Principal Technician .3.04 at University of the Witwatersrand

Requirements:

• Tool Jig and Diemaker/Fitter and Turner (Trade tested red seal)
• Excellent hands-on technical skills with machines and power tools.
• At least 10 years of related experience, 3 years of which should be in a supervisory position.
• Good interpersonal skills, good verbal and written communication skills, good planning and organising skills, and good computer skills. 

Advantages:

• Critical knowledge in rock sample preparation, polishing and strain gauging (Wheatstone bridge 3-wire gauging).
• An above-average knowledge of hydraulics.

 Duties:

• The successful applicant will report to the Head of School (or her/his designate) and will be responsible for:

 Leadership & Management

• Leading and coordinating a cohesive technical team, including the Senior Technician and Workshop Assistants.
• Managing the day-to-day operations of the Gold Fields Laboratory (e.g., rock sampling, environmental, materials, structures, geotechnical, transportation).
• Overseeing the manufacture, procurement, operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment and facilities.
• Periodically revising Standard Operating Procedures.

Teaching & Research Support

• Supporting teaching, learning and research activities in all laboratories, both on- and off-campus.
• Preparing and processing rock samples for student demonstrations, postgraduate projects and academic research.
• Providing technical support for experiments and, where appropriate, contributing to research outputs.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensuring full compliance with Occupational Health, Safety & Environment (OHS&E) protocols in the Gold Fields laboratory and other School facilities.

Other Responsibilities

• Performing additional duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Head of School.

Closing Date 

31 Mar 2026