Physical Geography Technician

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Contract Type: fixed-term, 12 months.

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package of 30 days annual leave per year, 8 bank holidays and 4 Christmas closure dates, plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

The Role
The School of Geography, Politics and Sociology is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Physical Geography Technician to join our Professional Services team. Reporting to the Physical Geography Facilities Manager, you will work as part of a team to provide vital technical support for Physical Geography teaching and research activities. Working as part of a team you will provide technical support for field and laboratory activities and will ensure that processes and procedures run smoothly and safely in accordance with quality standards and health & safety regulations. You will also support the work of our School Safety Officers.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity in more detail, please contact the Physical Geography Facilities Manager, Bunmi Eniola (Bunmi.Eniola@ncl.ac.uk).

To apply, please submit an online application including your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the essential criteria for this role.

Key responsibilities

• Providing technical support for Physical Geography teaching and research activities.
• Maintain, fault find, test, repair and calibrate field equipment and instrumentation.
• Organise equipment stores, maintain equipment inventories and sign in/out equipment to colleagues and students.
• Assist colleagues and students on the safe use of laboratory and field equipment including the departmental vehicle.
• Support classroom and field sessions in the use of geospatial and surveying equipment.
• Prepare equipment for fieldwork and fieldtrips.
• Assist with research sample preparation and processing.
• Support the process of ordering consumables and equipment.
• Support the work of the School Safety Officers and assist in the disposal of chemical and electrical waste.
• Contribute to regular team meetings as required.
• Any other duties within the scope of the grade that may be required.

The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience of working in a laboratory or workshop environment.
• A broad working knowledge of Geography technical skills, laboratory and field equipment.
• Ability to demonstrate a good understanding of Health and Safety procedures in a laboratory and/or a field environment.
• Excellent team working skills.
• Good level of IT literacy, including confident use of MS office (or similar).
• Demonstrates technical and problem-solving capability.
• Demonstrates good organisational skills.
• Full UK Driving Licence (desirable).

Attributes and Behaviour

• Good communication skills.
• Works in a planned and structured way with good attention to detail.
• Takes responsibility for own work and uses initiative to resolve problems.
• Strong customer focus and a proactive approach to technical service delivery.
• Works effectively with colleagues, showing flexibility and willingness to support team objectives.

Qualifications

• Educated to a minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A–C) or equivalent, including Mathematics and English.
• Relevant work experience in a laboratory or workshop setting.

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