Technical Assistant at University of Cape Town

• The main purpose of this position would be to primarily assist the Print Room Supervisor in managing the large format printing requirements within the School of Architecture, Planning & Geomatics.
• The position also offers additional support to the audio-visual Technical Officer to assist where possible. This is a crucial support role that requires the ability to interact with the various IT and A/V components to ensure their functionality at all times and for different purposes.
• The profile of the work requires a combination of management, interpersonal skills, a high level of technical expertise, independent thinking and a creative work attitude.
• The successful candidate will be an individual who has demonstrated the ability to manage infrastructure, work independently and as part of a team, with the ability to be flexible and use initiative, to work under pressure and think on their feet in a higher education environment.

Requirements for the post:

• A relevant NQF level 4 qualification with Maths as a subject, plus a Certificate in Desktop Publishing/Printing; OR, NQF level 4 qualification with 3 years of recent and relevant working experience in a large format print environment or large format print environment within a higher education institution specifically dealing with Architectural/Survey mapping or similar.
• A sound knowledge of Adobe Acrobat pdfs files and image file types, with good supporting knowledge of Adobe Photoshop or similar image editing software being an advantage.
• A good understanding of print file optimization as well as scanning theory is required.
• Knowledge of data projection screen resolutions and general data projector venue setup across multiple devices (MS Windows and Mac OS) is needed, the ability to troubleshoot setup errors is advantageous
• Strong general computer literacy in the use of MS Word; Excel, Powerpoint, Adobe Acrobat, Internet, email – knowledge of a web-based learning environment would be advantageous (example: SAKAI or Brightspace or equivalent learning platforms – UCT named Vula or Amathuba).
• The ability to track and manage equipment bookings would be required.
• Demonstrated organisational and planning skills, as well as demonstrating effective and clear communication skills.
• Effective time-management skills, ability to organize, prioritize and multi-task; ability to work under pressure and to also co-ordinate a team when needed.
• Incumbent must have the ability to handle finances and manage electronic payment system.
• Must be physically fit and able to assist with furniture and equipment set ups and moving.

Key responsibilities include:

• Output and produce best-quality large format prints from various files supplied; this entails a good knowledge of file formats, large format printing methods and paper types. You will also be expected to create high-quality prints from below-standard or erroneous files – this accomplished by your high-level skills of troubleshooting and identifying common errors picked up over time (experience in this field). This work takes place under high demand and pressure;
• Output and produce best-quality large format scans from work supplied; this entails a good knowledge of scanning theory together with file formats. You will be expected to create scans of various content to various formats for printing, viewing, archiving, etc. You need to have the ability to determine the
• quality of the original and how best to treat it for scanning (and use the equipment is such a way as to not damage it during the scan);
• Supporting all large format printing and scanning devices within the School of Architecture, Planning & Geomatics; in the immediate - this entails daily inspections (both visual and via the device generated electronic reports) to maintaining the functionality of existing equipment by keeping them serviced and stocked with consumables and notifying the Print Room Supervisor with regards to possible faults. Assisting with analysis of faulty equipment;
• Co-ordinate with the Audio-Visual staff to assist in managing venue setups with regards to audio visual equipment to assist in lecture venue setup – this to be scheduled and co-ordinated between both Print Room Supervisor and Audio-Visual staff member. The ability to prioritise printing demands and balance this with Audio Visual support being important;
• Assist the Audio-Visual staff by being able to book out and track Audio Visual equipment as appropriate;
• Assist the Print Room Supervisor by tracking usage and billing for appropriate actions (scanning, binding, printing);
• Assist with maintaining and scheduling bookings via the booking system particularly during exams and peak periods.

The annual cost of employment, including benefits, is R 286 653 – R 337 236.

Closing date: 17 July 2026