department.

CORE COMPETENCIES

1)    Be able to set up Botany practicals, including collection and growing of plant and algal materials, calibration and preparation of equipment and making up reagents.

2)    Be able to undertake maintenance and basic repairs of laboratory equipment.

3)    Knowledge and experience of university administrative systemsof operation.

4)    Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

5)    Computer skills applicable to carrying out responsibilities listed above.

REQUIREMENTS

1)    BSc degree with Botany or Plant Biology as a major (an honours or higher degree would be an advantage).

2)    At least one year of relevant work experience.

3)    A valid driver's license.

6)    Experience of operation of vehicles in the field (experience of four-wheel-drive off-road and boat operation would be an advantage).

4)    Be self-motivated and have a sense of duty and responsibility.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION e.g. contact person and telephone number, e-mail; etc.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:25/03/22

Disclaimer:

No applicant would be allowed to apply and/or would be accepted after the closing date (25 March 2022).  Nelson Mandela University reserves the right not to make an appointment. In considering candidates for appointment into the advertised posts, preference will be accorded to persons from a designated group in accordance with the approved Nelson Mandela University Employment Equity Plan.

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION e.g. contact person and telephone number, e-mail; etc. must be displayed on CV.