Position Overview

The Laboratory and Technical Support Advisor provides technical support for laboratory practical classes and field trips for undergraduate students within the Division of Tropical Environments and Societies. The incumbent manages teaching laboratories and assists with research laboratories in the form of Work, Health and Safety compliance and chemical audits.

The Laboratory and Technical Support Advisor ensures Work, Health and Safety compliance is at a high standard to ensure the safe and efficient operation of undergraduate practical classes. The incumbent provides specialised technical and instructional advice on the safe use of equipment, ensures Workplace Health and Safety protocols are adhered to.

The Laboratory and Technical Support Advisor prepares and presents displays and conducts handson sessions for University Marketing Events including Uni Experience, University Open Day and O Week.

Division of Tropical Environments and Societies

The Office of the Division of Tropical Environments and Societies provides collaborative leadership with the Colleges and ensures that the Colleges are able to deliver the core business of learning and teaching, research and engagement and contribute effectively to the strategic agenda. The Division office drives the strategic objectives of the Division and also services a proportion of College administrative operations.

The Colleges of the Division include:

• Business, Law and Governance
• Arts, Society and Education
• Science and Engineering

Organisational Charts

James Cook University  

Division of Tropical Environments and Societies

Principal Accountabilities

1. Provide technical support for undergraduate classes, intensives, field trips, and workshops, including but not limited to the preparation and breakdown of practical classes, coordinating experiments and associated equipment. Collect, prepare and store specimens for Undergraduate teaching. Prepare and update a technical manual for each assigned subject capturing subject laboratory, field and technical support requirements.
2. Prepare and set up for practical classes as per Academic staff requirements, trial set up prior to class, problem solve any difficulties as required. Prepare solutions, chemical waste disposal and chemical stock levels ensuring all relevant SDS’s are available. Provide instruction on the safe use of specialist equipment during classes. Prepare risk assessments for each assigned subject (in conjunction with Academic responsible for the subject) in Riskware including subject related field trips. Conduct laboratory inductions for practical classes as required.
3. Plan and prepare the logistics of, and participate in, field excursions, including field equipment, transport, accommodation and meals; prepare related paperwork; undertake field trip Risk Assessments and conduct Work, Health and Safety inductions to students participating in field excursions; coordinate unexpected events that may occur on field excursions such as inclement weather and minor injuries. 
4. Maintain all equipment used for undergraduate teaching activities and allocated research laboratories by organising scheduled maintenance, repair, modification and calibration (noting some activities may be provided by external parties but will need to be organised, tracked and supported) for assigned subjects, laboratories, workshops and facilities. 
5. Ensure all assigned Teaching laboratories, workshops and facilities remain clean, serviceable and able to be utilised when required. After each laboratory session, clean benches, empty bins, clean glassware, empty biological waste bags, biosafety bags and properly dispose of chemical waste.
6. Maintain safety compliance for all assigned Undergraduate laboratories, workshops and facilities once a safety baseline and requirements have been established including Work, Health and Safety signage, ensuring risk assessments, SOPs are available, and testing of assigned safety showers and eye wash stations weekly. Ensure all first aid kits including field, vessel and vehicle kits are checked and restocked as required monthly. 
7. Assist staff and students with compliance. Offers assistance to assigned research laboratories in the form of Work, Health and Safety compliance and chemical audits as per the Support Services for Research Laboratories document.
8. Conduct safety inductions for all Undergraduate laboratories, workshops, practical classes and facilities assigned and monitor to ensure compliance with requirements. Maintain current knowledge of Workplace, Health and Safety legislation and related matters to ensure adherence within the laboratory, including developing standard operating procedures, completing risk assessments. Assist with regular HSE audits as required.  Participate at the Divisional Safety Advisors meetings. Attend and complete all mandatory Work Health and Safety training as required. Participate in and set up JCU marketing events including Uni Experience, University Open day and O Week by preparing and presenting hands on displays and tours of the Divisional facilities. Support the University's commitment to the principles of reconciliation, which exemplify respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and the valuing of justice and equity for all Australians. Demonstrate a commitment to the University values. Support the principles of the TropEco program and engage in commitment to JCU sustainability goals and objectives.

Descriptors

There are generic responsibilities that apply to all James Cook University staff.

Your specific level descriptor can be found at:

Professional and Technical

Level 6

Generic Accountabilities

There are generic responsibilities that apply to all James Cook University staff.

1. The Laboratory and Technical Support Advisor is required to observe the lawful and reasonable directions, policies and decisions of the University Council, understand and comply with the Enterprise Agreement, the Statutes and Rules of the University, the policies and decisions of the University Council and other appropriate University authorities, as in force from time to time.
2. The Laboratory and Technical Support Advisor is required to demonstrate a personal commitment to ensure personal safety and the safety of others and contribute to the continuous improvement of our WHS performance. This includes the effective implementation and compliance with James Cook University WHS policies, procedures and safe systems of work, together with all relevant legislation, duties and obligations.  
3. The Laboratory and Technical Support Advisor is required to exercise proper discretion in all matters affecting the well-being of the University, which involve public writing or speaking in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct.

Special Conditions

• It is a requirement of this position to hold a current First Aid Certificate.
• It is a requirement of this position to hold a current ‘C’ Class.
• It is a requirement of this position to have and maintain a Working with Children Blue Card.

Selection Criteria

Selection and appointments will be assessed against selection criteria.

Essential

1. Degree qualification with subsequent relevant experience; or extensive experience and specialist expertise or broad knowledge in technical fields; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education and/or training.
2. Demonstrated ability and understanding of Work, Health and Safety legislation and practical application in delivering a safety compliant work and learning environment that is aligned to objectives, using proven ability to engage stakeholders in achieving tasks and improving safety performance.
3. Demonstrated well-developed written and oral communication skills and strong ability to interact with students and staff as part of commitment to customer service. 
4. Excellent organisational, time management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage own workflow and prioritise to ensure deadlines and targets are met.
5. Demonstrated excellent problem solving skills and proven ability to make decisions and clearly communicate such information to stakeholders.
6. Demonstrated intermediate computer skills including the ability to use Microsoft Office, various corporate applications and selected computer controlled scientific instrumentation.

Desirable

1. Previous experience with students in a University or similar environment.  
2. Certificate IV qualification in Workplace Health and Safety or the ability to obtain.