Regional and Urban Planning Office Technician

About the Role

Midlands State University invites applications for a Regional and Urban Planning Office Technician based at the Faculty of the Built Environment, Kwekwe Campus. This role involves providing technical support to faculty and students in planning, design, and studio activities.

Qualifications and Experience

• Possess a National Diploma in Regional and Urban Planning or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• A Higher National Diploma in Regional and Urban Planning is considered a plus.
• Achieved at least five Ordinary Level passes including Mathematics, English Language, and Science.
• Have a minimum of two years relevant post-qualification experience in either public or private sectors.

Skills and Knowledge

• Proficient in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD and ArchiCAD.
• Experienced in rendering and visualization tools including Twinmotion, Lumion, and Artlantis.
• Strong technical drawing and drafting capabilities.
• Well-versed with regional and urban planning tasks including drafting, layout design, subdivision plans, and building design.
• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software is advantageous.
• Effective communication, interpersonal, organizational, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and meet deadlines with little supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Design Studio Lecturer and students in practical planning, design, and studio-related tasks.
• Assist in preparing and delivering studio-based teaching, practical demonstrations, and sessions.
• Help students create technical drawings, layouts, presentations, and submissions using CAD software.
• Prepare regional and urban planning maps, plans, diagrams, presentations, and visual aids for academic and research use.
• Create 3D models, renderings, and visual presentations to support education, research, and community projects.
• Maintain and manage the planning studio including equipment, computers, software, and other technical resources.
• Train and assist students in using CAD, visualization, rendering, and presentation tools.
• Coordinate and assist with design reviews, exhibitions, presentations, and studio activities.
• Support fieldwork preparation, data collection, mapping, and spatial analysis conducted by the department.
• Provide technical assistance for departmental research, consultancy, innovation, industrialization, and community engagement projects.
• Maintain records of equipment, software licenses, and studio inventories.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and operational policies within the studio environment.
• Perform additional tasks as delegated by the Design Studio Lecturer, Department Chairperson, or Dean.

Application Process

Candidates should submit a single merged PDF file containing a cover letter, certified certificates, a detailed CV including personal details, experience, current salary, availability date, contact numbers, and names and emails of three referees to the Deputy Registrar (Human Resource) at Midlands State University via email. The vacancy remains open until filled. Midlands State University is an equal opportunities employer and encourages female candidates to apply in support of gender parity.

Additional Information

This is a part-time, onsite position located in Gweru, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe at the university's Kwekwe Campus. The university encourages applications from suitably qualified individuals with the specified expertise.