Station Manager - Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Station at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

UP Professional and Support
FACULTY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE
HANS HOHEISEN WILDLIFE RESEARCH STATION
STATION MANAGER
POST LEVEL 7
In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.
The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.
The Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Station (HHWRS), near Orpen in Mpumalanga, is a research platform managed by the Faculty of Veterinary Science. The station is within the Greater Kruger National Park and approximately 70km from Hoedspruit (the nearest town). Facilities at the station include a main building that houses a number of research laboratories (including a BSL 2+ laboratory), offices and an auditorium that seats 88 people, as well as a number of small flats where researchers, visitors and students are accommodated. The Faculty is looking for a Station Manager, who will be responsible for the management of HHWRS (including staff, finances and facilities) and will be in control of the management and administration of all laboratories in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations, UP policies and Faculty operating procedures. The position reports to the Director, Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital. The manager will be expected to stay at the station.

Responsibilities
The incumbent will be responsible for the following, which he/she should manage independently:

• General management of the HHWRS, including developing and dynamically updating standard operating procedures for all activities at the station;
• Directing and coordinating all support staff employed at the station, inclusive of staff development and performance management;
• Ensuring a safe environment for staff, students and visitors;
• Facilities maintenance and provision of bulk services (water, electricity, waste) at HHWRS and assist with facilities maintenance at the Hluvukani Animal Health Centre (30km from HHWRS);
• Compiling annual budgets;
• Controlling the annual operational budget in accordance with UP policies and ensuring strict expenditure control;
• Develop and execute business plan for the research laboratories and ensure optimal use and excellent service delivery;
• Confirm that laboratories accreditation is maintained;
• Oversee the management of the sample biobank in accordance with relevant legislation and policies; and
• Confirm regular laboratory equipment servicing and maintenance.

Minimum Requirements

• A relevant MSc for example Zoology, Animal Science, Wildlife Science;
• 10 years’ experience, of which three years must be in a managerial capacity;
• Experience in financial management.

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, production methods and co-ordination of people and resource;
• Well-developed planning, organisational and supervisory skills;
• Learning facilitation and/or instruction skills;
• Computer literacy;
• Excellent communication and language skills in English, both written and verbal;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; and
• Ability to work independently and in isolation

Added Advantages And Preferences

• Work experience in Molecular Biology;
• Work experience in an academic environment; and
• Knowledge of UP systems (especially PeopleSoft) and relevant UP procedures.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.
The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.