Botanical Research Technician

To be part of a team of technical staff supporting the botanical research activities of the School of NES through the provision of technical expertise at Nafferton and Cockle Park farms. To support research staff and students in the area as designated by the School Senior Technical Manager under the direction of the Technical Team Leader for the area.

The position is fixed term for 20 months and part time.

Key Accountabilities:

1. In conjunction with the technical team leader for the activity, be responsible for the day-to-day operation of specific facilities or pieces of equipment. To undertake fault diagnosis, testing, repair, calibration and preventative maintenance on instrumentation under the roles responsibility.

2. To provide support in the preparation and maintenance of field plots, from planting to harvest. Supporting researchers with field crops assessments during growth and post-harvest.

3. To be responsible for the disposal of hazardous materials according to standard University procedures. Ensure compliance with relevant safety procedures including relevant risk assessments. In conjunction with the School safety officer monitor compliance with all statutory and local safety arrangements.

4. To provide supervision and training for postgraduate and undergraduate project students and, occasionally, for other technical staff using the facilities to ensure safe working practices are followed.

5. In conjunction with the PIs, RAs, other technical staff and PGT PGR students as appropriate, identify consumable and equipment requirements and initiate their ordering according to the School and University purchasing procedures. Keep financial records of any activities as directed by the technical team leader.

6. Where appropriate support multiple technical programmes of work within the University's Farms facilities supporting the requirements of the Farm director and research academic PIs.

7. As appropriate carry out the preparation and application of fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides to experimental areas and the calibration of equipment for this purpose.

8. Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience — Essential:
- Demonstrable work experience in a relevant technical/research support role.
- Thorough working knowledge of Health and Safety procedure.
- Excellent team working skills.
- Good working knowledge of botanical/horticultural science.
- Demonstrates technical and problem solving capability.
- Demonstrates good organising ability to meet deadlines with a positive and proactive approach to duties and attention to detail.
- Ability to multi-task, assessing priorities and adapting plans to balance teaching/research needs.
- Contribute to design and specification of teaching/research activities.
- Ability to adapt to changes in teaching/research priorities.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience — Desirable:
- Professional registration with an appropriate awarding body.

Qualifications — Essential:
- HNC/HND (or equivalent) in relevant subject or equivalent relevant experience.
- Full UK driving licence.

Qualifications — Desirable:
- Holds PA1 & PA6 Safe Use of Pesticides and Handheld Applicator.
- Ability to tow trailers (Lantra qualification or similar).
- Lantra (or similar) qualification in using handheld saws, strimmers, brushcutters etc.
- Fork truck/telehandler ticket.

Attributes and Behaviour:

Team-working: Works collaboratively with others, plays a positive role in teams and establishes and grows relationships across the project where different skills, expertise and opinions are valued. Respects the expertise and contribution of others even if own opinion is different. Shares relevant and useful information with others. Keeps other team members up to date with progress. Gets involved with team tasks. Willing to help others and share workloads.

Finding solutions: Looks at ways of overcoming obstacles rather than coming to a standstill. Keeps an open mind to alternative ways of doing things.

Planning and organising: Works in a planned and structured way. Ensures that all activities are completed on time. Ensures that others know how processes and systems work. Sets own priorities in conjunction with team and area objectives.

Delivering services: Keeps fellow team members up to date with progress. Pays attention to detail. Has a positive attitude for doing things better. Takes responsibility for achieving own targets. Co-operates with others to achieve targets. Strives to deliver high quality results. Is enthusiastic in getting job done on time.

Embracing Change: Recognises the need for change and is forward looking. Promotes the benefits of change to others and regularly comes up with new ideas. Has the willingness to adopt new ways of working and to make improvements.

Benefits include a generous holiday package with the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives.