Chief Technician – Design and the Built Environment – University of Botswana

Job Description

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
SCHOOL OF DESIGN AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
VACANCY NO: IRC 3511

The University of Botswana (UB), a premier state-owned tertiary institution dedicated to shaping the future through excellence, research, innovation and meaningful societal impact, invites applications from accomplished and suitably qualified professionals for the position of Chief Technician in the School of Design and the Built Environment.

The Chief Technician in the School of Design and the Built Environment is responsible for overseeing technical operations, managing technical staff, coordinating the purchase and maintenance equipment/supplies, technical troubleshooting and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of various teaching and learning environments in the University. The successful candidate will provide teaching, learning and research support and other technical activities across the Faculty.

Key Responsibilities
– Manage and coordinate technical services within the School of Design and the Built Environment;
– Contribute to development and implementation of strategies, budgets, and other operational processes;
– Supervise, mentor and appraise Senior Technicians, Technicians and other technical support staff;
– Oversee the operation, maintenance, calibration and safe use of laboratories, studios, workshops, computer laboratories and specialized equipment;
– Coordinate technical support for teaching, research, consultancy, innovation and community engagement activities;
– Develop and implement standard operating procedures for laboratories and technical facilities;
– Ensure compliance with University Health, Safety and Environmental regulations and other statutory requirements;
– Prepare technical specifications for the procurement of equipment, software, tools and consumables and oversee inventory and asset management;
– Coordinate equipment servicing, maintenance schedules and replacement plans;
– Provide technical advice and support in the planning, development and upgrading of laboratories, studios and technical facilities;
– Support quality assurance and accreditation processes; prepare technical, operational and management reports for the School;
– Recommend decommissioning of obsolete equipment and its replacement;
– Establish and maintain partnerships with relevant internal and external stakeholders to enable effective delivery of the departmental mandate, as necessary;
– Develop and manage risk register with clear mitigation strategies;
– Assist with the development of the departmental budget;
– Lead the development and management of the laboratory budget;
– Ensure compliance with legislative and statutory requirements;
– Undertake any other duties as directed by the Head of School in line with the position.

Requirements
– At least a Masters’ degree in any Design and the Built Environment discipline; A Bachelors’ degree in the same disciplines may also be considered;
– A minimum of six (6) years’ experience, three (3) of which should have been at a supervisory role;
– Experience in higher education or comparable institutions and membership of a recognized and relevant professional body will be added advantages;
– Extensive experience in technical operations, equipment maintenance, and facility management within an academic or research environment;
– Strong leadership and management skills, with demonstrated ability to lead a team and manage complex projects;
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders;
– Knowledge of relevant safety regulations and standards, with a commitment to maintaining a safe working environment;
– Proven ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a dynamic environment.

Salary
The University offers salaries and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.

How to Apply
To apply, please visit: ub.bw
REF Code: IRC 3511 | Vacancy Circular No: IRC 3511

Closing Date: 2026-10-14