Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland
Ko te whare Pūtaiao/The Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland is the leading science faculty in New Zealand and one of the largest in Australasia. It undertakes world-class research across the physical, biological, and computational sciences. More than 8,000 students' study in our 10 schools and departments, learning from internationally renowned lecturers.  As a School, we  strive to provide a School that reflects the demographics of our student base and Aotearoa. Our staff and students can connect with our: Rainbow and Women in Science networks, Parenting support, our Waipapa Marae and our flagship Tuākana Māori and Pacific support programme.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity
We have an exciting new vacancy for a full time, permanent, Technical Team Leader (TTL) for the Ecological and Evolutionary Biology research group and associated teaching activities within the School of Biological Sciences.

The purpose of this role is to provide technical support and management to research and teaching in the Ecological and Evolutionary Biology Group, which specialises biosecurity, biodiversity, and conservation and includes a range of field work across terrestrial and marine ecosystems. As a people leader you will directly line managing a team of seven to eight technicians whilst reporting to the Technical Manager alongside three other Technical Team Leaders. The post provides frontline support to field activities while also contributing to technical management.

The role advises and approves all field activities within the School of Biological Sciences, making experience with ecological field work and field health and safety essential. Experience organising field trips for large groups (50+) and managing laboratory safety are both preferred.

This is a fulltime (37.5 hours per week), permanent role.
Remuneration: $78,500 - $84,001 dependent on experience

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team
You will be joining the Technical Services Team which comprises of over 100 technical staff providing specialist support to the Faculty’s academic staff and students. We contribute technical knowledge and expertise to research and teaching activities while ensuring the ongoing operation and compliance of a vast range of laboratories, workshops, teaching facilities, research equipment, vehicles and boats.

This position primarily supports the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) which is comprised of 150 academic staff, with over 160 research students and 1000 undergraduate and coursework students, incorporating diverse research activities organized into three key discipline areas: Biomedical and Human Biology; Cellular, Molecular and Physiological Biology; Ecological and Evolutionary Biology.

He kōrero mōu | About you
This is a role for a person who has risen through the ranks as a technician, who is comfortable acting as a team leader and key decision-making hub for our lab and fieldwork related activities. You will need to be keen to get involved and be able to manage the varied workload that our busy schedule offers.

It is essential that you have a Postgraduate degree in Ecology or a relevant field; and due to the on the move nature of the position, you must also have a full driver’s license.

We would prefer you have a deep knowledge of Ecology in the form MSc or PhD, but sufficient experience can mitigate this. Ideally you would hold a First Aid Certificate (Outdoor), but if you don’t, this can be acquired after hiring.

To clarify, you will require at least 7 plus years’ hand-on experience with technical work in a complex research or teaching facility with a few years of experience in field work.

This is a team leader position so 1-2 years of staff or operations management experience in a complex technical or research environment will greatly strengthen your application. Beyond this you will need demonstratable experience of coaching or mentoring an individual or small team of people and a sound working knowledge of health and safety practices in both the lab and field environments.

Nga Pūkenga Motuhake | Important Skills

• 5+ years’ practical experience with health & safety compliance particularly in outdoor/field-based activities
• Experience working in a tertiary facility
• Experience in either marine (i.e. boating, diving) or terrestrial ecology.
• Experience working in animal care or husbandry
• Experience working in a containment facility

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and a number of other discounts on internal and external services.

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono How to apply
Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 2 October 2023 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Jo Dodd via jr.dodd@auckland.ac.nz for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

Additional Information

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz

The University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. For further information see Te Ara Tautika | the Equity Policy and visit www.equity.auckland.ac.nz