Job Description

Title of Position
Chief Officer
Post Number
S625 (Old ITS 4513)
Faculty/Department
University of the Western Cape -> Natural Sciences -> Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
Type of Position
Permanent - Full Time
Length of Contract Period
N/A
Location
Main Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)
Closing Date
19/8/2025
Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic university rooted in the African continent with an increasing global reach. Led by its commitment to research and engaged teaching, UWC is recognised for its proud history and as an aspirational example of a university shaping developments within an ever-changing and challenging global context.
The Faculty of Natural Sciences hosts nine academic departments, a School of Pharmacy and several world-class research institutes and centres. Based on a foundation of internationally-recognised quality research, the faculty is committed to learning and teaching excellence and offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the major scientific disciplines as well as a professional degree in Pharmacy.
The Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology is a dynamic department with strong research focus areas, including African Biodiversity, Behavioural Ecology, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Marine Biology, and Systematics. The department offers undergraduate teaching broadly based on themes in Botany and Zoology and provides service courses in Life Sciences, as well as Plant and Animal Diversity, to several other faculties within the University. The department invites applications for the position of Chief Officer from suitably qualified candidates.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key responsibility areas:

• Managing demonstrator and tutor processes within the department, including mentoring, performance quality control, and budget oversight.
• Co-managing the performance and development of support staff.
• Undergraduate lecturing within the Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, including the development of learning and teaching materials such as course readers, online content, tutorials, and assignments.
• Managing laboratory equipment (including instrument calibration) and stores, as well as collecting biological specimens when required.
• Inventory control.
• reparation for, delivery of, and clean-up after undergraduate practical classes.
• Administration of student marks.
• Support of departmental research, and assistance with obtaining national/regional permits.
• Active involvement in maintaining Health and Safety protocols and standards.

Minimum Requirements

• A Master's degree in a whole organism science, such as Botany or Zoology.
• At least 5-years relevant laboratory experience.
• Experience in lecturing undergraduate students at a tertiary institution.
• At least 2 years of management and/or mentorship experience.
• A valid driver's license.

Required competencies:

• Strong planning, organisational, and budget management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Computer literacy and proficiency with e-learning platforms.
• A sound understanding of animal ethics protocols.

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.
DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University's commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.