JOB DESCRIPTION 1. JOB TITLE: Graduate Teaching Assistant in Physical Geography 2. ROLE CODE: FINGTA 3. DEPARTMENT: Geography and Development Studies 4. ORGANISATION CHART: Head of Department (x1) Professors (Leaders of Research) (x2) and Deputy Head (x1) Senior Lecturers (x1) - Lecturers (x4), Administrator (x1), Technician (p/t x1), Research Assistants (x2), Research Students (x4) The Graduate Teaching Assistant GTA) will work under direction from the Head and Deputy Head of Department and in liaison with other members of staff. 5. JOB PURPOSE: To deliver teaching and to undertake assessment in the physical geography area of the programmes within the Department of Geography and Development Studies. In particular the appointee would be responsible for: Assisting in the provision of a supportive and stimulating learning environment for students to develop graduate level and subject specific skills and knowledge Assisting in the delivery of undergraduate programmes Providing support for undergraduate work in quantitative methods Undertaking scholarly activity (to inform all of the above) Administrative responsibilities commensurate with the level of appointment 6. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Department of Geography & Development Studies (GDS) at Chester is situated within the University s Faculty of Social Science. It offers a Single Honours degree programme in Geography (approx 30 students per Level), and three Combined Honours degree programmes, in: Geography (40), International Development Studies (25-30) and Natural Hazard Management (15-20). It was relocated to purpose-built teaching and office accommodation on the main Chester Campus (10 mins walk from Chester city centre) in September 2007, and benefits from large and small tutorial rooms, a 140-seat lecture theatre, soils and GIS laboratories, map and photogrammetry room and large foyer/display area. Staff within the Department form a cohesive teaching team, and engage in a variety of collaborative research efforts, many of which span the social/environmental science divide. Foci of current research activity include: sustainability, community-based carbon reduction, geography pedagogy,
natural hazards, environment and health in a development context, migrants and refugees, post-conflict societies and urban regeneration. One member of staff holds a sponsored Chair in Environmental Sustainability, and another a Chair in Pedagogy in the Geographical Sciences and also a National Teaching Fellowship in Geography. In the 2007 National Student Survey GDS at Chester was the only department of Geography in the UK to be awarded 10/10 for teaching quality by its final year students, and the department again scored 100% for student satisfaction in the 2008 survey. We are seeking to appoint a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant in physical geography who is interested in helping us to build upon this track record by making significant contributions to the teaching of the department. The post will involve both independent and collaborative contributions across the range of a typical undergraduate curriculum in physical geography, including support for the teaching of quantitative methods. The appointee will support undergraduate teaching in most areas of physical geography although there will be opportunities to take greater responsibility in areas of specific interest. Support will be provided through demonstrating in practical classes and on field trips, running tutorials and seminars, supervising undergraduate projects and giving some lectures. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to register for a research degree (MPhil/PhD) in areas of staff expertise, currently, hazards, slope geomorphology, biogeography, environmental change, geoecology of drylands, carbon reduction aspects of sustainability, and pedagogy. The post presents a distinctive opportunity to join a vibrant, successful department, and play a part in helping to shape its anticipated growth at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. 7. WORK PERFORMED AND/OR KEY RESULT AREAS: 7.1 Communication Facilitate students learning through tutorials, seminars, lectures, practical and field classes at undergraduate level. Assist with the production of course materials and associated documentation. Effective one-to-one (verbal and digital) communication with colleagues and students. Represent the subject area in a variety of contexts; e.g. Faculty meetings, applicant visit days. Research and scholarly activity. Undertake assessment at undergraduate level in the area of physical geography. 7.2 Teamwork and Motivation The role holder is expected to work as an effective member of the GDS team. The role holder is expected to work in support of module and programme leaders. 7.3 Liaison and Networking Liaise with academic and professional colleagues at the University
Participate in relevant module and programme meetings as required. 7.4 Service Delivery Support teaching and assessment in the area of physical geography in line with the requirements of the module and/ or programme. Help to maintain/enhance the quality of teaching and research activity in GDS Engage with and act upon peer observation, student feedback and External Examiner feedback. 7.5 Decision Making Make independent decisions on the content of individual learning activities and marking for student assessment purposes, as directed by the module/ programme leader Make collaborative decisions with programme teams on the content of taught modules and programmes. Provide advice to students on, for example, quantitative methods, practical and fieldwork, projects and dissertations. 7.6 Planning and Organising Resources Manage own workload in line with the module and programme requirements Undertake teaching and assessment in line with the timetable determined by the department. 7.7 Initiative and Problem Solving Deal with day-to-day student problems as they arise in a variety of contexts Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in the workplace Assume problem solving tasks in a variety of academic (research and teaching) and departmental administrative contexts Refer any student related problems to the appropriate programme leader, personal academic tutor (PAT) or Student Support and Guidance as appropriate 7.8 Analysis and Research Undertake research leading to the award of a higher degree (MPhil/PhD) in an area of physical geography. Undertake research to ensure that teaching materials and knowledge are up to date and relevant. 7.9 Sensory and Physical Demands Ability to manage large student groups (up to 80) in the classroom Reasonable levels of physical fitness for fieldwork activities 7.10 Work Environment The role holder works mainly in an office and classroom environment, but fieldwork is an essential aspect of the role as both teacher and researcher.
Ability to adapt teaching to a range of (field) work environments and group sizes Assume responsibility for the health and safety of students in classroom, laboratory and field environments 7.11 Pastoral Care and Welfare Where appropriate, demonstrate willingness to support the work of colleagues, and sensitivity towards the welfare of others Demonstrate patience and sensitivity in the handling of students with special educational needs The role holder is not required to operate as a PAT (Personal Academic Tutor). 7.12 Team Development The role holder may be required to support new starters in the immediate work team 7.13 Teaching and Learning Support Make a full and active contribution to teaching and learning support activity in GDS Help maintain and enhance the department s excellent record for student satisfaction Where appropriate, adjust teaching style to meet specific learning needs 7.14 Knowledge and Experience The role holder is required to apply working knowledge of theory and practice, sharing this knowledge with others as appropriate; demonstrate continuous specialist development by acquiring relevant skills and competencies. See person specification for more details 7.15 General Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade, and/or hours of work, as may reasonably be required by the Head of Subject. Assume responsibility for upholding and complying with the University s Equality and Diversity policies and for behaving in ways that are consistent with fair and equal treatment for all. Comply with all University Health and Safety policies. 8 SELECTION PROCEDURE Shortlisting will be completed on the basis of application forms and covering letters (1 side A4). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview at the University in early December. Each candidate will also be required to give a 15 minute presentation (followed by 5 mins of questions) to a selection of University staff and students, describing a physical geography project that they have conducted and showing how they would draw upon that work to
enthuse a new intake of first year students about studying (physical) geography. 9. INFORMAL ENQUIRIES Enquiries regarding the post should be directed to the Head of Department, Dr. Martin Degg m.degg@chester.ac.uk (01244) 513173.
PERSON SPECIFICATION Post Title & Department: Graduate Teaching Assistant in Physical Geography Criteria Qualifications: A good ((2(i) plus) first degree in a geography or a closely related discipline A Masters degree in some aspect of physical geography or a closely related discipline OR Desirable Desirable Method of identification e.g. Application form, interview, test (The Selection Panel will use this section to match your skills and abilities to the criteria outlined) Application form Application form Proven Experience: Of a variety of physical geography fieldwork activities In the use of quantitative methods Effective team-working Of giving presentations to large and small groups Desirable AF and interview AF and interview AF and interview AF and interview Knowledge, skills and abilities: Strong interpersonal skills, including very good communication abilities (verbal, written, digital) A sound, broad knowledge of physical geography Strong organisational and time management abilities Use of GIS and/or remote sensing (satellite, photogrammetry) software and hardware Desirable Interview, presentation AF, interview, presentation AF, interview, presentation AF, interview, presentation
Other Attributes: Self-motivated, committed and enthusiastic. Interview, presentation Willingness/ability to study for higher degree by research. Interview ECDL Desirable Application form (Clean) UK driving licence Desirable Application form Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Applicants who have not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be rejected at the shortlisting stage. Desirable Requirements are those that would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.
UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Geography and Development Studies GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT Fixed Term Post to 31 July 2012 SALARY SCALE University Scale TSR 1/ OS 7, points 23-26, 24,152-26,391 per annum payable monthly in arrears. HOURS OF WORK Monday to Thursday 9.00am - 5.30pm Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm A flexible approach to work will be required as there may be occasions when it would be necessary for you to work additional hours as dictated by the workload. RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT It is a requirement of this post that within 12 months of appointment, the postholder should live within a 30 mile radius or within a one hour travelling time by public transport from the University. HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT 22 days per annum (pro-rata during the commencement and cessation years), rising to 27 days after five years' continuous service. Two extra statutory days per annum during the Christmas period. MEDICAL EXAMINATION The successful candidate will be required to complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire and will also be required to undergo a medical examination. ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATES Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring to interview, proof of qualification as outlined on the Job Description and Person Specification provided. Upon appointment, copies of essential certificates will be required by HRM Services. CRB CHECKS The successful applicant may have to undergo a CRB check before an appointment can be made. PENSION SCHEME The University is an admitted body to the Cheshire County Council local government pension scheme. All support staff are eligible for membership of the scheme, and upon appointment, will be asked to indicate whether or not they wish to join the scheme. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES The University has a policy of equal opportunity aimed at treating all applicants for employment fairly.
SMOKING POLICY The University operates a No-Smoking policy. PROBATIONARY PERIOD A nine months' probationary period applies to all posts. CLOSING DATE Completed application forms should be returned to HRM Services, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ, no later than 12 th November 2009, quoting reference number HRMS/09038