University of the Witwatersrand
PRINCIPAL TECHNICIAN.3.04 (AD.08)
Organization Name School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
SCHOOL OF ANIMAL, PLANT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
PRINCIPAL TECHNICIAN AD08
Job Summary:
We seek to appoint a Principal Technician in the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences. The incumbent will be responsible for the provision of technical services for teaching and research in the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences.
Brief Description
Minimum Requirements:
BSc honours or MTech in Biological and/or Environmental Sciences
MSc in Biological and/or Environmental Sciences will be an added advantage
At least 5 years of senior technical working experience in a University scientific teaching & research environment.
Good knowledge of Biological, Environmental & Plant Sciences will be an advantage
Valid RSA driver’s License with at least 3 years driving experience
Key Performance Areas:
Provide technical service for teaching and research in the School
Manage the School’s vehicle fleet, including scheduling of vehicle bookings by School staff, service bookings to ensure vehicles are well maintained, setting vehicle charge rates and performing basic vehicle maintenance
Annual validation of drivers’ licences of staff and students that use the School’s fleet.
Liaising with Westbank and AA fleet cards annually about vehicle issues.
Working with the Finance Administrator in terms of vehicle usage and mileage for all users.
Perform duties of line manager to Technical Support Staff, e.g. delegation of duties, leave, etc.
Supervise the undergraduate laboratory staff and operations on two campuses.
Procurement of chemicals and consumables, obtaining quotes, creating requisitions, receiving and following up on outstanding orders. Trouble-shooting any ordering problems. Consulting with sales representatives on new products and equipment
Monitoring, reporting and follow-up of teaching and research lab upgrading and maintenance in Biology Building and/or Oppenheimer Life Sciences.
Asset management, maintenance of fixed asset register and liaise with auditors regarding verification of assets on an annual basis
Involved with School OHS&E activities, undergo health and safety training, if necessary
Loading ICAM access for APES locations
Assist, when required, with general school activities
Key Competencies:
Knowledge of laboratory occupational health and safety will be beneficial
Good computer skills are essential, particularly Microsoft Office, Oracle.
Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential
Good knowledge of staff management & technical support systems
Incumbent should be able to lead and work with a team
Knowledge of suppliers of laboratory consumables and both field and laboratory equipment
Working knowledge of Wits’ online procurement platform
Familiar knowledge of Wits’ support structures, e.g. PIMD, locksmith etc.
Important:
Our sole purpose is to share new jobs in South Africa with our readers that seek employment. The job shown on this page, belongs to the Government department as seen on the listing.
University of the Witwatersrand
Principal Technician Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
15 May 2024