HR191 NOTES 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 Page 1 of 4 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 2) Preparation of demonstrations and practicals for Department of Chemistry and other departments at UCT 5 3) Supervision of support staff 19 June 2012 15 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. Page 2 of 4 First Year practicals run efficiently. Laboratory supplies available as needed. Waste appropriately disposed of. Practical aspects of Chemistry illustrated for students and visitors Positive experience for students and visitors. Delegated duties completed. Staff work together as functional unit. Transfer of skills 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 4) Member of Health & Safety committee 5 5) Maintenance, upkeep and logistics in Department of Chemistry 10 6) Ad-hoc duties 19 June 2012 5 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. Page 3 of 4 Good Health & Safety record Systems in place to minimize risk of incident Hazardous chemicals stored correctly and waste disposed of appropriately. Teaching equipment maintained and repaired. Practicals run efficiently. Departmental activities run smoothly and efficiently. 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. 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 Page 4 of 4 HR191