Tuesday, 4 March 2014

Herbarium Technician Job at UNISA in Pretria

03:48    
JOB TITLE: HERBARIUM TECHNICIAN (1 POSITION) (P8)
(Ref: CAES/MB/0107-2014)
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
FLORIDA CAMPUS

The objective of this post is to appraise and ensure the safekeeping and preservation of plant specimens in the Unisa Herbarium in support of Unisa’s tuition, research and community engagement responsibilities and activities

Requirements

BTech Nature Conservation OR BSc Hons Botany (NQF 8)

Required Experience

    Four (4) years practical experience with regard to herbarium/nature conservation duties (the successful candidate will be required to assist with the nature conservation practical’s and field research).

Knowledge, skills and capabilities

Planning skills;

Report writing;

Interpersonal relations / People skills;

Client relationship management;

Computer literacy (MS Office);

Communication skills;

Professionalism;

Problem solving;

Decision taking;

Proficiency in English;

Initiative and discretion; and

Ability to deal with conflict



Knowledge of:



Nature Conservation

Horticulture

Knowledge of conservation requirements for collecting specimens

Budget planning

Resource planning

Office administration

Recommendations

    Shortlisted candidates will be required to do a presentation on: “My vision and plan for Unisa’s new herbarium at the Florida campus”.
    Knowledge of horticulture and nature conservation requirements for the collection and storage of plant specimens.



Duties

·        Develop and maintain registers /forms and equipment required for the effective functioning of the herbarium

·        Develop and maintain record keeping systems

·        Maintain effective reporting systems and processes in the Herbarium

·        Appraise specimens to build and develop a collection for research purposes

·        Facilitate plant identification

·        Categorize collected specimens

·        Direct / carry out the preparation of indexes, bibliographies and other reference aids to the collected specimens

·        Maintain accurate records of specimens on hand

·        Ensure proper labelling, drying (where relevant), pressing and mounting of specimens

·        Do physical curation where relevant / required (quality of genus and species folders, cupboard list, distribution maps and “quick guide”

·        Ensure proper storage of specimens in accordance with its nature and condition

·        Obtain and maintain material for destructive sampling purposes

·        Obtain and maintain material required for preserving specimens

·        Plan, devise and implement systems of safekeeping of specimens and records

·        Ensure proper access control to herbarium

·        Ensure that all visitors sign the visitors book

·        Perform scheduled and unscheduled audits of records and specimens

·        Ensure proper packaging and storing of specimens

·        Ensure proper controls over loans and exchanges

·        Maintain records of specimens in herbarium collection and records of acquisitions, loans exchanges, or sales of specimens

·        Ensure that (if / where relevant) loans are provided only to recognizes herbaria and that specimens are handled according to internationally recognized herbarium standards

·        Ensure compliance with data use conditions

·        Ensure that photographic reproduction is not done without permission

·        Ensure proper quarantine / fumigation / destruction of insects, fungus or parasites that may harm specimens

·        Manage use of destructive sampling material and ensure that the minimum required material is only removed where there are sufficient samples

·        Ensure that sampling is restricted to non-type specimens

·        Ensure proper annotation of removal of material / specimens

·        Organize exhibitions and displays

·        Organize and conduct tours of the herbarium

·        Do liaison / relationship building visits internally and to all stakeholders

Deadline Date: 14.03.2014
How to Apply:

Salary : Remuneration is commensurate with the seniority of the position
Assumption of duty : As soon as possible

Unisa is not obliged to fill an advertised position

Please complete the prescribed application form which is obtainable from the university site (vacancies, application forms, permanent administrative or professional post)

Please attach ORIGINALLY certified copies of your ID, official statements of subjects and symbols, diploma and/or degree certificates conferred.
Please include your CV. 

Applications must be submitted in separate envelopes clearly marked with the name of the relevant College and/or Department, the position applied for and the reference number of the position. Applications must be posted to Unisa,
HR Advisor, Calabash building,
Room 352,
Private Bag X6, Florida, 1710



Hand delivered application forms can be deposited into the application box (marked College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences),

situated at the Florida Campus:
Calabash building, floor 3,
in front of office 352.

Late, incomplete and incorrect applications will not be considered

Appointments will be made in accordance with Unisa’s Employment Equity Plan and other applicable legislation

  We welcome applications from Persons with Disabilities   

Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. If you have not been contacted within two months after closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was not successful.