CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

To facilitate teaching and learning in Zoology at undergraduate and postgraduate level, by maintaining research equipment, boats, and aquarium facilities.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Provide technical assistance to students and staff in the department.
• Provide maintenance and repairs to teaching and research equipment.
• Managing infrastructure by monitoring, inspecting, and requesting.
• Inventory control by sourcing and purchasing timeously, and appropriate storage thereof at all times.
• Manage river and deep-sea boats and trailers.
• Manage research aquaria.
• Field support, e.g. student excursions, skipper for research vessels.
• Provide support for research projects – equipment design and manufacture.
• Supervision of laboratory assistants to maintain effective work output in accordance with departmental requirements.
• Perform purchasing to meet operational needs in accordance with University policies and procedures.
• Doing standby duty, and being contactable 24 hours for breakdowns and malfunctioning equipment.
• Safety, Health, and Environmental compliance in all areas of responsibility.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge and experience in maintenance and basic repairs to vehicles, trailers, boats, and outboard motors.
• Knowledge and experience in the university research and teaching environment (supporting role).
• Knowledge of animal husbandry and aquarium keeping.
• Extensive boating knowledge and sea-going experience, with vessel skippering.
• Working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer literacy (word processing, spreadsheets, email, internet).
• Possess good leadership and management skills.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Minimum Grade 12 education, or equivalent technical qualification.
2. Minimum 2 – 5 years work-related experience in an academic or similar environment, in which competency has been gained.
3. Category C boat skippers certification, registered through the South African Maritime Safety Authority.
4. Candidate must possess an unendorsed EB drivers license and be prepared to obtain a Public Driver’s permit.