Job description

College:College of Social Sciences

Department:Schoolof Sport and Service Management

Location:Eastbourne

Job title:Senior Technician - Laboratories

Post number:EV6012

Grade:5

Responsible to:School Technical Manager

Main areas of

responsibility:

  1. To provide and help manage a technical support /maintenance service for the laboratory instrumentation throughout the school, as agreed with the School Technical Manager.
  1. To develop, provide and keep updated an efficient and effective advisory and information service to users of the laboratories in the school advising the School Technical Manager on management and resource strategy.
  1. To assist the School Technical Manager to manage and provide an efficient and effective technical service to the school through undertaking other related duties as directed and undertaking appropriate staff development.

Specific duties:

  1. To provide and help manage a technical support /maintenance service for the laboratory instrumentation throughout the school, as agreed with the School Technical Manager.

1.1.To manage the maintenance service of all materials and equipment in the laboratory complex and sports/performing arts areas, carrying out planned maintenance (PUWER) requirements.

1.2.To produce a clear set of instructions and records, according to equipment manufacturers’ information and university PUWER requirements for use by students and staff attending the laboratory complex.

1.3.To be responsible for ensuring the laboratory complex and workshop areas are maintained in clean and tidy fashion.

1.4.To take responsibility in ensuring that adequate stock levels are maintained liaising with appropriate academic staff and suppliers where appropriate to ensure the service within the laboratory complex runs smoothly and efficiently.

1.5.To take a lead in liaising with staff and students in order to test and prepare the daily resource requirements for laboratories and, when necessary, outside activities and exhibitions.

1.6.To develop, operate and evaluate the laboratory and equipment database booking systems to provide a quick, reliable service to staff and students including provision of records and information.

1.7.To perform the function of budget assistant, and be responsible for overseeing purchase requirements for all the laboratory stock control using the university financial system. These duties include the creation of purchase orders and requisitions, monitoring and receipting of goods to ensure quality control and accuracy of original order, liaising with academic staff and the School Technical Manager to ensure stock levels are kept at an appropriate level.

1.8.To work with academic staff and advise the School Technical Manager in the purchase of specialist equipment for the laboratories.

1.9.To ensure all work is undertaken according to Health and Safety guidelines and regulations and to assist with the maintenance of Health and Safety requirements as appropriate.

2To develop, provide and keep updated an efficient and effective advisory and information service to users of the laboratories in the school advising the School Technical Manager on management and resourcestrategy.

2.1To develop, through liaison with colleagues, a technical advice service that meets the needs of those using the laboratories and is within Health and Safety guidelines.

2.2To promote the use of equipment documents by users and to ensure that appropriate user documentation, on-line help systems and other information systems are up-to-date and available.

2.3To assist with induction sessions and referring those experiencing difficulties to appropriate staff with specific experience for each piece of equipment.

2.4To advise on the implications for the school of laboratoryequipment, updates to equipment, out of date equipment, write-offs and other needs within the laboratory setting.

2.5To check progress on referred problems, keeping the user informed until the problem is resolved.

2.6To help maintain the school databases, booking and loan systems to ensure reliable and current information.

2.7Advise the School Technical Manager on maintenance and upgrading issues.

2.8Write reports/briefing notes relating to the laboratories as required.

2.9To be a member of the school Health and Safety Committee.

3To assist the School Administrative andTechnical Manager and School Technical Manager to manage and provide an efficient and effective technical service to the school through undertaking other related duties as directed and undertaking appropriate staff development.

3.1To undertake appropriate training as agreed so that the duties can be achieved effectively.

3.2To meet regularly with the School Technical Managerto agree work priorities and where necessary take a role in directing the work of others.

3.3To keep abreast of health and safety matters in respect of the laboratories and the equipment and discuss these with School Technical Manager.

3.4To follow and implement all necessary university and school safety procedures.

3.5To undertake safety Inspections and portable appliance testing in accordance with university and school procedures.

3.6To carry out planned preventive maintenance, maintaining accurate records of service and repairs.

3.7To perform general duties in other areas of the school or university if required.

3.8To be flexible with working hours to meet varying student demands on limited laboratory and practical area space and equipment.

3.9To occasionally deputise for the School Technical Manager taking responsibility for planning and checking quality of work in relation to the laboratories.

Selection criteria:The criteria below indicate the qualities that are needed to do the job well. Candidates will be selected according to the extent to which they satisfy these criteria. Evidence of potential will also be considered. Most of the criteria must normally be met in order to qualify for selection.

Essential Requirements:

Knowledge/qualifications:

  • comprehensive knowledge, understanding and experience of working in a laboratory environment; experience of resolving issues in a laboratory setting.
  • relevant Health and Safety requirements relating to computer use.

Management of others

The candidate should be able to:

  • demonstrate a commitment to agreed policy plans and service levels.
  • show the potential to lead a small group of staff, continuously assist with their development, and ensure their equality of opportunity in line with university policies.

Communication:

  • be aware of the information needs of others and be committed to providing for those needs.
  • be able to communicate information in an understandable way, both orally and in writing, as suitable to the situation.
  • be persuasive; able to explain technical matters in a clear non-technical way.
  • be able to demonstrate a professional and confident telephone manner.

Sensitivity:

  • listens well and considers others’ needs and perspectives.

Self motivation:

  • has a record of successful performance at an appropriate level of responsibility; sets and meets objectives on own initiative; is committed to continuous self-development.

Service:

  • demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to relevant service standards.

Teamwork

  • works co-operatively with others, helpful, meeting agreed objectives, appreciates own strengths and weaknesses and is committed to working with colleagues towards common goals.

Organisation

  • has developed effective work systems and meets agreed priorities efficiently, with a minimum of supervision.

Response to change

  • contributes positively to the introduction of change.

Analysis

  • creativity & problem-solving, considers various perspectives and the overall picture; solves problems and develops plans successfully.

Physical:

  • able to lift heavy and bulky items as a normal requirement of the post, and move science, sports and ICT equipment, and use display screen equipment extensively, according to health and safety guidelines.

Technical skill:

  • an in-depth knowledge of scientific equipment, resolving issues and implementing solutions for the safe and appropriate usage in the laboratory setting.

Desirable:

•insight into the needs and priorities of staff and students in higher education, perhaps gained through study or work.

•a formal qualification in technical work or a related discipline.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

Ref:JL 19.03.14