Scientist Manager Grade APretoria Head Office

Requirements

• MSc degree in Hydrology.
• A PhD in Hydrology or a relevant natural scientific discipline will serve as an added advantage.
• Six (6) years' post-qualification BSc (Hons) Natural Science experience in the field of Hydrology.
• Compulsory registration with SACNASP as a professional Natural Scientist.
• The disclosure of a valid, unexpired driver's licence.
• Proven years of experience in the application of hydrological, systems and water quality models (WRSM2000, ACRU, WRYM, HEC-HMS, SWAT+, WQSAM).
• Proven years of experience in conducting water resource studies (water quality, quantity and ecology).
• Knowledge or experience in the water monitoring and assessment value chain (water resource data collection, data auditing and management protocols, analysis, interpretation, knowledge dissemination and information systems).
• The ability to apply scientific principles to integrate and interpret water quality or quantity data to draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Sound knowledge of project management.
• Knowledge of geographical information systems (GIS) tools (ArcPro and QGIS).
• Understanding of research and development.
• Technical report writing.
• Possesses a high-performance culture.
• Professional judgement.
• Presentation skills.
• Decision-making and analytical skills.
• Creativity and customer focus.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Problem-solving and analysis.
• Applicants must be able to travel nationally and internationally as required to represent the Department and the sector.

Duties

• The successful candidate will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists, plan, coordinate and conduct catchment and systems-based integrated water resource studies (quantity, quality, and ecology) focusing on the impact of land use, water use activities, and climatic pressures on water resources (surface and groundwater).
• Coordinate and establish processes to provide an annual overview of the status of water resources in the country through the National State of Water Report, Monthly bulletins, and weekly synopses.
• Lead and coordinate the development of catchment-based hydrological and water quality models.
• Configure, calibrate, set up, and run simulations for HEC-HMS, ACRU, WRSM2000, WRYM, SWAT+, and WQSAM models.
• Conduct parameter sensitivity and model uncertainty analysis, including stochastic methods for propagation of modelling uncertainties for decision-making, communication and intelligent knowledge integration.
• Provide capacity building and mentoring.
• Analyse water resource data and apply artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to augment catchment modelling efforts.
• Coordinate the implementation of a programme for the digitalisation of the water resource and water services monitoring systems.
• Contract management and performance management of professional service providers.
• Financial planning and management for projects.
• Development of business case and bid specifications for water resource studies projects.
• The enhancement and maintenance of a SWAT+ web-based decision support system for the Integrated Vaal River System.
• Coordinate responses to water-resource-related queries from the media, etc.
• Liaise with water sector stakeholders, including other Government Departments and the public, on water issues through workshops, joint projects and other facilitation techniques.
• Identify opportunities for collaborative research, innovation, knowledge generation and technology development.

How to apply

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Enquiries

Notes from the department

• Interested applicants must submit their applications via the online link https://erecruitment.dws.gov.za Other related documentation such as copies of qualifications, identity document, driver’s license etc need not to accompany the application when applying for a post as such documentation must only be produced by shortlisted candidates during the interview date in line with DPSA circular 19 of 2022.
• With reference to applicants bearing professional or occupational registration, fields provided in Part B on the online Z83 must be completed as these fields are regarded as compulsory.
• Failure to complete or disclose all required information will automatically disqualify the applicant.
• No late applications will be accepted.
• Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to suitability checks (SAQA verification, reference checks criminal and credit checks).
• SAQA evaluation certificate must accompany foreign qualifications (only when shortlisted).
• Applications that do not comply with the above- mentioned requirements will not be considered.
• All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and interviews.
• Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity and a pre-entry certificate obtained from the National School of government is required prior to the appointment.
• All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments.
• One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment.
• Selection panels shall score both technical exercises as an additional criterion in the interview process.
• Candidates will be required to complete a financial disclosure form and undergo security clearance.
• Foreigners or dual citizenship holders must provide a police clearance certificate from country of origin (only when shortlisted).
• The Department of Water Sanitation is an equal opportunity employer.
• In the filling of vacant posts, the objectives of section 195 (1) (i) of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996 (Act No:
• 108 of 1996) the Employment Equity imperatives as defined by the Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No:
• 55 of 1998) and relevant Human Resources policies of the Department will be taken into consideration.
• Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only.
• If you do not hear from us within three (3) months of this advertisement, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
• Faxed applications will not be considered.
• The department reserves the right not to fill these positions.
• Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply and preference will be given to the EE Targets.