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.