Scientist Production Grade A Vacancy in Gauteng

Professionals with experience in hydrology and water resource data management can explore the Scientist Production Grade A position based in Gauteng. The opportunity focuses on collecting, processing, checking and improving hydrological information used to support water resource management.

The position falls under Provincial Operations: Gauteng, within the Water Resource Management Support Directorate and Water Resource Data Management Sub-Directorate. The successful candidate will provide scientific and technical support for hydrological data systems, help maintain accurate historical records and contribute to the improvement of water resource monitoring activities across the province.

The advertised salary ranges from R791 604 to R1 189 767 per year. This is an all-inclusive Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) salary package. The final offer will depend on the candidate’s years of experience.

Scientist Production Grade A Vacancy Details

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the advertised academic, professional and experience requirements. The position is intended for candidates with a scientific background and practical knowledge of hydrological data management.

• A BSc Honours degree in Science or a relevant qualification.
• At least three years of post-qualification natural scientific experience in hydrology.
• Compulsory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Professional Natural Scientist.
• A valid, unexpired driver’s licence.
• Computer literacy.
• Understanding of data acquisition, processing, auditing, archiving and dissemination processes.
• Knowledge of information flow processes and hydrological data management.
• Knowledge and understanding of Chapter 15 of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998.
• Understanding of scientific methodologies, models, research and development.
• Technical report writing and data analysis skills.

The successful candidate should also demonstrate strong analytical ability, creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills. The role requires good presentation and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to mentor colleagues and communicate technical information clearly.

Applicants must be comfortable working with people from different professional backgrounds. The position also requires a willingness to work irregular hours and travel extensively, including to remote areas.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Scientist Production Grade A will support the management and improvement of hydrological information. This work helps ensure that water resource data remains accurate, properly stored and accessible to people who need it.

Hydrological Data Collection and Processing

The successful candidate will provide technical support for hydrological data acquisition and processing. This includes using scientific knowledge and appropriate information systems to improve the quality and reliability of collected information.

Data Auditing and Quality Improvement

The position involves applying established standards and procedures when auditing historical hydrological records. The candidate will identify errors, unusual data spikes and missing information, then contribute to correcting these problems. The aim is to maintain reliable records with as few data gaps as possible.

Hydstra Data Management

The advertised duties specifically mention Hydstra, which the successful candidate will use as part of the hydrological data management process. The role includes ensuring that good-quality information is archived and available for use in the system.

Data Analysis and Reporting

The candidate will analyse hydrological information, including stream flows and water levels. Responsibilities also include interpreting records, preparing technical summaries and compiling annual statistical summaries in yearbook form.

Clear reporting is important because water resource information must be understandable and useful to its intended audience. The successful candidate will also help explain disseminated hydrological data to users who need additional technical information.

Water Resource Monitoring

The role includes contributing to projects that aim to optimise the provincial water resource monitoring network. The successful candidate will conduct field visits across Gauteng to evaluate and assess gauging stations.

Staff Development and Supervision

The successful applicant will assist with staff training and career development. Duties also include supervising staff and contributing to the development of standards, policies and systems for collecting data in the water sector.

Skills and Personal Competencies

This position requires a combination of scientific knowledge, technical ability and workplace skills. Applicants should be able to interpret complex information and communicate findings in a clear and practical way.

Important competencies include:

• Scientific and analytical thinking.
• Hydrological data interpretation.
• Technical and scientific report writing.
• Research and development skills.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Presentation and communication skills.
• Mentoring and staff supervision.
• Creativity and innovation.
• Interpersonal skills and teamwork.
• Ability to work with internal and external stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel and work irregular hours when required.

Understanding the Salary Package

The advertised annual salary package ranges from R791 604 to R1 189 767. The department states that the offer will depend on the candidate’s years of experience.

Because the advertisement describes this amount as an all-inclusive OSD package, applicants should consult the full recruitment notice for the applicable salary conditions and any further employment information. Candidates should not assume that the highest amount will automatically apply to every successful applicant.

Enquiries

Applicants who need further information about the position can contact:

Contact Person: Dr K Mabaso
Telephone: (012) 392 1401

How to Apply

The vacancy information provided for this article does not contain an application email address, postal address, online application link or submission procedure. It also does not state the closing date.

Interested candidates should obtain the complete official vacancy advertisement and follow its application instructions. Check the required application documents, submission method and any additional conditions before sending an application. Do not send personal documents to an email address that has not been confirmed in the official advertisement.

Who Should Consider This Opportunity?

This position may interest experienced hydrology professionals who hold an appropriate science qualification and meet the SACNASP registration requirement. It is particularly relevant to candidates who have worked with hydrological monitoring, scientific data processing, historical data auditing or water resource information systems.

The role goes beyond routine data administration. It combines scientific analysis, field assessments, technical reporting, stakeholder engagement and staff supervision. Candidates should therefore review the full job description carefully and assess whether their qualifications and professional experience match the advertised requirements.

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Important Notice

JobzPro shares vacancy information to help job seekers understand advertised opportunities. Applicants should use the complete official advertisement as the final source for application instructions, eligibility conditions and recruitment dates. The information in this article is based on the vacancy details supplied for reference number 131126/09.