General Operative

Salary: €41,734 - €43,799 per annum pro rata for part time / short term roles (applicable to new entrants effective from January, 2011) and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the QA321 University’s Remuneration and Payroll Policy.

Role Relationships

Reporting directly to the Head of Earth and Life Sciences, the post holder will be a member of the School of Natural Sciences.

The post holder will have specific daily contact with a wide range of individuals both internal and external to the University including:

• CTO Earth and Life Sciences; CTO Physics

• Head of School and Head of Units (Physics and ELS)

• Technical officers in SNS.

• Staff, academics, researchers, postgraduate students, undergraduate students, and visitors in the School of Natural Sciences

• SNS stores staff

The post holder has general contact with:

• Deliveries

• Maintenance personnel

• Buildings and Estates, University of Galway

• Others

Main Purpose of Job

The General Operative will assist Technical Officers in the School of Natural Sciences focusing on field and lab preparation. The postholder will also assist in central collection of electrical equipment for WEEE recycling and will assist with Health and Safety activities.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the technical officers in preparing an inventory of equipment for field work and UG and PG research and teaching.

• Support the clearing, organising and reconfiguring of laboratory and office spaces in the School of Natural Sciences buildings, including removal, relocation and safe handling of equipment and materials, as directed by senior technical staff.

• Provide operational support across the School of Natural Sciences.

• Assist with (non-hazardous) waste disposal and recycling (WEEE).

• Care and basic maintenance of equipment.

• Regular inspection of buildings and reporting of faults to CTO and / or building administrator for action.

• Report damage to property (internal and external) deficiencies in lighting, heating, plumbing, and any other general maintenance defects.

• Liaising with external contractors regarding repairs and maintenance.

• Any other reasonable duties within the ambit of the post assigned by the Chief Technical Officers, and / or the Head of Earth and Life Sciences.

Requirements for the role:

The successful candidate will demonstrate the eligibility requirements below in terms of qualification, skills and experience:

Essential Criteria

• FETAC Level 5 Certificate (Includes Leaving Certificate) or equivalent.

• Basic computer skills, working knowledge of MS Outlook.

• A strong quality and customer service focus.

• A highly motivated self-starter, ability to work without direct supervision.

• Strong communication and inter-personal skills, written and verbal.

• A capacity for flexibility, change and innovation.

• A full Irish / EU driving licence. There may be a requirement to drive a university vehicle as part of the role.

Desirable Criteria

• H and S experience

• Valid Manual Handling Training Cert

• Some familiarity with the research activities of the School of Natural Sciences.

• Experience and / or qualifications appropriate to the position (e.g. Certificates - Manual Handling, H and S, Occupational First Aid, Boat Handling)

The above criteria will be utilised to shortlist and select candidates for interview.