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COUNCIL FOR GEOSCIENCE (CGS)
 
SCIENTIST: SPECTRAL GEOLOGIST
Peromnes Grade: Peromnes Grade 08 (R 641 378,02 CTC Per Annum)
Location: Pretoria Head Office (Donkerhoek)
Reporting Line: Manager: Scientific Knowledge
Overall Job Purpose: Manage, coordinate, integrated, curate and maintain all data generated from the hyperspectral scanner to support the programmes of the Council for Geoscience (CGS).
 
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Operations, Logistics and Scientific Research
  • Operate, maintain the hyperspectral scanner and direct the scanning of core with the hyperspectral scanner
  • Inventory control of scanned borehole core and lithological sample data
  • Direct material handling, sampling, packaging and storage of core, rock hand specimen, soil, etc. in line with the operational procedures
  • Ensure that the maintenance, calibration and operation of the hyperspectral scanner and other related scientific equipment
  • Analyse, correct, normalise and process raw data after acquisition using ENVI and import into the relevant system
  • Data and knowledge management of hyperspectral data in line with established/best practice
  • Manage the use of specialised software packages for operating the electronic and image core library (databases, software for hyperspectral scanner, etc.)
  • Provide technical support for research projects within or across the organisation
  • Manage the packing of core and geological samples in relation to the design and operation of the national core library
  • Assist the Section Head in ordering supplies for the required for the hyperspectral scanner
  • Supervise in-house drilling projects (where required)
  • Design catalogues for data and knowledge management
  • Manage data (acquisition, extraction, normalisation and correction) including quality control and assurance on relevant digital platforms
  • Spectral Processing and interpretations (spectral features and spectral images)
  • Generate advanced mineral indices and mineral maps
  • Collate spectral data and interpretation on required formats to support research programmes of the CGS
  • Produce high-quality research findings for technical reports and scientific publications
  • Participate in integrated geoscientific and logistical research, which involves data mining, data collection, data interpretation and compilation/computation of the required products in line with the plans and prescribed guidelines
  • Participate in continuous improvement plans and researches on new hyperspectral techniques
  • Implement innovative conceptual models, methodologies and techniques to enhance efficiency in the operational optimisation of the hyperspectral scanning
  • Supervise the testing and implementation of new software/technologies for implementation on equipment or data analyses
  • Contribute to technical conceptualisation of research projects and devises logistical methods to implement
 
Quality and Risk Management
  • Perform all assigned work according to operating procedures for ISO certification
  • Adherence to Hyperspectral Scanner Standard Operating Procedures
  • Participate in data processing and validate into databases
  • Maintain a safe and optimal working environment in line with set procedures by ensuring adherence to safe working method statements/ safety procedures and policies
  • Develop and implement operating manuals for usage of the hyperspectral scanner
  • Identify, monitors risks and develops mitigation measures and controls for correction and prevention to maintain quality standards in line with the risk management plan as it relates to the hyperspectral scanning work
  • Evaluate project results, reviews and edits project reports compiled by subordinates in the section
  • Conduct daily operations and calibration and recommends repair of instruments, equipment and apparatus where required
 
Stakeholder Relations
  • Provide technical, scientific data, information and advice on arrangement or installation of instrumentation for data acquisition in project management delivery to support CGS programmes and its staff
  • Assist in developing and maintaining working relations with client base
  • Provides technical/scientific data, information and advice to all the relevant stakeholder (when required)
 
People Management (including development and capacity building)
  • Supervise and guide the execution of work related to the hyperspectral scanners as well as other related equipment by subordinates
  • Participate in continuous professional development initiatives/interventions in order to keep up with new technologies and procedures
  • Contribute to national or international training workshops/courses for junior staff in line with the business unit development plan.

 
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
  • Practical knowledge and experience in the application of the hyperspectral core scanner
  • Knowledge of spectral geology and programming
  • Sample/core preparation as required for data acquisition
  • Performing QA/QC on instrument set up data and daily QA/QC checks using Envi software or Opticks
  • Data quality assessment, ability to calibrate the instrument, and SQL database configuration
  • Assessment of output spectral signatures and their absorption features for minerals and their assemblages
  • Interpretation of Spectral data captures by VNIR-SWIR and LWIR sensors
  • Knowledge of the mineralogy, spectral mineral mapping, interpretation of the spectral data, and general mapping principles, spatial analysis, and remote sensing,
 
KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND REQUIRED SKILLS:
  • Ensuring that all systems components are operation ready and inventory management of parts/spares
  • Ensuring all electrical components are suitable for operations
  • Processing Virtual machines management
  • Data Import and pre-processing data QA/QC
  • Data preparation and data processing using batch manager software
  • Understanding of ISO processes and standards
  • Understanding of PFMA and supply chain processes
  • Communication skills (Oral and Written)
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Report writing skills
  • Understand software such as ArcGIS, ENVI, OPTICS, BM Admin, BM master, Intellicore, Matlab, Python and report compiler, SURPASS (GERMCOM), Corel DrawX5 and Micro station
  • Ability to analyse remotes sensing and geophysical data
  • Ability to develop algorithms and software for image processing will be an added advantage
 
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
  • BSc Honours in Geology or equivalent with 5 years relevant experience or,
  • MSc or MTech in Geology or equivalent with 3 years relevant experience or,
  • PhD or DTech in Geology or equivalent with 2 years relevant experience or,
  • Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) or Candidate Natural Scientist (Cand.Sci.Nat.) registration with SACNASP
  • Valid Driver’s License (non-negotiable)
 

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The Council for Geoscience is committed to Employment Equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity prescripts, preference will be given but not limited to candidates from under represented designated groups. Females and people from previously disadvantaged groups and sectors are encouraged to apply.
 
If you meet the above requirements and wish to apply, please send your application to careers@geoscience.org.za  
Please quote the position title (Scientist - Spectral Geologist) as reference when submitting your application.
 
Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not been contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
 
All appointments are subject to vetting processes.
 
Closing Date:  23 August, 2020