Duties/Pligte

The incumbent will be responsible for all infrastructure needs and provide the technical support for efficient teaching and research in the department.

The main duties include:

• Liaising with the University’s service departments, including maintenance services and Facilities Management.
• Managing the departmental laboratories and storerooms, which includes equipment, geological and chemical inventories, gas supply and waste disposal.
• Supporting financial administration related to the laboratories, storerooms, and equipment, which requires liaising with service providers to obtain quotations and placing orders.
• Supporting class and field practicals with an emphasis on instrumental techniques and geo-science specific software, and providing technical hands-on training.
• Providing technical research support to academic staff and postgraduate students.
• Responsible for managing IT related needs, which requires liaising with SU IT, and providing software recommendations and installation support for general and geo-science specific applications.
• Supporting financial administration related to the IT needs, e.g., computer and licence purchases.
• Coordinating Occupational Health and Safety measures within the Department and addressing risks.
• Assisting student administrative processes, e.g., training and allocation of student assistants.
• Coordinating and managing the asset register and the needs of the facilities.
• Managing support staff assigned to the post.
• Providing ad hoc support for the administrative team in the Department.

Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes

• At least a BSc honours degree in geosciences, or an equivalent technical qualification at NQF level 7 with appropriate work experience in a geosciences environment.
• Proven relevant post-degree experience in research and development.
• Proven practical experience in geoscience related equipment uses and maintenance.
• Proven exposure to obtaining quotes and placing orders.
• Excellent computer skills in the use of Microsoft Office package (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), and discipline relevant software applications.
• Excellent communication skills in English, as well as interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to perform administrative and financial tasks, including obtaining quotations and placing orders, gathering/analysing/compiling data, report preparation, and recordkeeping/filing.

Recommendation/Aanbeveling

• Willingness to follow an open-door policy regarding students and staff.
• Practical and proactive, willing to take responsibility and to learn new skills.
• Excellent written and verbal skills in Afrikaans and/or isiXhosa.
• Record of formal health and safety training.
• Experience with database submission portals similar to those at SU, e.g., SUNFin.

Closing Date : 30 -June-2025