Technical Officer

**The University of Waikato**Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato**

**Technical Officer**

**Vision**
We will
- deliver a world-class education and research portfolio
- provide a full and dynamic university experience which is distinctive in character
- pursue strong international linkages to advance knowledge

The over-arching themes of this _Vision_ are:

- Excellence
- Distinctiveness
- International Connectedness

**Values**
Ko te mana o Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato ka herea ki tō tātou:

- Tu ngātahi me te Māori
- Mahi pono
- Whakanui i ngā huarahi hou
- Whakarewa i te hiringa i te mahara

The University of Waikato places a high value on:

- Partnership with Māori
- Acting with integrity
- Celebrating diversity
- Promoting creativity

**1. GENERAL**

Te Wānanga Pūtaiao The Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science (HECS) comprises the

Schools of Health, Engineering; Computing and Mathematical Sciences and Science. The Division also

has several research units, including the Environmental Research Institute and commercial/equipment

units which embody staff and research activities.

Te Aka MātuatuaThe School of Science provides teaching and research in several academic programmes

including: Aquaculture, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Sciences,

Marine Sciences and Molecular and Cellular Biology. The School offers a range of qualifications at

undergraduate, and postgraduate levels which are delivered on both the University of Waikato Hamilton

campus and the Tauranga campus.

**2. POSITION PURPOSE**

To provide high quality technical support for teaching and research for the School of Science. Programmes

primarily supported include Environmental and Earth Sciences.

**3. ACCOUNTABILITY**
The Technical Officer is responsible to the Technical Team Leader-Field Based Sciences, School of

Science.

**4. FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS**:
**Internal**: Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Division

Dean of the School of Science

Technical Manager, School of Science

Team Leader Field-Based Sciences

Other University/Division/School staff Students

Services staff

**External**: External clients and organisations, contractors and suppliers

School teachers and pupils

**5. KEY TASKS**
- Prepare and maintain laboratory areas involved with teaching and research in soil and environmental

sciences.
- Ensure laboratory and storage areas are kept tidy.
- Prepare and maintain instrumentation, apparatus and materials for undergraduate and graduate

laboratories, primarily for particular soils and environmental sciences.
- Manage stocks of laboratory hazardous substances, complying with health and safety regulations.
- Prepare, carry out, and assist others with chemical analysis of environmental samples.
- Operate and provide training and advice for specialised equipment, in particular Elemental Analysis,

Infrared gas analyser (IRGA) and the Particle size analysis.
- Organise the preparation, calibration and maintenance of equipment in field and laboratory situations.
- Planning and logistics for teaching and research fieldwork excursions with detail to health and safety.
- Collection of samples from field sites and assist with chemical and physical analysis. Ensure data is

recorded and managed appropriately.
- Update existing, and develop new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for relevant equipment and

procedures.
- Participate in and help plan School and University promotional activities.
- Participate in the maintenance of a safe and healthy work environment for self and others including

students. Comply with and undertake responsibilities as set out in the University’s Health and Safety

Policy.

Any other duties as required that are consistent with the position held, other than in exceptional circumstances

such as rehabilitation after injury or sickness.

**NOTE**:Staff have annual objectives, development and reflection (ODR) meetings with their manager. New

staff normally attend such a meeting approximately three months after taking up their appointment.

**6. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS**

The Technical Officer will be performing satisfactorily when:

- Instrumentation and equipment are professionally operated and maintained and are available for use

when required.
- Laboratory users have a safe and secure environment in which to work, maintenance issues are

addressed promptly.
- An effective and efficient technical support service is provided within the team
- SOPs are completed to University and Division requirements.
- Laboratory and storage areas are tidy and instrumentation and equipment accounted for
- Research and development are supported.
- Advice, training and guidance for students and staff are available as required.
- Resources are developed and requirements for teaching and research provided. Data is accurately

recorded, properly managed and archived.
- School and Division policy and procedures are adhered to.
- The School of Science and the University is