HR191
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Forms must be downloaded from the UCT website: http://www.uct.ac.za/depts/sapweb/forms/forms.htm
This form serves as a template for the writing of job descriptions.
A copy of this form should be kept on file in your office.
For re-evaluations, this form must be sent to your relevant HR Advisor/Officer
POSITION DETAILS
Position Title (current title)
Assistant Technical Officer
Status of Post (tick)
New Post
Job Grade (current grade)
PC7
Faculty (if applicable)
Science
Department
Chemistry
Re-evaluation
Section (if applicable)
Date of Compilation
February 2013
FOR OFFICE USE
Position Title
Job Title
Date of Grading
Grading Result
ORGANOGRAM
HOD
Senior Scientific Officer
Chief Scientific Officer
Assistant Technical Officer
(This post)
Three Deparmental Assistants (PC4)
PURPOSE
The main purpose of this position is to assist the Scientific Officers in managing and
coordinating activities associated with the 1st year teaching laboratories.
19 June 2012
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HR191
JOB CONTENT
Key Performance
Areas (4 – 6)
1) Preparation of
practicals for first-year
Chemistry courses:
CEM1000W
CEM1008F
CEM1009H
CEM1010F
CEM1011F
CEM1111X
% of
time
spent
60
Activities / Objectives / Tasks
Results / Outcomes
Competencies
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2) Preparation of
demonstrations and
practicals for Department
of Chemistry and other
departments at UCT
5
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3) Supervision of support
staff
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Ensure that course 1 laboratories are
safe, clean and stocked with appropriate
glassware and chemicals for each
practical session.
Maintain inventories and stock control to
ensure that adequate stocks of
equipment, chemicals, glassware and
consumables are maintained.
Prepare laboratories and dispensaries
prior to each practical session
Preparation of chemical solutions for
use in practical sessions.
Assist Scientific Officers to ensure that
practicals are conducted in accordance
with good Health & Safety practice.
Disposal of chemical waste according to
protocols.
Preparation and setting up practical
demonstrations in lecture theatres for
Chemistry courses, as required.
Liaison with academics regarding
lecture demonstrations.
Preparation and assistance with
demonstrations for departments at UCT
other than the Department of Chemistry.
Supervision of three Departmental
Assistants (PC4) to ensure that
laboratory staff are in attendance in
laboratories and dispensaries to assist
students during practical sessions.
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First Year practicals run
efficiently.
Laboratory supplies available
as needed.
Waste appropriately disposed
of.
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Practical aspects of Chemistry
illustrated for students and
visitors
Positive experience for
students and visitors.
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Delegated duties completed.
Staff work together as
functional unit.
Transfer of skills
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Laboratory skills
Organisational skills
Communication and
interpersonal skills
Knowledge and
experience in good
laboratory practice.
Basic Chemistry
knowledge.
Sound technical
knowledge.
Knowledge of Health &
Safety protocols.
Computer literacy
(Word, Excel, email)
Organisational skills
Communication and
interpersonal skills
Knowledge and
experience in good
laboratory practice.
Knowledge of Health &
Safety protocols.
Supervisory skills
Knowledge of University
procedures and
mechanisms for staff
development
HR191
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4) Member of Health &
Safety committee
5
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5) Maintenance, upkeep
and logistics in
Department of Chemistry
10
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6) Ad-hoc duties
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Assist in planning and supervising the
activities of the Departmental Assistants.
Training of staff where required.
Participating in team building initiatives.
Ensuring that the first-year laboratories
and associated areas operate in a
manner that does not impose a health or
safety risk to staff, students, facilities
and the environment.
Participate in safety training for
Departmental Assistants.
Maintenance of first aid kits
Assisting with Health & Safety issues
that arise during practicals, including
administration of basic first aid if
necessary.
Participate in Departmental Health &
Safety meetings and audits.
Fire marshal duties
Work with Technical Officers to calibrate
and repair technical equipment in all
teaching laboratories.
Organise the moving of furniture and
equipment within the department,
including overseeing support staff
charged with these tasks.
Other duties as assigned by Line
Manager or HOD.
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Good Health & Safety record
Systems in place to minimize
risk of incident
Hazardous chemicals stored
correctly and waste disposed
of appropriately.
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Teaching equipment
maintained and repaired.
Practicals run efficiently.
Departmental activities run
smoothly and efficiently.
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Conflict management
The ability to provide
clear instruction and
constructive feedback.
Knowledge of Health &
Safety standards and
protocols.
Training in basic first
aid.
Understanding chemical
material safety data
sheets
Sound technical
knowledge
Organisational,
communication and
interpersonal skills.
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HR191
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
National Senior Certificate
A National Diploma/Degree in Chemistry would be an advantage.
A Technical Qualification would be an advantage.
Minimum Experience
2 years experience in a chemical laboratory
Experience in making up chemical solutions
AUTHORITY
PRINT NAME
SIGNATURE
Compiled by
CONTACT NO.
DATE
18 February
2013
Approved by
Reviewed by
19 June 2012
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HR191