Position Description

Position title Analytical Technician

Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Life

Primary work unit
Sciences, Te Waihora Campus, Lincoln University

Laboratory Manager, through to the Head of Department,

Responsible to
Agricultural Sciences.

Responsible for No direct reports

Remuneration General Staff Collective Agreement

Our values Students at our core Students are our reason for being

Innovation Innovation is encouraged through collaboration

and partnerships

Leadership Taking responsibility as a leader

Integrity Doing the right thing in a reliable way

Lincoln – our university

As the longest-running agriculturally-based university in the Southern Hemisphere, Lincoln

University’s story begins with farming, but it certainly doesn’t end there. As New Zealand’s economy
diversified, so have we. Lincoln University is here to enhance and enrich lives, growing the knowledge
of our students so they can shape a world that benefits from a greater understanding of the
relationship between our land, the food produced from it and the ecosystems within it. With three
academic faculties, one teaching division, several research centres, and a range of corporate service
units, Lincoln University draws its students from throughout New Zealand and from over 60 countries.
Lincoln University has a student roll of around 3,000 and approximately 700 staff.

Lincoln University is a progressive university with ambitious strategic goals and a commitment to
having a professional workforce that reflects the diversity of its community. Professional staff engage
with academic staff, students, parents, Government, Iwi, community groups and many other external
stakeholders. All staff are expected to uphold the reputation of Lincoln University through the way
they undertake their work.

Lincoln University is committed to the Treaty of Waitangi and the objectives and values as set out in
its Māori Strategy, which is linked to Lincoln’s Strategic Plan.

For further information about Lincoln University go to www.Lincoln.ac.nz.

Position description: Version June 2023

Position purpose

The Analytical Technician provides effective, timely technical support to the operation of the
Department of Agricultural Sciences’ Analytical Laboratory, including maintaining and operating
equipment such as HPLC, NIRS, GC, clinical analyser and providing technical expertise to support the
teaching and research activities of the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Position location

The Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences (AGLS) at Lincoln University comprises four departments:
Agricultural Sciences; Pest Management and Conservation; Soil and Physical Sciences and Wine,
Food and Molecular Biosciences. The Faculty manages over 1,000 ha of land, including dryland and
irrigated sheep farms, a deer farm, commercial and research dairy farms, orchards and vineyards
which, together with specialized field and laboratory facilities for agronomy and animal nutritional
studies, are used in both teaching and research.

The Department of Agricultural Sciences is responsible for teaching and research in the plant and
animal sciences, and in crop and livestock production. The teaching and research brings a strategic
and applied focus to technologies of particular relevance to New Zealand, including export-orientated
land-based industries.

The Department teaches into a range of academic programmes including Bachelors of Agriculture,
Agricultural Science, Science, and Commerce (Agriculture), and the Diplomas in Agriculture and Farm
Management. The Department also supervises postgraduate programmes including Masters Degrees
and PhDs.

Strategic context

The Analytical Technician provides crucial support to leading research and teaching being performed
at Lincoln University.

Key responsibilities

1. Research / Analytical Support

Outcome Research programmes are successfully supported through quality technical
expertise, data analysis and reporting.
Key responsibilities 1. Operate and maintain equipment independently.
include: 2. Provide support to other Analytical Service staff as required.
3. Ensure that all standard operating procedures are followed, and
update/compile new SOP as required.
4. Conduct experiments to produce accurate results incorporating excellent
quality control.
5. Collect, collate, evaluate, and report on data as per research protocols in
an accurate and timely manner.
6. Provide technical assistance and supervision to post graduate students,
ensuring they are supported in daily operational activities and inducted into
safe techniques and use of equipment.
7. Provide technical assistance to research programmes.
8. Actively share information, knowledge, and expertise to facilitate success.
9. Plan, conduct, investigate and schedule phases of own work.
10. Perform other reasonable duties that are aligned to skills and experience
as required.

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 2. Laboratory Management
Outcome: Work areas and equipment are maintained to meet all required standards and
support research and teaching programmes.
Key responsibilities 1. Maintain work areas and equipment to meet all required standards
include: independently.

3. Administration
Outcome: All legal and University requirements are complied with in respect of
administration and management of records.
Key responsibilities 1. Comply with all legal and University requirements in respect of the
include: administration and management of all relevant records.
2. Organise and provide results to other staff for analysis and report
preparation.
3. Conduct administrative duties in association with projects as required.

4. Treaty of Waitangi
Outcome: Demonstrates, and encourages others to demonstrate support for the
University’s commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi.
Key responsibilities 1. Support the University to meet its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi.
include:

5. Health & Safety

Outcome: To support a safe working and teaching environment for staff and students.
Key responsibilities 1. Accept responsibility for own safety and wellbeing.
include: 2. Be aware of and follow the University’s Health & Safety Policies,
procedures and guidelines.
3. Undertake all health and safety training and induction, as required.
4. Ensure that all appropriate personal protective equipment is worn or used
as required.
5. Report all incidents and hazards, and unsafe behaviours.
6. All HSNO requirements are met.
7. Infectious diseases are notified immediately.
8. Ensure that correct and timely communication of safety issues, is carried
out as relevant to your areas of responsibility.

Key relationships

The Analytical Technician will develop and maintain excellent working relationships with:
• The Laboratory Manager and the staff of the Analytical Services Team.
• Staff and students of the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
• Other staff from industry organisations working within LU programs and the wider LU community.

Delegations

There are no delegated authorities for this position.

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Competencies

Competency Demonstrated by
Client focus Understands and believes in the importance of client service; listens to and
understands the needs of internal and external clients; displays
professional, courteous and empathetic approach; considers equity and
diversity issues in interactions; meets and exceeds client needs to ensure
satisfaction
Self-management Effectively plans and organises work to achieve desired outcomes;
proactive, remains focused, takes action to overcome obstacles and
follows through to completion
Integrity Is fair, open, honest and consistent in behaviour and can be relied upon; is
receptive to Māori, Pasifika and multicultural issues; generates confidence
in others through professional and ethical behaviour
Innovation Thinks in terms of opportunities and possibilities. Recognises the value of
creative and new ideas and harnesses their benefits. Encourages the
discussion, free-debate and generation of creative ideas and solutions.
Develops unique solutions that are not limited by previous solutions
Analysis and Identifies and analyses issues and problems, considers alternatives,
judgement makes sound decisions and commits to a course of action
Communication Clearly and concisely communicates with a wide range of people in all
situations, both orally and in writing; effectively listens; understands cultural
differences in regard to communication
Relationship building Builds and maintains positive and productive working relationships and
networks; consults widely; is sensitive towards different peoples and
cultures

Education

A BSc, or equivalent

Required Registrations / Certifications / Licences or Memberships

None required

Technical or professional knowledge, skills and experience

• Experience operating relevant analytical instrumentation – such as HPLC, GC, NIRS and clinical
analyser.
• Competence in the practical applications of spectra as well as the ability to handle both theoretical
and experimental aspects of forage nutrient analysis.
• The ability to follow defined protocols and procedures, to measure, record and enter data
accurately and to maintain clear and concise records.
• Experience in sharing knowledge and coaching others within their area of expertise.
• Has an interest in research work and experimentation.
• Possesses good interpersonal and communication skills and enjoys working with and helping
others.
• Ability to prioritise workload, meet deadlines and manage competing demands.
• Ability to work within the LU policies and procedures and promote a harmonious working
environment.