About the Role
The Department of Water and Sanitation is seeking a dedicated Scientist Manager Grade A to join their team in Kugompo. This pivotal role plays a crucial part in managing and providing strategic leadership for geohydrological services, ensuring that our groundwater resources are monitored, assessed, and managed effectively. By taking on this role, you will contribute to the sustainability of water resources in South Africa, directly impacting the lives of communities who rely on these vital resources.
As a Scientist Manager, you will oversee groundwater-quality and groundwater-level monitoring programmes, guiding the development and implementation of innovative groundwater management strategies. This position is vital for the effective management of our water resources, helping municipalities, water-sector institutions, and various stakeholders make informed decisions based on the latest scientific data and insights. Your expertise will not only foster a sustainable environment but also enhance the overall quality of life for South Africans.
About the Department
The Department of Water and Sanitation is committed to ensuring sustainable water management and access to quality water for all South Africans. With a focus on implementing effective policies and practices, the department’s mission is to promote the efficient use and management of water resources, ultimately contributing to the well-being of communities and the economy. Working here means being part of an essential service that safeguards our natural resources while enhancing public health and environmental sustainability.
What You’ll Do
- Manage and provide strategic leadership for geohydrological services.
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee groundwater-resource monitoring and assessment programmes.
- Offer specialist geohydrological advice to management and stakeholders.
- Oversee groundwater-quality and groundwater-level monitoring initiatives.
- Manage groundwater data and promote innovative groundwater management approaches.
- Lead scientific research and facilitate scientific skills transfer among team members.
- Represent the department in technical committees and stakeholder forums.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and scientific standards.
- Develop and implement geohydrological methodologies and technical standards.
- Review and approve scientific reports and groundwater studies.
- Monitor scientific efficiencies and compile innovation proposals for resource optimization.
What You’ll Need
- MSc Degree or equivalent qualification in Geohydrology, Hydrogeology, or Earth Science.
- Six years of post-qualification experience in natural sciences.
- Compulsory registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist.
- Valid and unexpired driver’s license.
- Experience in groundwater exploration, monitoring, and sustainable resource management.
- Strong knowledge of scientific methodologies, project management, and stakeholder engagement.
- Excellent communication, report-writing, and presentation skills.
- Knowledge of the National Water Act and related legislation is essential.
- Familiarity with GIS and groundwater-modelling tools such as MODFLOW is an advantage.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
MSc Degree or equivalent qualification in Geohydrology/Hydrogeology/Earth Science.Six (6) years of post-qualification natural sciences experience required.
Compulsory registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist.
The disclosure of a valid unexpired driver’s license.
Experience in groundwater exploration, monitoring, assessment and sustainable resource management.
Experience in water resource management.
Scientific methodologies and models.
Research and development.
Scientific presentation.
Analysis and management of groundwater data.
Business processes to ensure data flow.
Professional judgement.
Scientific mentoring.
Strategic capability and Leadership.
Financial Management.
Change Management.
Problem solving and analysis.
Knowledge management.
People Management and Empowerment.
Client Orientation and Customer Focus.
Excellent communication, report-writing and presentation.
Conflict management.
Accountability and ethical conduct.
Knowledge of the National Water Act and related water-sector legislation.
Experience in scientific research, project management, stakeholder engagement, technical report writing and the management of professional scientific personnel.
Knowledge of GIS and groundwater-modelling tools such as MODFLOW will be an added advantage.
Accountability and ethical conduct.
Job Duties
Manage and provide strategic leadership for geohydrological services.Plan, coordinate and oversee groundwater-resource monitoring, assessment and information management programmes.
Provide specialist geohydrological 79 advice to management, municipalities, water-sector institutions and other stakeholders.
Oversee groundwater-quality and groundwater-level monitoring programmes.
Manage groundwater data, modelling and dissemination of scientific information.
Lead scientific research and promote the application of innovative groundwater management approaches.
Provide input on groundwater projects, budgets and procurement processes.
Manage staff performance and development.
Mentor candidate scientists and facilitate scientific skills transfer.
Represent the department in technical committees, stakeholder forums and intergovernmental structures.
Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, policies, professional standards and scientific codes of practice.
Develop and implement geohydrological methodologies, policies, strategies, procedures and technical standards.
Review and approve scientific reports, groundwater studies, models and technical recommendations.
Ensure the development and implementation of policies, systems, and procedures.
Review and recommend/approve scientific projects; facilitate the setting of scientific standards, specifications, and service levels according to organizational objectives to ensure optimum operational service.
Monitor scientific efficiencies according to organizational goals; and facilitate the compilation of innovation proposals to optimize limited resources in achieving increased levels of compliance within industry.
