Position Description

Technical Officer

Position Number: TBC Faculty / Division: UNSW Canberra

Position Title: Technical Officer - TSG School / Unit: School of Engineering and
Date Written: November 2018 Information Technology (SEIT)
Position Level: Level 4/5

ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
UNSW is currently implementing a ten year strategy to 2025 and our ambition for the next decade is nothing less than
to establish UNSW as Australia’s global university. We aspire to this in the belief that a great university, which is a global
leader in discovery, innovation, impact, education and thought leadership, can make an enormous difference to the lives
of people in Australia and around the world.
Following extensive consultation in 2015, we identified three strategic priority areas. Firstly, a drive for academic
excellence in research and education. Universities are often classified as ‘research intensive’ or ‘teaching intensive’.
UNSW is proud to be an exemplar of both. We are amongst a limited group of universities worldwide capable of
delivering research excellence alongside the highest quality education on a large scale. Secondly, a passion for social
engagement, which improves lives through advancing equality, diversity, open debate and economic progress. Thirdly,
a commitment to achieving global impact through sharing our capability in research and education in the highest quality
partnerships with institutions in both developed and emerging societies. We regard the interplay of academic excellence,
social engagement and global impact as the hallmarks of a great forward-looking 21st century university.
To achieve this ambition we are attracting the very best academic and professional staff to play leadership roles in our
organisation.

Values in Action: Our UNSW Behaviours

UNSW recognises the role of employees in driving a high performance culture. The behavioural expectations for UNSW
are below.

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OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT AREA AND POSITION SUMMARY
The Technical Officer position sits within the School of Engineering and Information Technology (SEIT), Technical
Support Group (TSG). The TSG provides support for electronic, mechanical and experimental design, electronic and
mechanical manufacture, undergraduate, post graduate and research laboratory based activities, skills based training
for staff and students, plant and equipment repair and maintenance, compliance with WHS and
regulations/policies/procedures associated with plant & equipment and assistance with project management.

The Technical Officer provides technical support to the teaching and research activities of the School, principally
through design, development, fabrication and commissioning of mechanical components and systems. The position
requires both trade and laboratory skills.

The Technical Officer position reports to a Task Supervisor Scheduler within the TSG, SEIT. The position may be
assigned staff to supervise during tasks and projects.
At the direction of either a Task Supervisor Scheduler or the Engineering Manager, the Technical Officer may report to
another member of the SEIT TSG group in connection with a particular project or task.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific responsibilities for this role include:
At Level 4:
1. Under the direction of the Task Supervisor Scheduler, undertake limited design, manufacture, fabrication, installation,
repair and modification of teaching and research components, equipment and samples.
2. As directed, operate and maintain the teaching and research facilities within an assigned area of responsibility.
3. Assist with the development and commissioning of teaching and research components and equipment.
4. Provide basic technical advice, guidance and assistance to academics, professional staff and students in the course
of their teaching, studies and research projects.
5. Complete tasks assigned by the relevant Task Supervisor/Sheduler and/or a relevant project team leader in
accordance with the assigned schedule of work
6. Perform other duties consistent with the classification of the position, as directed, and in accordance with the
processes and procedures defined by the School.
7. Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure
that actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.
At Level 5:
In addition to Level 4
1. Undertake limited design, manufacture, fabrication, installation, repair and modification of teaching and research
components, equipment and samples.
2. Provide technical advice, guidance and assistance to academics, professional staff and students in the course of
their teaching, studies and research projects.
3. Provide consistent and regular feedback to customers and the Technical Group Leader on the progress of tasks.
4. Assume responsibility for a task, including setting priorities and, where specifically directed, maintain oversight of
other staff contributing to the task.
5. Assist in the planning and coordination of technical operations.
6. Coordinate and undertake a range of administrative tasks consistent with the classification of the position and the
requirements of the work area.
7. Apply a detailed knowledge of policies and procedures in day-to-day work.
8. Provide coverage outside immediate work area, as directed.

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SELECTION CRITERIA
At Level 4:
1. A relevant trade certificate, and subsequent experience; or, a combination of relevant qualifications, education,
training and/or experience.
2. Ability to plan and perform straightforward to moderately complex tasks in a mechanical/ electronic laboratory and
undertake tasks requiring the use of design, manufacturing/experimental and/or analytical skills.
3. Ability to work from technical documentation, detailed engineering drawings, scope documents, freehand sketches
and verbal instructions to produce precision work in an efficient manner.
4. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (both written and verbal), and interact successfully and
respectfully with people from differing backgrounds both on technical and non-technical levels.
5. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and effectively within and across teams to build relationships with
colleagues, and internal and external stakeholders to deliver on outcomes within prescribed deadlines.
6. Ability to produce accurate, timely and well-presented information that meets requirements.
7. Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

At Level 5:
1. A trade certificate as a Fitter and Machinist, combined with extensive technical experience as a tradesperson; or,
a combination of relevant qualifications, education and training plus extensive relevant experience.
2. A demonstrated ability to plan and perform moderately complex tasks in a mechanical/ electronic laboratory and
undertake tasks requiring the use of design, manufacturing/experimental and/or analytical skills using appropriate
software where applicable.
3. A demonstrated ability to work from technical documentation, detailed engineering drawings, scope documents,
freehand sketches and verbal instructions to produce precision work in an efficient manner.
4. Experience in the commissioning and/or calibration of workshop and laboratory equipment.
5. Experience in the interpretation and application of international and/or Australian standards.
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to communicate and interact
effectively and respectfully with people from widely differing backgrounds both on technical and non-technical
levels.
7. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
8. Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

PROGRESSION CRITERIA
Progression to a higher level within a broad banded position is not automatic and requires support of the supervisor and
approval by Senior Management.
The following is required before progression can be approved;
1. The incumbent will be expected to have reached the top step of Level 4 prior to progression to Level 5, and
2. The incumbent will be expected to have been at the top step of Level 4 for 12 months prior to progression to
Level 5;
3. Criteria for progression to Level 5 will be based on satisfactory performance of all responsibilities and behaviors
at Level 4, and a demonstrated capacity and ability to take on the responsibilities and behaviors of the position at
Level 5, and
4. Work at Level 5 is available and required by the work unit on an ongoing basis.

It is not the intention of the position description to limit the scope or accountabilities of the position
but to highlight the most important aspects of the position. The aspects mentioned above may be
altered in accordance with the changing requirements of the role.