CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

To facilitate teaching and research of Zoology under- and post graduate students and staff within the Zoology Department, by managing the technical aspects of the department including equipment, vehicles, boats, and animal husbandry.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Provide technical and mechanical assistance to the Department with the operating, maintenance and servicing of equipment, and manufacturing or purchasing parts for equipment if not available.
• Provide technical assistance to students and staff by designing and setting up experimental systems and equipment for terrestrial and aquatic projects.
• Required to design and manufacture specific or specialized equipment for laboratory and field research.
• Manage the maintenance and servicing of equipment regularly and, if faulty, order/obtain quotes for repairs or new installation of equipment on the financial ITS system.
• Manage the liaison with external contractors and other service providers of the Zoology Department.
• Manage the maintenance of boats and vehicles in the Zoology Department to comply with safety and operational standards.
• Provide skippering of research vessels on estuaries and in the marine environment and maintain vessel accreditation and seaworthiness.
• Manage research aquarium and maintain animal husbandry and animal ethics standards for marine and terrestrial projects.
• Oversee fieldwork support for student projects and excursions.
• Manage safety, health and environmental compliance in all areas of responsibilities of the Zoology Department for compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act of SA.
• Monitor and control the expenditure, operating, and capital budgets of the laboratory and field equipment of the Department.
• Management of technical and laboratory assistant staff to ensure effective teamwork in accordance with Departmental requirements and functionality.
• 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.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge and experience to manage the maintenance and basic repairs to vehicles, trailers, and boats; including outboard motors and boat trailers.

• Possess advanced technical knowledge to manage the use and repairs of field and laboratory equipment serving the Zoology research and teaching environment.
• Possess good leadership and management skills.

• Knowledge and experience of animal husbandry and aquarium keeping.
• Extensive boating knowledge and sea-going experience, with relevant qualifications (Category C, STCW95/10 Certification).
• Working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act as it applies to the NMU workspace.
• Possess good knowledge of financial principles and practices working within administrative systems.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Possess computer skills to carry out responsibilities (word processing, email, internet, spreadsheets).

REQUIREMENTS

In order to be considered for appointment to this post, candidates should:

1)     Possess a B.Sc. Hons degree in Zoology/Animal Science (an M.Sc. degree would be advantageous).

2)     At least three years of relevant work experience in an academic or research environment in which competency has been gained in animal husbandry and live animal keeping systems.

3)     Category C boat skippers certification, registered through South African Maritime Safety Association with > 5 years of skippering experience, including surf launching of vessels.

4)     STCW95/10 Certification (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers).

5)     Candidates must possess an unendorsed EB driver’s license and be prepared to obtain a Public Drivers Permit for this job.

6)     Possess four-wheel-drive, off-road driving experience, including vehicle recovery expertise.

Note: Applicants should be physically fit, be a strong swimmer, and be able to do strenuous work under field conditions. An ideal candidate should be able to work independently as well as lead a team, be self-motivated, and have a sense of duty and responsibility to their work, staff and students.

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

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Contact Information:
For General information regarding employment at the NMU e.g. Benefits and/or Salary, please contact: Human Resources - 041 504 2129 / 9963

For additional information regarding the post itself, please contact the person listed below.

Head of Department: Mr Mattys Potgieter (matthys.potgieter@mandela.ac.za)