Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
Level A
Roles at this level work as part of a team to provide a scientific and/or technical support to
staff, students and more senior colleagues working on simple and/or repetitive tasks within
detailed instructions and under close supervision.
The range of tasks performed is generally quite narrow and specific and involves little or no
planning as work instructions will specify what needs to be done, how it needs to be done
and what equipment/machinery/tools to use.
Representative Work Activities
Maintenance and Management of Work Environment
a.
Operate common, standard, single purpose machinery/equipment in a simple
or repetitive way.
b.
Carry out basic equipment maintenance according to detailed instructions.
c.
Clean and tidy the workshop/laboratory/work environment.
d.
Transport goods and equipment according to detailed instructions.
e.
Inform Supervisor of stock levels for consumables/stores of basic equipment
etc. in order to ensure availability to meet work requirements.
f.
Adhere to basic health and safety procedures affecting self and others.
Analysis, Reporting and Documentation
a.
May carry out routine record keeping, filing, data inputting, cataloguing,
logging and maintenance of simple databases to ensure accurate records are
maintained.
b.
Communicate problems or difficulties to a supervisor/manager.
Planning and Organising
a.
Perform simple, often repetitive tasks to appropriate time and quality
requirements, following simple oral and/or written instructions.
b.
Work to detailed instructions under direct supervision, with tasks and work
priorities being allocated to job holders by a supervisor/manager.
Finance/Resource Management
a.
Inform Supervisor of stock levels for low value supplies/resources to ensure
that they are available to meet work unit requirements.
Liaison
a.
May receive visitors and provide/request basic information in a courteous and
correct manner, to promote a positive image of one’s school/work unit.
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Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
Core Knowledge, Skills and Experience
a.
Learning gained through on-the-job training and work experience of weeks to
months. May include short courses and other formal training.
Plus:
b.
Ability to gain basic knowledge about simple equipment and/or machinery.
c.
Basic understanding of Health and Safety regulations and procedures.
d.
Basic familiarity with standard office software packages.
e.
Basic numeracy and literacy, with potential for further study where
appropriate.
f.
Accuracy and ability to follow instructions.
g.
Ability to exchange basic information verbally or in writing.
h.
Manual dexterity (in some roles).
i.
Basic awareness of Health & Safety.
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Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
Level B
Roles at this level work as part of a team to provide a scientific and/or technical support to
staff, students and more senior colleagues working on routine activities within well
established procedures and under regular supervision.
The range of tasks may be broader than at Level A and involve some planning of timing
and sequencing in order to complete the range of activities specified for the day. This
implies a broader understanding of the work objectives of the department so that the
timing and sequencing of tasks will support the work of others effectively.
Representative Work Activities
Maintenance and Management of Work Environment
a.
Operate straightforward machinery/equipment in a standardised way.
b.
Carry out basic equipment maintenance according to routine instructions.
c.
Clean and tidy the workshop/laboratory/work environment.
d.
Transport goods and equipment according to instructions.
e.
Replenish stocks of consumables/stores of basic equipment etc., following
routine stock control procedures, in order to meet work requirements.
f.
Adhere to basic health and safety procedures affecting self and others.
Analysis, Reporting and Documentation
a.
Carry out routine record keeping, filing, data inputting, cataloguing, logging
and maintenance of simple databases, ensuring accurate records are
maintained.
b.
Communicate problems or difficulties to a supervisor/manager.
Planning and Organising
a.
Perform routine activities to appropriate time and quality requirements,
following oral and/or written instructions or routine guidelines.
b.
Work to well established simple routines under regular supervision, with
broad work priorities being allocated to job holders by a supervisor/manager.
Finance/Resource Management
a.
Follow set ordering procedures to ensure adequate low value
supplies/resources are available to meet work unit requirements.
Liaison
a.
Receive visitors and provide/request basic information in a courteous and
correct manner, to promote a positive image of one’s school/work unit.
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Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
Core Knowledge, Skills and Experience
a.
Learning gained through work experience of up to a year. Will include short
courses and other formal training.
Plus:
b.
Basic knowledge about simple equipment and/or machinery.
c.
Basic understanding of Health and Safety regulations and procedures.
d.
Familiarity with standard office software packages.
e.
Numeracy and literacy, with potential for further study where appropriate.
f.
Accuracy and ability to follow instructions.
g.
Ability to exchange basic information verbally or in writing.
h.
Manual dexterity (in some roles).
i.
Basic awareness of the activities of the work section especially in respect to
Health & Safety.
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Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
Level C
Roles at this level require technical or practical skills and an understanding of technical or
scientific practices and procedures, acquired by experience on the job and/or through
vocational training. Work will typically follow an established pattern, with a requirement
to run standard analyses or tests, record results to an agreed format etc. There is a
requirement to prioritise work, but there is ready access to guidance for non-standard
problems.
Representative Work Activities
Maintenance and Management of Work Environment
a.
Follow a clear brief supplied by others to construct and/or set up basic
equipment.
b.
Operate and carry out routine maintenance on standard equipment.
c.
Monitor levels of stocks/stores and ensure that equipment, consumables and
work area are ready to use when required.
d.
Comply with Health and Safety procedures affecting self and others.
Analysis, Reporting and Documentation
a.
Prepare and carry out straightforward tests/experiments/technical procedures,
following clear guidelines and/or procedures.
b.
Maintain accurate records of test results and draft routine documentation.
c.
Resolve work problems where possible, referring more complex problems to
senior colleagues.
Planning and Organising
a.
Carry out a range of tasks to time and quality requirements, working within
established routines or procedures, with access to guidance where needed.
b.
Plan and prioritise own work schedule to meet work unit demands, but refer to
more senior colleagues for prioritising and scheduling of non-standard work.
Finance/Resource Management
a.
Monitor and take responsibility for small-scale resources/cash, following
ordering procedures to ensure adequate resources are available to meet work
requirements.
Liaison
a.
Maintain a network of contacts, knowing who to liaise with on key issues.
b.
Communicate and liaise with service users and/or external contacts, usually
through established routine connections (e.g. regular suppliers/contractors) as
own section of work requires.
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Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
People Management
a.
Support student learning through the demonstration of standard equipment and
techniques.
Core Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Either:
a.
Either academic or vocational qualifications (NVQ 2/3, GCSE Grade A-C/OLevel, City and Guilds or equivalents in a relevant subject) plus typically at
least 1 year’s work experience in a relevant role;
Or
b
Typically 2-3 years work experience in the unit or comparable setting
Plus:
c.
Working knowledge of relevant systems, equipment, processes and
procedures.
d.
Manual handling skills where required.
e.
Appreciation of the quality standards for the processing and output of the
work.
f.
Understanding of Health and Safety regulations and procedures.
g.
Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing.
h.
Numeracy skills (if appropriate).
i.
Familiarity with work priorities and those of colleagues.
j.
Good awareness of Heath & Safety issues and procedures.
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Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
Level D
Roles at this level require specific technical or practical skills and a well developed working
knowledge of technical or scientific practices and procedures, acquired by considerable
experience on the job and/or through vocational training. Work will mainly follow
established patterns, but there will be a need to resolve most problems without access to
more senior colleagues. It may involve developing skills in a particular specialist area or
planning and supervising the work of others.
Representative Work Activities
Maintenance and Management of Work Environment
a.
Construct and/or set up equipment to a specification agreed with others.
b.
Apply a good knowledge of a particular system and/or equipment, to carry out
maintenance and be responsible for day-to-day operation.
c.
Monitor levels of stocks/stores and ensure that equipment, consumables and
work area are ready to use when required.
d.
Comply with Health and Safety procedures affecting self and others.
Analysis, Reporting and Documentation
a.
Prepare and carry out defined tests/experiments/technical procedures,
following clear guidelines and/or procedures.
b.
Analyse and interpret data/test results, using a range of standard procedures,
and present findings accurately.
c.
Maintain accurate records of test results and draft documentation and reports
of conclusions.
d.
Resolve most work problems independently, without reference to more senior
colleagues.
Planning and Organising
a.
Carry out a range of tasks to time and quality requirements, working mainly
within established routines or procedures, but with minimal direct supervision.
b.
Plan own work schedule, responding to new pressures and to manager’s or
work unit requirements, to adjust priorities as needed.
Finance/Resource Management
a.
Monitor and take responsibility for small-scale resources/cash, following
ordering procedures to ensure adequate resources are available to meet work
requirements.
Liaison
a.
Maintain a network of contacts, knowing who to liaise with on key issues.
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Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
b.
Communicate and liaise with service users and/or external contacts, usually
through established routine connections (e.g. regular suppliers/contractors) as
own section of work requires.
People Management
a.
Support student learning through the development and demonstration of
standard equipment and techniques.
b.
May provide standard guidance and advice to junior colleagues/students
through on-the-job training/coaching in the use of equipment and techniques.
Core Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Either:
a.
Either academic or vocational qualifications (NVQ 2/3, GCSE Grade A-C/OLevel, City and Guilds or equivalents in a relevant subject) plus typically 1-2
years’ work experience in a relevant role;
Or
b
Typically 3-4 years work experience in a similar environment
Plus:
c.
Working knowledge of relevant systems, equipment, processes and
procedures.
d.
Manual handling skills where required.
e.
Understanding of relevant policies and procedures as they affect the role, and
the quality standards and outputs required.
f.
Understanding of Health and Safety regulations and procedures.
g.
Good written and/or oral communication skills.
h.
Good numeracy skills (if appropriate).
i.
Initiative and judgement to resolve many problems independently.
j.
Good awareness of Heath & Safety issues.
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Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
Level E
Roles at this level will display an in-depth knowledge of technical or scientific
practices, methods and procedures gained through either experience and/or
formal qualification and will deploy this knowledge to provide a range of
technical support activities.
Representative Work Activities
a.
Carry out a range of specialist technical support tasks to time and quality
standards.
b.
Plan and oversee the day-to-day technical running of a work
area/laboratory/research project, allocating resources and providing technical
supervision of junior technical staff and/or students in order to ensure work
objectives are met.
c.
Set and monitor technical standards in own area of work.
d.
Ensure accurate completion of documentation, records and reports.
e.
May be involved in the preparation of work rotas and activity scheduling in own
work area for routine tasks.
f.
Advise and assist staff and students in the development, design, preparation,
construction, assembly and application of equipment, the setting up of
experiments and/or deployment of particular techniques.
g.
Contribute to the development of new or improved
methods/techniques/equipment.
h.
Adapt and refine work practices and procedures in own area.
i.
Ensure that equipment/apparatus etc in own area is maintained, serviced and
repaired as required.
j.
Diagnose and rectify faults/problems with equipment and procedures.
k.
Monitor and maintain a safe working environment in accordance to Health &
Safety procedures
l.
Train students, academic staff and junior technicians in use of equipment and
techniques in own area of expertise.
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Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
m.
Ensure maintenance of current and future stock requirements of equipment and
consumables for own work area (usually within pre set limits)
n.
Advise on the pricing and purchasing of equipment/apparatus/software,
following consultation with appropriate staff members.
Carry out complex quantitative and qualitative analyses and contributes to the
interpretation of the results
o.
p.
Utilise technical knowledge and experience in own area to conceptualise and
interpret the requirements of the “customer”.
q.
Communicates and liaises with the wider university body as well as users of the
university services and/or external consultants/suppliers (usually through clearly
defined/routine liaison e.g. regular suppliers contractors).
r.
May start to develop depth or breadth of knowledge in a particular area of
technical expertise and be recognised as a technical expert in this area.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
a. Minimum of 2 A Levels in relevant subject, or equivalent vocational
qualifications (BTEC Higher National Certificate or Higher Diploma, NVQ,
Advanced City & Guilds), plus 4-5 years’ work experience, 2 of which must
be in a relevant technical/scientific role
Or
b. Minimum of 7 years work experience in a relevant technical or scientific role
c. Proven technical experience in own scientific or technical specialism which
will have been acquired over a number of years, with a basic understanding of
the technical/scientific theory.
d. Requirement to understand, conceptualise and interpret the requirements of
staff and students.
e. Well developed analytical and problem solving capability.
f. Well developed communication skills to enable the identification and
understanding of staff/student requirements to gain confidence to the solutions
provided.
g. Well developed understanding of regulations and procedures, (including
Home Office, Health & Safety) and the implications of non-compliance on
other staff.
h. Excellent technical problem solving skills
i. Planning and organising skills.
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Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
Work Examples May Include
a. Understanding and implementation of legislation e.g. Home Office
regulations; copyright law, radio frequency licensing, HSE etc
b. Setting up and advising on the technical requirements for advanced research
work
c. Discussing and evaluating issues of application and performance of various
types of equipment.
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Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
Level F
Role holders at this level will have recognised technical expertise and may have
supervisory responsibility for a technical service or team, where the primary
focus will be on planning, overseeing and reviewing the work of the team and/or
will operate as individual technical advisers, supporting teaching or research
activity through the provision of specialist support activity.
Representative Work Activities
Supervision
Responsible for the provision of a technical service through the day-to-day
organisation and technical supervision of a small department, medium sized work
area/workshop/laboratory or a research section which involves:
a. The allocation of work and responsibilities to junior members of staff
b. Ensuring work is carried out and performed to the required standard, taking
the necessary follow-up measures to ensure effective performance.
c. May involve the supervision of non-technical staff
d. Ensuring compliance with legal, health & safety standards
e. Under the direction of a senior staff member, monitoring the budgets of the
department/work area/research area/grant, making sure it operates effectively
within budget constraints and maintaining appropriate financial records e.g.
expenditure, purchasing, equipment
f. Contribution to the recruitment, training and development of own technical
team
g. May be involved in staff appraisal process
h. Maintaining stocks of equipment and consumables with pre set level of
expenditure
i. Ensuring the security of buildings/plant/machinery in own area.
j. Advising on future physical resource requirements within own area –
general/specific equipment, apparatus, space etc.
k. Liaison and communication with other University Schools and Departments as
well as outside bodies
l. Contributing to developments in policies/procedures/plans in own work area.
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Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
m. Advising and assisting staff and/or students on all aspects of technical support
services, either personally or through delegation to appropriate team member.
And/Or
n. Responsible for the technical organisation and/or operation of advanced
scientific/technical work requiring specialist skills, techniques and knowledge
o. Assist in the interpretation of results, providing quantitative and qualitative
analysis, advising staff and students of the application, techniques and use of
the laboratory equipment.
p. Act as a recognised source of technical expertise in own area of technical
skill/expertise through the effective utilisation and application of substantial
skill and experience
q. Work with novel techniques and/or procedures, typically in support of
research activity.
r. Generate original ideas and innovative solutions through the provision of
specialist know-how and advice as appropriate.
s. Contribute to the development of teaching and/or research, in the designing of
apparatus/equipment or usage of specialist machines/equipment or the
development of new techniques.
t. May contribute to publications
u. Act as an internal and external consultant, advising on the development and
application of specialist techniques and/or procedures and the analysis and
interpretation of results.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
a. BTEC Higher Diploma, University degree or equivalent, plus 7 years work
experience, 4 of which must be in a relevant technical/scientific role
Or
b. Minimum of 10 years work experience in a relevant technical or scientific
role.
c. Recognised and substantial technical expertise in own scientific or technical
specialism which will have been acquired over a number of years.
d. Graduate calibre
e. Requirement to understand, conceptualise and interpret the requirements of
staff and students
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Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
f. Developed understanding, through both qualifications and experience of the
scientific/technical theory.
g. Well developed understanding of Health & Safety regulations and procedures
h. Excellent technical problem solving skills
i. Supervisory, planning and organising skills
j. Budgetary monitoring skills
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Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
Level G
Roles at this level will have recognised technical OR managerial expertise and
will EITHER have management responsibility for the delivery of a technical
service OR will operate as individual technical advisers supporting teaching or
research activity through the provision of specialist activity. Whilst technically
up to date, managers at this level will not necessarily be seen as experts in their
field, whereas individual specialists definitely will.
Representative Work Activities
Management
Manages a large and/or complex department/work area (s), accountable for the
provision of a complete technical service which involves the following
responsibilities:
a.
Lead and manage a technical team to deliver specific goals
b.
Determine priorities and allocate resources to meet planned objectives and
requirements
c.
Work with the Head of School/Department/Division/Research project
responsible for budgeting and controlling the staffing establishment levels
d.
Delegation of work activities and responsibilities
e.
Monitor performance and taking appropriate corrective action to ensue
performance standards are consistently met
f.
Ensure the general maintenance/security of buildings, plant and equipment
g.
Advise on the future requirements within the school/department/division
(and/or grant holders) regarding general/specific equipment, apparatus,
furniture and fittings, space etc.
h.
Make a major contribution to the development of policies and procedures to
ensure that all legislative and university requirements are met within the
laboratories/workshops and work areas.
i.
Liaise with the Head of School/Department on the legal, health and Safety
standards required and putting in place policies and procedures throughout the
laboratories/workshops/work areas/research section to comply with such
regulations.
j.
Ensure a safe working environment is maintained
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Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
k.
Ensure the department/work area operates effectively within any budget
constraints, including grant management, and maintaining accurate financial
records
l.
m.
Recruitment, training, appraisal and development of staff.
Ensure effective communications with staff at all levels
n.
Ensure the technical organisation structure and staffing levels are appropriate
to meet the departments needs
o.
Advise staff and students on all aspects of technical support service provision,
either personally or through delegation to appropriate team member.
p.
Contribute to the management of the school, department as a whole through
membership of the appropriate committee structure.
q.
Communicate and liaise with the whole of the University body, as well as
regular contact with external bodies
r.
Develop policies and procedures for technical support service activities in
order to ensure the teaching and research of the school/department are met,
both now and in the future.
s.
Mange the stock control/purchasing system, ensuring that university financial
procedures are adhered to, liaising and negotiating with internal and external
suppliers etc.
t.
Keep abreast of technical developments relevant to own area of responsibility
and provide ad hoc technical advice and support.
Technical Specialist
a.
Make a significant contribution to the development or teaching and/or research, in the
designing of apparatus /equipment or usage/application of specialist
machines/equipment or the development of new techniques.
b.
May have a scarce skill and be operating at a very high specialist level
c.
Conceive new opportunities and approaches
d.
Initiate and develop ideas/approaches and novel techniques
e.
Promote and deliver innovative solutions
f.
May preset research methodologies and findings at local/national level and contribute
to publications
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
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Specialist, Technical and Professional Services Family
a.
BTEC Higher Diploma, University Degree or equivalent, plus 10 years work
experience, 6 of which must be in a relevant technical/scientific role
Or
b.
Minimum of 10+ years work experience in a relevant technical or scientific role
c.
If the role is management/supervisory, then the experience in managing staff is
essential.
d.
Experienced technical professional with substantial technical expertise in own
scientific or technical specialism.
e.
Well developed analytical and problem solving capability
f.
Ability to communicate clearly on technical issues to non-specialist and senior level
audiences
g.
Well developed understanding of Health & Safety regulations and procedures
h.
Excellent technical problem solving skills (technical specialists may be one of few
able to provide solutions in a specialised field operating at a high level of
competency)
i.
High level planning and organising skills
j.
Ability to persuade, motivate and lead
k.
Well developed understanding of funding and financial management procedures
l.
Member of the appropriate professional body
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