About the Role
The Department of Water and Sanitation is seeking a dedicated and skilled Scientist Production Grade A – C to join its Pretoria Head Office. This pivotal role involves working alongside a team of hydrologists focused on flood frequency assessments to ensure the safety of our dams. By contributing scientific expertise, the successful candidate will play a vital role in safeguarding our water resources, which directly impacts the community’s safety and the environment in South Africa. The work is not just technical; it is a commitment to the public service that can help mitigate the effects of extreme weather events on our society.
In this role, your contributions will be essential in enhancing the quality of hydrological information and ensuring that our water resources are managed effectively. You will engage in activities that include data collection during significant flood events and the analysis of hydrological data to inform decisions that affect the lives of South Africans. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many, fostering a safer environment while contributing to the overall mission of public service in our country.
About the Department
The Department of Water and Sanitation is committed to ensuring the sustainable management of South Africa’s water resources. It plays a crucial role in promoting water security and environmental protection while enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. By working here, you will be part of a dedicated team that strives to implement effective policies and practices that ensure our water resources are available for current and future generations.
What You’ll Do
- Assist in coordinating assigned hydrological work, focusing on flood data collection and analysis.
- Collect flood data during and after extreme weather events to convert into useful hydrological information.
- Improve and extend flood data ratings while filling in data gaps to enhance information quality.
- Execute data acquisition and verification for hydrological and flood frequency analyses.
- Present assessment findings at evaluation meetings and prepare comprehensive technical reports.
- Undertake water resource and yield studies as well as hydraulic assessments.
- Collaborate with colleagues and contribute to a high-performance culture within the department.
What You’ll Need
- A Science degree (BSc) (Hon) or equivalent qualification.
- Compulsory registration with SACNASP as a professional Natural Scientist.
- A minimum of three years post-qualification experience in Natural Sciences, preferably in flood frequency analysis and hydraulic modelling.
- Valid unexpired driver’s license.
- Understanding of hydrological processes and knowledge of relevant models (e.g., HEC-RAS, WRSM 2000).
- Strong analytical, presentation, and report writing skills.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to travel throughout South Africa and work irregular hours when required.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
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Requirements
A Science degree (BSc) (Hon) or relevant qualification.Compulsory registration with the SACNASP as a professional Natural Scientist.
Three (3) years post-qualification Natural Science experience, preferably in flood frequency analysis (deterministic, empirical and statistical), hydraulic modelling, water resource simulation and yield modelling.
The disclosure of a valid unexpired driver’s license.
Understanding of hydrological processes.
Knowledge of the application of models such as HEC-RAS, the Water Resource Simulation Model 2000 (WRSM 2000), Water Resource Yield Model (WRYM), the CLASSR/PATCHR and/or similar models.
Experience in programme and project management.
Scientific methodologies and models.
Understanding of research and development.
Computer-aided scientific applications.
Knowledge of legal compliance.
Technical report writing.
Creating high-performance culture.
Professional judgement.
Data analysis, policy development and analysis.
Presentation and monitoring skills.
Decision- 90 making, team leadership and analytical skills.
Creativity, financial management, customer focus and responsiveness.
Good communication skills both verbal and written.
Networking and computer literacy (including MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, ArcGIS).
People management, planning and organising.
Conflict and change management.
Problem-solving and analysis.
Willingness to travel throughout South Africa for the execution of duties whilst working irregular hours.
Job Duties
The successful candidate will be part of a team of hydrologists, primarily engaged in flood frequency assessments for dam safety purposes.Such work will include (but not limited to): assisting colleagues with coordination of assigned work; assisting with flood data collection such as during and after extreme flood events and converting the flood data into hydrological information; extension and improvement of ratings and filling of gaps in data, etc.
to improve the quality of hydrological information; execute acquisition and verification of relevant data and information for use in hydrological and flood frequency (deterministic, empirical and statistical) analyses and assessments at relevant flood sites; presenting findings of assessments at evaluation meetings and writing technical reports; assist with the undertaking of the water resource and yield studies and hydraulic assessments.
