Scientist Production Grade A: Small Pelagic Fish and Fisheries

Requirements

• BSc (Hons) Natural Science (NQF Level 8) or relevant qualification as recognized by SAQA.
• Three (3) years relevant scientific experience post BSc qualification and compulsory registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist.
• Theoretical and/ or practical knowledge of fisheries and biological research activities.
• Small pelagic fish and fisheries resources and sustainable management thereof.
• Scientific methodologies and models.
• Scientific research and development.
• Data analysis and statistics with a strong quantitative focus.
• Familiarity with software applications for the storage and manipulation of large datasets and statistical analysis of data, in particular the MS Access database environment and the statistical programming language ‘R’.
• Proven ability to carry out quantitative analyses.
• Research and development;
• Programme and project management;
• Decision making;
• Team leadership;
• Communication;
• Planning and organising; and Computer literacy.
• Ability to formulate and write reports and peer-reviewed scientific papers and scientific reviews.
• Ability to develop and apply policies.
• Ability to identify research gaps and develop an appropriate research programme.
• Ability to gather and analyse information.
• Ability to work under pressure and submit documents to local and international fora within required timeframes.
• Ability to work individually and in a team.
• Ability to work under extreme pressure.
• Ability and willingness to work at sea.

Duties

• Conduct research on pelagic fish and fish species, conduct research surveys, contribute to stock assessments, and provide scientific advice for optimal resource utilisation and sustainable fisheries management.
• Develop and implement methodologies, policies, systems and procedures.
• Conduct research and development.
• Identify research gaps and contribute to the development of appropriate scientific interventions.
• Participate in Scientific Working Groups and provide scientific inputs into fisheries management and policy development.
• Engage with fisheries managers, industry, research institutions and other stakeholders.
• Perform scientific analysis and regulatory functions.
• Manage human capital development.

How to apply

New to the Z83 form? Read the application guide.

Enquiries

Notes from the department

• Interested applicants must submit their applications via the above link.
• Applicant must ensure that they complete all sections on the online Z83 and attached a detailed CV with at least three (3) contactable references.
• Failure to complete or disclose all required information will automatically disqualify the applicant.
• No late applications will be accepted.
• Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, identity document and driver’s license on or before the day of the interview.
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).
• The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.
• Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the Department’s equity plan.
• Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• Correspondence will be limited to successful candidates only.
• Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment, including but not limited to:
• Criminal records;
• Citizenship status;
• Credit worthiness;
• Previous employment (reference checks); and Qualification verification.
• Short-listed candidates will be expected to avail themselves at the Department’s convenience.
• Entry level requirements for SMS posts:
• In terms of the Directive on Compulsory Capacity Development, Mandatory Training Days & Minimum Entry Requirements for SMS that was introduced on 1 April 2015, a requirement for all applicants for SMS posts from 1 April 2020 is a successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG) prior to appointment.
• The course is available at the NSG under the name Certificate for entry into SMS and the full details can be obtained by following the below link: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entryprogramme.
• All shortlisted candidates, including SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments.
• One must be a practical exercise, 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.
• Following the interview and technical assessment for all SMS posts, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of competency-based assessments.
• Persons appointed will be subjected to a security clearance, the signing of performance agreement and employment contract.
• The Department reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• If you have not been contacted within three 3 months after the closing date of the advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
• By submitting the employment application form, you agree and consent in terms of Section 11(1) of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), 2013 (Act 4 of 2013), for your personal information which you provide to the DFFE to being processed by the department and its employees, agents, Cabinet committees, and subcontractors for recruitment purposes, in accordance with the POPIA of 2013.