About the Role
The Department of Water and Sanitation is seeking to appoint a Chief Assistant Technical Officer (Scientific Support) at the Boskop Hydrological Services Office. This pivotal role is based in Potchefstroom, a vibrant city known for its rich history and commitment to sustainability. In this position, you will play a crucial role in supporting the collection, processing, and archiving of hydrological data. Your efforts will contribute significantly to the management of South Africa’s water resources, ensuring that vital data is accurately recorded and made accessible for community and environmental needs.
Working in this capacity not only fulfills essential operational tasks but also fosters a sustainable approach to water management. The data you help manage will inform critical decisions that affect communities and ecosystems across South Africa. Your contributions will ensure that the department meets its objectives efficiently, reinforcing the importance of public service in safeguarding our vital water resources.
About the Department
The Department of Water and Sanitation is dedicated to the sustainable management of water resources in South Africa. With a mandate to ensure safe and sufficient water supply, the department focuses on providing access to clean drinking water and sanitation for all citizens. Working here means being part of a team that actively contributes to the environmental sustainability and public health of communities throughout the nation. It is a place where your work will have a lasting impact on both people and the environment.
What You’ll Do
- Assist in the collection and processing of hydrological data, including stream flow, surface water levels, evaporation, and rainfall data.
- Ensure proper registration and processing of field forms for surface water hydrological data.
- Utilize data management systems (HYDSTRA) for data processing, archiving, and quality control.
- Archive processed hydrological data per departmental standards and facilitate the dissemination of information to stakeholders.
- Support Technicians, Assistant Technical Officers, and Scientists in their tasks, including quality control and training material development.
- Provide on-the-job training in your area of expertise, ensuring knowledge transfer within the team.
What You’ll Need
- An NQF level 4 (Senior/Grade 12) certificate with Mathematics/Mathematics Literacy/Physical Science.
- Six to ten years of experience in a surface or groundwater technical environment, particularly in collecting and processing water-related data.
- A valid unexpired driver’s license and high proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Familiarity with data management systems, especially HYDSTRA, and knowledge of surface water monitoring instruments.
- Strong understanding of hydrological and geo-hydrological processes, along with relevant database systems.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, organizational abilities, and technical report writing skills.
- Willingness to travel as required by the position.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
An NQF level 4 (Senior/Grade) 12 certificate with Mathematics/Mathematics Literacy/Physical Science.Six (6) to (10) ten years’ experience in surface or groundwater technical environment i.
e.
collecting and processing of water related data.
The disclosure of a valid unexpired driver’s license.
High level in computer literacy in Microsoft Excel and Word.
Ability to use data management system (HYDSTRA).
Knowledge of surface water monitoring instruments and data processing and administration.
Knowledge and understanding of hydrological, geo-hydrological processes and the relevant database systems.
Knowledge of relevant equipment’s and OHS.
Understanding of tendering processes, purchasing of instruments and materials.
Problem solving and analysis.
Good interpersonal relations, organizational skills, technical report writing skills and understanding of relevant software.
Good communication skills both (verbal and written).
Willingness to travel.
Job Duties
Assist in the collection, processing and archiving of hydrological data (stream flow data / surface water levels data, evaporation and rainfall data etc).Ensure that data and field forms for surface water hydrological data are received, registered and processed Use data and information systems (HYDSTRA) to perform duties (data processing data archiving and data quality control).
Ensure that processed hydrological data is archived according to departmental standards.
Ensure that recommendations from field visits are reported to supervisor.
Convert binary (raw logger) data to suitable data format in preparation for import to relevant systems.
Assist with dissemination of hydrological data and information to various stakeholders within DWS.
Support Technicians, Assistant Technical Officers and Scientists in the execution of their tasks including quality control.
Provide inputs for the training materials in data processing.
Provide On-the-job training in the field of expertise.
