Available Roles at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The role will be responsible to assist the Mobile Laboratory Coordinator with the day-to-day operations of the mobile soils laboratory. The Mobile Laboratory Technician in conjunction with the Mobile Laboratory Coordinator will be responsible for conducting of geotechnical laboratory testing, including taking of samples in the field.  Such activities may from time to time involve a significant amount of physical labour.

Off-campus testing:

As requested / instructed by the funder:

• Collect / Gather, prepare and transportation of routine samples from the designated mines (test sites) to the mobile soils laboratory for analyses / testing.
• Assist with compilation of the documentation required to obtain the necessary accreditation for the laboratory.
• Perform a full range of laboratory tests in the mobile soils laboratory, according to standard testing procedures:
• Including the use of ancillary equipment such as local strain measurement and bender elements.
• Provide support for routine testing such as moisture content testing and specific gravity testing which may be required.
• Assist with the data entry, analysis, preparing and processing of laboratory test result reports.
• Compile, log and record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
• Maintain and update databases of lab test results.
• Carry out all quality control procedures, document any non-conformances and report them to the Mobile Laboratory Coordinator, this will include but is not limited to the:
• Maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and performing routine repair to laboratory equipment.
• Responsible for the maintenance of a clean and safe environment and to be the designated custodian for assigned laboratory space.

On-campus duties:

When not testing on sites away from Pretoria, the role will be expected to:

• Provide technical support of research, training, teaching duties and practicals in the Department by:
• Contributing to the teaching of undergraduates and the supervision of undergraduates and postgraduates in the use of equipment during individual research projects.
• Advising students and staff on the design, construction and provision of research and laboratory equipment.
• Supervising and demonstrating the safe usage of equipment to the students/staff.
• Aiding with laboratory testing for research purposes for students (undergraduate and post graduate) and academic staff.
• Responsible for specific tasks relating to commercial laboratory testing which may from time to time be carried out through Enterprises University of Pretoria.

Administration:

• In conjunction with the Mobile Laboratory Coordinator, take responsibility for:
• Processing of laboratory test results;
• Drafting laboratory reports;
• Obtaining health and safety approvals from mines;
• Conducting risk assessments, obtaining approvals for sampling/testing, etc.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant 3 year National Diploma
• Minimum: 3 years’ experience in:
• Experienced with standard soil testing (grading, Atterberg limits, SG, moisture content, compaction tests, min & max dry density)
• A valid driver’s license (essential)
• The Assistant will require a Code C1 driver’s license to be allowed to drive the truck housing the mobile soils laboratory. If the technician does not have such a license, he/she will be expected to obtain such a license once appointed. The costs will be covered by the University of Pretoria.

Desirable

Qualification:

• B-Tech or BSc
• Training courses in geotechnical laboratory testing

Experience:

• Experienced with advanced geotechnical testing (triaxial testing)
• Experienced in managing and operating a geotechnical soils laboratory
• Experienced with soil sampling

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RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidates’ responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Residence Facilities maintenance and operations coordination:

• Inspect the buildings/infrastructure for any defaults or maintenance work to be conducted;
• Record maintenance faults and register them on the work order system;
• Follow-up with the Department of Facilities Management and contractors, to ensure that registered work orders/required maintenance/repair work is attended to within acceptable standards;
• Conduct inspection after the job/maintenance/repair work is done, to determine acceptable work standards and good quality of the repairs/installation/maintenance, and approve/reject such work. Where there is uncertainty, request the support of the Department of Facilities Management in assessing the quality of work;
• Ensure that hygienic standards are maintained in the residence environment before a student and/or guest occupies a room, during stay and on exit;
• Ensure that the University policies, Occupational Health and Safety, and Fire Hazard regulations are adhered to; etc.;

Student administration and placement:

• Update the students' registration status in residences - working closely with the Residence Placement Office (admissions to residence; transfers to other residences; and termination of residence placements);
• Supply room keys and file room occupation forms accordingly;
• Always ensure that departure forms are completed and room keys returned;
• Conduct room inspections, record any damages and charge/fine the student accordingly;
• Return the room occupation forms to the placement office at the end of the year for audit purposes;
• Assist students, attend to complaints/queries, and provide student support and information;

Supervision of the cleaning personnel:

• Supervision of cleaning staff and cleaning schedules;
• Monitor work outputs;
• Train staff;
• Mange health and safety protocols;

Asset management and maintenance:

• Manage and monitor asset movements and transfers, and maintain the asset register;
• Update the inventory lists/registers and submit them to the Assets and Stock Control Officer;
• Ensure that the laundry room equipment is in working order and is provided with the due supplies and consumables;
• Record and request replacement of broken assets - and where possible, record and submit details of students who may be liable for the cost of repairs;
• Liaise with the IT department for IT equipment, and ensure that all IT equipment is in working order;
• Oversee the overall maintenance of assets (e.g. servicing of assets);

Client services:

• Serve as point of contact for client services;
• Provide student support and referrals to relevant points of contact;
• Share relevant and important information;
• Assist with student open days/Choose UP days, welcoming day, and other student programmes as and when needed;
• Contribute towards making the residence environment conducive to academic success and overall wellbeing as a space for Listening, Learning and Living (LLL), and overall student development;
• Ensure overall good and healthy working relations with the residence community (i.e. Heads of Residences, student leaders, students, visitors, etc.) while ensuring the overall wellbeing of the residence environment;

Health and safety:

• Complete check on permitted (electrical) appliances that students may bring to residences;
• Monitor that there is no tampering with fire and other safety and security equipment, and report non-compliance and violation;
• Conduct health and safety and security inspections and report non-compliance;
• Ensure that emergency evacuation plans are adhered to and implemented;
• Ensure communication with the relevant stakeholders regarding any security, health and safety hazards and risks;
• Monitor and report health and safety non-compliance by students, employees, maintenance workers and contractors in the residences;

Administration during visitor accommodation and residence upgrading:

• Contribute to the process of upgrading and refurbishment;
• Supervise assistants;
• Control access;
• Contribute to upgrade specifications;
• Coordinate movement of furniture and storage;
• Conduct assessment of work completed and report defects.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant National diploma OR Grade 12;
• A total of three years’ experience with a diploma, or a total of five years’ experience with Grade 12, in:
• A client service environment and handling enquiries;
• Supervising building maintenance and cleaning services;
• Knowledge and experience in health and safety within the accommodation environment
• Administrative experience in a tertiary institution processes and workflow, and financial management.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

Knowledge of:

• Occupational health and safety;
• Building maintenance;
• Basic accounting principles and application;
• Student financing, bursary and accounts protocols;
• University structures and student assistance;  

Technical competencies:

• Computer literate;