Technician:Inorganic (Hay level 12/C1) at NECSA

Key Performance Areas

Financial recovery and sustainability

• Process job cards for non-routine lab work assigned to him/her according to approved schedule.
• Prepare lab reports and conduct transfer checks for the work conducted by the incumbent.
• Participate in field sampling missions and assist in the collection, pre-treatment and storage of samples.
• Assist with the preparation and processing of complicated samples and reference materials including sampling, drying, milling, sieving, homogenizing, bottling, analysing and evaluating, etc.

Technology Development and Improvement

• Develop and or adapt measurement procedures for different compounds and sample preparation techniques to ensure high precision and accuracy of performed analyses. Publish/upload those analytical procedures in the approved information management system or document management system.
• Provide technical advice when required in terms of analytical techniques, quality assurance, calibration and uncertainty evaluation to Technicians and Lab Assistants.
• Design, proposes and implementation of lab test instrumentation for lab functions/tasks.
• Produce reliable results by requiring verification by peers, verifying the results produced by peers, and submitting results for authorization to the Technical Signatory as per required time frames.
• Contribute to small scale improvement projects as assigned by the Section Head and as directed by the expert assigned.
• Operate complex analytical laboratory measurement equipment/instruments with minimal supervision to perform non- routine analysis of which some could be specialised types of analysis.

OHS, QMS and Compliance Aspect

• Effect necessary correction to any event that could be perceived to constitute a non-conformances or non-compliance or deficiencies or malfunctions or deviation from normal condition alternatively report such event to line management following provisions of the relevant operational procedure.
• Participate in method developments and validation activities as directed by Senior Scientist in consultation with Section Head.
• Participate in the development of a quality system according to ISO 17025 for the business units and create and/or maintain related protocols, instructions and standard operating procedures
• Participate in all aspects of proficiency tests (including inter-laboratory comparison tests) from planning, preparation of samples, shipment, transportation and data evaluation to final report preparation as directed by the Lab Senior Scientist
• Perform BBS activities (observer and observations) as contracted by section head.
• Review and revision of procedures assign to him or her in accordance with approved schedule.
• Assist in investigation of non-conformances in the laboratory.

Instrument Maintenance

• Notify the Section Head of all potential non-conformance, potential non-compliances, equipment malfunction or defects, unsafe conditions or behaviour.
• Perform advanced trouble shooting, routine maintenance and routine standard calibrations of instrumentation.
• Keep records of all maintenance and calibrations performed in all instruments in the lab assigned to the incumbent.
• Ensure constant availability of assigned apparatus, equipment, and instruments by performing first line trouble shooting and problem solving, quality control, updating records, and reporting to a Section Head of any deviation from normal functioning.

Human Capital Development Aspects

• Ensure that the incumbent’s professional certification or recognition is up-to-date on an annual basis.
• Provide training to technicians, lab assistants and interns.
• Keep up to date with laboratory technical developments, especially those which can save time and improve reliability and productivity of the lab.

MIMINUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Qualifications

• National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry OR BSc. In Natural Sciences with Chemistry up to the third year OR equivalent.

Experience

• 1 or 2 years’ experience in laboratory environment.
• 1 year practical experience of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and Word.