About the Role
The Department of Water and Sanitation is seeking a dedicated Scientist Production Grade A to join their team in Gauteng. This vital role focuses on the acquisition and processing of hydrological data, ensuring the integrity and quality of information that supports water resource management throughout the province. By joining this department, you will contribute significantly to the effective management of South Africa’s water resources, playing a crucial part in safeguarding the environment and the community.
In this role, you will be involved in a range of activities including data auditing, quality improvement, and technical support. Your work will not only enhance the accuracy of hydrological data but also facilitate informed decision-making processes that impact water management strategies across Gauteng. Your expertise will directly benefit the community by ensuring that reliable data is available for effective water resource planning and monitoring.
About the Department
The Department of Water and Sanitation is committed to managing South Africa’s water resources sustainably and responsibly. With a mandate to ensure equitable access to water and to protect the environment, this department plays a crucial role in public service. Working here means being part of a mission that strives to balance the needs of communities with environmental conservation, ultimately contributing to the well-being of current and future generations.
What You’ll Do
- Provide technical input on hydrological data acquisition and processing.
- Apply scientific skills to audit and improve the quality of historical hydrological data.
- Ensure accurate data archiving within the Hydstra system with minimal gaps.
- Analyze hydrological data to identify gaps and enhance data quality.
- Disseminate data in usable formats to various stakeholders.
- Compile annual statistical summaries and interpret hydrological data reports.
- Contribute to projects aimed at optimizing the provincial water resource monitoring network.
- Facilitate training and career development for staff.
- Supervise team members and assist in developing policies and standards for data collection.
- Conduct field visits to assess gauging stations across Gauteng Province.
What You’ll Need
- A Science (BSc) (Hons) Degree or relevant qualification.
- A minimum of three (3) years of post-qualification natural scientific experience in Hydrology.
- Compulsory registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist.
- A valid, unexpired driver’s license.
- Proficiency in computer skills and data management systems.
- Strong understanding of data acquisition, processing, auditing, and dissemination.
- Knowledge of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) and relevant scientific methodologies.
- Excellent technical report writing and analytical skills.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and in remote areas.
How to Apply
Please forward your application, quoting the relevant reference number, to the link quoted in the specific advertisement below.
Requirements
A Science (BSc) (Hons) Degree or relevant qualification.Three (3) years post qualification natural scientific experience in the field of Hydrology.
Compulsory registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist.
The disclosure of a valid unexpired driver’s license.
Computer literate.
Good understanding on the processes and mechanisms for data acquisition, processing, auditing, archiving, and dissemination including information flow processes.
Knowledge and understanding on Chapter 15 of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998).
Scientific methodologies and models.
Research and development.
Technical report writing.
Data analysis.
Presentation skills.
Mentoring.
Decision making.
Analytical skills.
Creativity.
Problem solving and analysis.
Innovation.
Good technical, scientific report writing and interpretation skills.
Ability to work productively in an environment consisting of interdisciplinary internal and external stakeholders.
Sound interpersonal skills as well as willingness to work irregular hours and travel extensively in remote areas.
Job Duties
Provide technical role regarding hydrological data acquisition and data processing.Application of scientific skills in data auditing and information improvement using appropriate data and information systems (Hydstra).
Ensure the application of standards and procedures in data auditing and quality improvement of historical hydrological data.
Ensure good quality data with minimal gaps is archived and available for use in Hydstra.
Provide inputs and technical support within the Directorate: Water Resource Management Support regarding correcting errors and spikes found in data.
Ability to analyse hydrological data, identify and fill gaps to improve data quality.
Disseminate data and information to intending users in appropriate forms (usable computer files of raw data).
Engage to provide understanding and clarity on the hydrological data disseminated to all users.
Compilation of annual statical summaries in yearbook form.
Ability to Interpret and compile reports summaries of hydrological data (stream flows and levels).
Give inputs in the projects relevant to the optimisation of Provincial water resource monitoring network initiated by the department.
Assist with the facilitation of training and career development of staff.
Supervision of staff.
Assist in the development and setting of standards, policies, and systems for data collection in the water sector.
Conduct field visits to evaluate and assess gauging stations across Gauteng Province.
