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COUNCIL FOR GEOSCIENCE (CGS)
 
TECHNICAL OFFICER: NATIONAL CORE LIBRARY
Peromnes Grade: Peromnes Grade P10 (R 446 935,87 CTC Per Annum)
Location: Pretoria Head Office (Donkerhoek)
Reporting Line: Manager of Scientific Knowledge
Overall Job Purpose: Undertake advanced logistical and technical projects as well as basic research independently to support the generation and curation of geoscientific data, information and knowledge (e.g. data collection, data sorting, data analyses and interpretation as well as data storage) supervise lower level technical officers at the National Core Library of the Council for Geoscience (CGS).
 
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Operations, Logistics and Scientific Research
  • Develop and coordinate logistical plans at the National Core Library to support the implementation of multiple advanced scientific projects / research environment in line with procedures and standards
  • Monitor productivity and submit performance / progress reports on logistics
  • Coordinate data generation on site (sample collection, sample sorting, sample packaging and storage)
  • Design, coordinate and administer scientific databases in line with procedures and standards
  • Conduct advanced sample and data analyses at the National Core Library
  • Resolve problems in a variety of logistical field as relating to the National Core Library
  • Oversee and co-ordinate the day-to-day technical operations including; core preparations and cleaning, drill core shelving and geological samples repackaging,
  • Implement and ensure prudent core logging processes,
  • Perform administration and basic reporting, record and represent scientific data in the required format as and when required,
  • Ensure housekeeping is conducted during and after operations in line with the Safe Working Method Statement of the National Core Library
  • Prepare and participate in research activities under limited supervision
  • Accurate capturing and evaluation of geoscience data. Record and present scientific data in the required format
  • Perform data transformations, classifications; attribute data cleaning, working with database files
  • Support the preparation and collation of scientific research data and routine interpretation across multiple projects according to set requirements
  • Conducts on-the-spot basic error checking
  • Provide advanced technical services for research projects within or across units
  • Integrate all data and information obtained to interpret the disposition and interrelation of coherent scientific research in line with the objectives of the project
  • Perform technical scientific analyses and produce advanced technical reports
  • Provide logistical support to conceptualisation of research projects
  • Contribute towards knowledge preservation through best practice (in databases, map applications, systems and methodologies)
 
Project implementation and management
  • Assist in scoping and planning of projects in the National Core Library
  • Produce weekly progress reports to business unit manager and section head
  • Implement and work according to standard operating procedures
  • Identify gaps in standard operating procedures and develop appropriate interventions for the National Core Library
  • Implement projects in the National Core Library in line with timeframes and milestones in line with safe environment requirements
  • Assist in ordering and procuring the required material, supplies and services for National Core Library projects
  • Manage and administer relevant scientific databases in line with prudent data preservation requirements
  • Prepare and implement plans to collect, receive and transfer (where necessary) new and existing drill core and coordinate sequence packaging
  • Assist and manage logistical support and setting up of field support/base camps during field campaigns
 
Quality and Risk Management
  • Maintain a safe and optimal working environment in line with set procedures by ensuring adherence to safe working method statements/ safety procedures and policies
  • Effectively applies operational standards and consolidate methodologies, policies, systems and procedures
  • Ensure timeous services and maintenance of onsite equipment as scheduled
  • Assist in the development of standard operating procedures for all equipment in the National Core Library
  • Plan and undertake corrective and preventive actions to maintain quality standards
  • Ensure a safe management of waste disposal
  • Perform all assigned work according to operating procedures for ISO certification
  • 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 National Core Library
  • Conduct daily operations and calibration and recommends repair of instruments, equipment and apparatus where required
  • Develops and implements operating manuals for work procedures in line with ISO standards.
  • Develop manuals and procedures for database administration, data management and subsequent analysis
  • Perform own work according to standard operating procedures
  • Ensure quality control and assurance implementation
  • Evaluates work and reports from lower-level technical officers
  • Produce products in line with industry norms, standards and guidelines
 
Stakeholder Relations
  • Interact with scientists and advises on the arrangement for data acquisition and management of data in project delivery
  • Maintain working relations with internal and external stakeholders
  • Provide technical/scientific data, information to internal and external stakeholders
  • Assist external stakeholders and visitors to the National core Library
 
People Management (including development and capacity building)
  • Supervise and guide the execution of work related to the day-to-day running of the National Core Library
  • Analyses and resolve technical problems independently
  • Provide technical guidance to assistant and technical officers
  • Mobilise teams in the National Core Library to implement related projects
  • 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 lower-level technical officers in line with the business unit development plan
  • Provide formal and advance on-the-job training, mentoring and coaching to lower-level technical officers
 
 
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
  • Demonstrated experience in overseeing a successful technical service, programme or facility
  • Ability to plan and organise as well as establish priorities, implementing improvements and meeting deadlines
  • Experience in supporting a safe operating environment, implementing health and safety requirements, developing operating procedures and providing authoritative oversight of complex technical processes and use of specialised equipment
  • Ability to analyse, research and solve problems
  • Experience in geochemical National Core Library procedures
  • Highly-developed interpersonal and communication skills
  • Experience in co-operation and interaction with internal and external stakeholders
  • Experience in providing training and transfer of skills
 
KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND REQUIRED SKILLS:
  • Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams
  • Computer skilled (Microsoft programme) and operation of core library databases
  • Ability to work under pressure,
  • Promoting health and safety culture within the CGS,
  • Knowledge and understanding of the core loss, core gain, and core directions on a core box trays.
  • Ability to develop an SOP for the drill core repackaging
  • Understanding of ISO processes and standards
  • Understanding of PFMA and supply chain processes
  • Communication skills (Oral and Written)
  • Problem Solving
  • Report writing skills
 
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 3-year National Science Diploma with 3 years relevant experience or
  • B-Tech or BSc Degree with relevant experience
  • Valid Driver’s License (non-negotiable)
  • Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) or Candidate Natural Scientist (Cand.Sci.Nat.) registration with SACNASP will be 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 (Technical Officer: 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