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COUNCIL FOR GEOSCIENCE (CGS)
 
SPECIALIST SCIENTIST: ECONOMIC BASIN ANALYST
Peromnes Grade: Peromnes Grade 05 (R 1 359 510,38 CTC Per Annum)
Location: Pretoria Head Office
Reporting Line: Business Unit Manager: Geoscience Mapping

Overall Job Purpose: Undertake cutting-edge research focused on sedimentology, basin dynamics and fundamental geoscience. In addition, to manage and oversee allied research and mandated projects throughout depositional basins and its surrounding regions for the Council for Geoscience.
 
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Manage, administer and oversee Council for Geoscience mandated research projects and investigations, especially those requiring integrated sedimentological themes for mineral and energy purposes.
  • Conduct extensive literature review for sedimentology, basin dynamics and fundamental geoscience. This should include reviewing and compiling all pre-existing sedimentological, lithological, structural, geochemical, economical, hydrogeological and geochronological data; and use these data to devise targeted field investigations.
  • Compile and migrate all analogue/digital data into a standard digital format within a geographic database to enable analytical interpretation and applied data manipulation related to basin analyses.
  • Undertake and oversee remote sensing within regions (primarily sedimentological and related mineral deposits) using all available satellite imagery and specific spectral ratios to enable the thematic research objectives.
  • Undertake and oversee targeted field work to collect geological data and samples for analytical work toward achieving the key thematic objectives, particularly in sedimentary terrains.
  • Oversee all preparatory logistical and planning work necessitated by field work and the requirements thereof.
  • Undertake and oversee the necessary and targeted geochemical and other analytical work on samples collected and the interpretation of the corresponding data.
  • Oversee the interpretation and integration of all field data, together with existing data from literature and other relevant datasets, e.g. geochemistry, geochronology, geophysics, etc.
  • Design and oversee the packaging and presentation of results, discussion thereof and make recommendations for additional work toward supporting research toward furthering the thematic objectives.
  • Design and lead the consolidation of all data into project reports, thematic maps and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Design and lead the presentation of results at local and international geoscientific conferences.
Research and Development
  • Initiate and participates in cutting-edge sedimentology particularly in relation to mineral and energy resource scientific research, which involves data mining and data interpretation, compilation/computation of maps and/or geoscientific models
  • Participate in independent research from data gathering, development of high-quality maps and reports, level editing of maps, reports, 3D models and other publications
  • Develop, interrogates and implements innovative conceptual models and techniques to enhance efficiency in regard to mineral and energy resources programmes
  • Make recommendations of the research at regional, national, inter-governmental level for scientific research or commercial purposes.
  • Develop new methodologies for data synthesis to support mineral and energy resources programmes
  • Compile reports and peer-reviewed technical articles or scientific publications
  • Provide guidance and/or mentoring to early-career staff in research, which involves the following:
  • Provide guidance in the formulation of research proposals, methodologies, data collection and data interpretation
  • Evaluate projects results and makes recommendations for publication
  • Participate in national or international review bodies tasked with reviewing advanced projects/programmes of national, scientific or international significance
Project Implementation and Project Management
  • Lead varied cutting-edge geoscience (especially mineral and energy resources) programmes which are related to sedimentology simultaneously and guides other scientists in their implementation
  • Monitor expenditures in projects and ensures that the budget is expended in line with the evaluate progress of tasks and objectives of the projects, and report progress to Business Unit Manager
  • Monitor risks and make recommendations for corrective measures in line with the risk management plan to the Business Unit Manager
  • Identify and contribute to geoscience aspects during the compilation of tenders documents and proposals
  • Participate and/or lead commercial contract negotiations with external clients in line with the mandate from the Executive Management
  • Lead the compilation of commercial and statutory project tender documents or contracts; geoscientific and, project financial and scheduling aspects
  • Ensure that project objectives, tasks and activities are implemented within budget and agreed timeframes
Stakeholder Relations and Reporting
  • Provide expert advice to the Executive Management, and/or public and private sector organisations related to mineral and energy resources and may advise Executive Management on scientific and technical acceptability of maps, publications and reports
  • Provide independent moderation or peer-review of post-graduate degrees or scientific publications
  • Present at a national and/or international conferences or related work forums. Editing or co-editing of a book or volume based on conference proceedings
  • Make science-based contributions to research publications as author or co-author in national and international journals
  • Produce high-quality publications in national and/or international journals as first author
  • Participate in scientific discussions at national and international conferences involving matters of scientific importance either in a specific field or variety of fields
  • Contribute to the national standard and best practice guidelines at relevant platforms
Quality Assurance
  • Develop and Implements operating manuals for work procedures for ISO certification
    Evaluate project results, reviews and edits project proposals and technical reports compiled by early-career scientists
  • Review methodologies, models and maps on various projects
  • Develop and implement project risk assessment and mitigation plans
Learning and Development
  • Mentor, coach and provide supervision and guidance in research of lower level scientists in regard to their geoscientific work and their progress
  • Initiate national or international training workshops /courses for early-career scientists to strengthen skills transfer staff in line with the business unit development plan.
  • Assist in identifying training needs and recommends to the manager
  • Evaluate research results, edits reports for publication by early-career scientists, and prepares own work for publication by the Council for Geoscience
  • Supervise and provide guidance in the execution of projects by early-career scientists
 
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
  • In depth knowledge and understanding of geodynamics, regional basin analyses and the applications and collection of geoscience data
  • Knowledge and understanding of sedimentology, depositional palaeo-environments, surface processes, depositional mineralising systems, geochemical, geochronological, petrographic, and paleontological themes
 
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KEY ATTRIBUTES AND REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE
  • Ability to undertake research within a dynamic and diverse team environment and capable of building interpersonal relations with clear communication
  • Able to resolve complex analytical and logistical problems
  • Able to oversee the planning and organising of targeted field work and project coordination
  • Able to undertake a leadership role with clear communication, management of resources, conflict management and the capability of building professional relationships
  • Affinity toward training and development of young/inexperienced geoscientists.
  • Professional and scientific writing and communication skills
  • Computer literacy and the ability to work within a geographic database environment.
  • General understanding of treasury guidelines and procurement procedures
  • Affinity toward create, innovative thinking with a significant dedication toward quality management and control
  • Affinity toward maintaining the highest level of safety and health management.
 
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
  • MSc or MTech in Geology and 15 years relevant experience in sedimentary-economic geology, geological mapping in a wide range of geological terrains OR
  • PhD or DTech in Geology and 10 years relevant experience in sedimentary-economic geology, geological mapping a wide range of geological terrains AND
  • Corresponding geological map publication record
  • Proven and relevant peer-review publication record, with particular emphasis on sequence stratigraphy, basin analytic principles, fundamental geoscience, integration of geoscience datasets and allied thematic research
  • Registered with SACNASP or eligible for SACNASP registration
  • Drivers licence (non-negotiable), with 4X4 training certification
  • NRF Rating an added advantage
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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 (Specialist Scientist: Economic Basin Analyst) 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:  24 December, 2020