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COUNCIL FOR GEOSCIENCE (CGS)
 
SECTION HEAD: NATIONAL CORE LIBRARY
Peromnes Grade: Peromnes Grade 07 (R 853 424,37 CTC Per Annum)
Location: Pretoria Head Office (Donkerhoek)
Reporting Line: Manager: Scientific Knowledge
Overall Job Purpose: Manage, coordinate, curate and maintain the national core library through innovative integration of geoscience and logistics as well as complex project (including systems and methodologies) management for support of the technical programmes of the Council for Geoscience (CGS)
 
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Operations and Logistics
  • Inventory control of existing and incoming borehole cores and lithological samples (rock/soil)
  • Directs material handling, sampling, packaging and storage of core, rock hand specimen, soil, etc. in line with the operational procedures
  • Supervises maintenance, calibration and operation of scientific equipment, data curation and preservation tools in the core library (e.g. databases, etc.)
  • Directs prudent data and knowledge management in line with established/best practice
  • Supervises specialist geological sample preparation and analyses including the operation, maintenance, repair of equipment of laboratory apparatus
  • Supervises operation and maintenance of complex equipment (e.g. hyperspectral scanner)
  • Coordinates all systems in the national core library (core retrieval and packing, databases, facilities, etc.) maintenance and optimisation
  • Manages the use of specialised software packages for operating the electronic and image core library (e.g. databases, software for hyperspectral scanner, etc.)
  • Provides technical service and support for research projects within or across the organisation
  • Supervises the handling to storage facilities at the national core library
  • Manages the packing of core and geological samples in relation to the design and operation of the national core library
  • Directs stocktaking and ordering supplies for the national core library
  • May be required to supervise in-house drilling projects
  • Designs catalogues for data and knowledge management
 
Project Management and Implementation
  • Develops strategic project plans for the operation and optimisation of the national core library
  • Guides the implementation of projects
  • Identifies and contributes to the compilation of tender proposals where required
  • Monitors project costs and expenditures and ensures that the budget is expended in line with the approved plans and objectives of the projects
  • Integrates, interprets all datasets and reports the findings on projects in the national core library
 
Scientific Research
  • Independently initiates and participates 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
  • Directs the collation of geoscience and logistical data according to set requirements for data curation, preservation and presentation
  • Develops continuous improvement plans and researches on new techniques for up-to-date digital running of the national core library
  • Develops, interrogates and implements innovative conceptual models, methodologies and techniques to enhance efficiency in the operational optimisation of the national core library
  • Compiles high-quality technical reports and scientific publications
  • Provides contributions and/or formulates scientific-logistical research proposals, methodologies and techniques
  • Oversees and conducts extensive laboratory observations or field tests on grounds, geological samples (rocks – core or hand specimen, soils, etc.)
  • Supervises the testing and implementation of new software/technologies for implementation on equipment or data analyses
  • Contributes to technical conceptualisation of research projects and devises logistical methods to implement
 
Quality and Risk Management
  • Maintains a safe and optimal working environment in line with set procedures by ensuring adherence to safe working method statements/ safety procedures and policies
  • Develops and implements operating manuals for work procedures for ISO certification
  • Identifies, monitors risks and develops mitigation measures and controls for correction and prevention to maintain quality standards in line with the risk management plan
  • Develops waste/discard/disposal management plans and ensures adherence thereto
  • Evaluates project results, reviews and edits project reports compiled by subordinates in the section
  • Conducts daily operations, laboratory techniques, maintenance, and calibration and repair of instruments, equipment and apparatus
 
Stakeholder Relations
  • Provides expert advice in the operations of the national core library
  • Provides 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
  • Develops and maintains working relations with client base
  • Makes science-based contributions to research publications in national and international publications
  • Reports progress and technical problems to the manager and proposes remedial solutions
  • Participates in scientific discussions on advancements in core library curation and maintenance at relevant platforms
  • Provides technical/scientific data, information and advice to all the relevant stakeholder
 
People Management (including development and capacity building)
  • Provides supervision and guidance in execution of projects, use of equipment by subordinates
  • Participates in continuous professional development initiatives/interventions in order to keep up with new technologies and procedures
  • Initiates national or international training workshops /courses for junior staff to strengthen skills transfer staff in line with the business unit development plan.
  • Assist the manager with resource planning and allocation
  • Develops independent development plans for manager’s review
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KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND REQUIRED SKILLS:
  • Computer literate and understanding of specialised software packages used in the core library (e.g. databases, software for hyperspectral scanner, etc.)  
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to analyse, prioritise and solve complex logistical and technical problems independently
  • Ability to conduct advanced geoscientific research within a specified discipline.
  • Ability to generate and edit of advanced reports from the core library work
  • Ability to independently interpret, evaluate and assess of data generated from the various sections of the core library (e.g. hyperspectral scanner)
  • Ability to evaluate and assess work and reports from subordinate in the section
  • Ability to develop and present scientific and logistical project proposals at national and international forums.
  • Ability to develop scientific and logistical proposals, source commercial projects and negotiate contractual arrangements
  • Ability to lead and manage varied scientific and logistical projects in the national core library
  • Ability to lead and manage project team(s)
  • Ability to mentor and coach other subordinated and project team members.
  • Ability to implement ISO certification processes and standards
  • Ability to work well under pressure
  • Impeccable client/stakeholder orientation

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
  • Understanding of logistical and scientific methodologies in line with best practice
  • Ability to conduct scientific presentation
  • Understanding of project management
  • Knowledge of routine data/sample collection in fieldwork using standardised methods
  • Experience in conducting geological, geophysical and geochemical investigations, examination, exploration and evaluations
  • Experience in implementing procedures for sample preparation, packaging and storage
  • Proficiency and understanding complex core-library processes
  • Proficiency in implementing geoscience methodologies to analyse geological samples
  • Demonstrates proficiency as a competent end user of various core-library or laboratory instrumentation, equipment and systems
  • Proficiency in logistics of planning and surveying
  • Broad understanding in testing, analyses and identification of these materials by physical, chemical, petrographic and other techniques
  • Experience with routine conditioning and calibration of physical and high-tech electronic systems
  • Understanding of ISO processes and standards
  • Understanding of PFMA and supply chain processes
  • Experience in relevant core library databases, ability to build geodatabases, ArcGIS and spatial data processing as well as geo-referencing
 
QUALIFICATIONS
  • PhD/DTech in a geoscience-related field with 3 years relevant experience or
  • MSc/MTech in a geoscience-related with 5 years relevant experience or
  • BSc Hons in a geoscience-related field with 8 years relevant experience
  • Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.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 (Section Head: National Core Library) 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