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SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE (SAWS)

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is a Section 3(a) public entity under the Ministry of Environmental Affairs and is governed by a Board. The organisation is an authoritative voice for weather and climate related services in South Africa and is a member of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to fulfil a range of international obligations of the government. South African Weather Service (SAWS) strives to be a Weather and Climate Centre of Excellence providing innovative solutions to ensure a weather-smart region, sustainable development and economic growth. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is therefore seeking to appoint an efficient and enthusiastic person to undertake the role of: 
 
SCIENTIST
Data Assimilation Group 
Department: Research and Development 
Salary: Total package negotiable - Level 8 
Ref. W08/022024 
Centre: Pretoria 
 
Job Summary: 
The Scientist: Data Assimilation Research will be responsible for the numerical weather prediction research, data assimilation and development of products and services pertaining to weather and climate using weather observations from stations and remote sensing technology. A special focus will be on numerical weather prediction, weather observations, satellite and radar. The Scientist will participate in research, scientific, operational and administrative activities within his/her section. The suitable candidate should have at least university-level project experience in weather-climate science, data assimilation and remote sensing products, i.e. Meteosat Second Generation (MS) or later and possess good communication skills necessary to contribute to the advancement of the SAWS data assimilation research. 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
  • As Scientist: Data Assimilation Research within the Research and Innovation Department of SAWS, the incumbent will be responsible for: 
  • Conduct research and innovation in numerical weather prediction, surface observations and remote sensing datasets towards developing operational products and processes in support of the SAWS operations and services to meet the SAWS strategic goals and obligations. 
  • Participate in evaluating data assimilation research needs and assist in developing and maintaining research in areas of specialisation, in line with international standards, practices and developments. 
  • Participate in research programmes, projects or activities related to data assimilation. 
  • Assist in observations data analysis and maintenance of the data assimilation suite. 
  • Participate in the support of relevant operational data assimilation products and systems. 
  • Assist in identifying research gaps in data assimilation and pursue methods to address these in cooperation with other SAWS divisions and sections and where relevant with external institutions. 
  • Keep abreast of new data assimilation methods and technology so as to improve productivity and service delivery. 
  • Publish and present research findings to others on a national and international level. 
  • Participate in enhancing and building the national/international positioning of SAWS through scientific collaboration and engagement (meetings, workshops, working groups etc) 
  • Support to foster strategic partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders, collaborators 
  • Represent the SAWS where appropriate on national or international scientific panels/committees or expert groups. 
  • Support and attend to ad hoc data assimilation information and data requests. 
  • Keep administrative processes up to date (Research Management Framework, monthly reporting etc.) 
  • Participate in all activities related to the implementation and/or maintenance of the SAWS TQM system ensuring quality output and customer satisfaction 
  • Support and attend to ad hoc administrative requests. 
  • Participate in developing funding research proposals and contribute to the administration of research efforts forthcoming. 
  • Contribute to the development and mentorship of students and younger scientists. 
 
Minimum Requirements and Attributes: 
  • An appropriate Honours degree in the Atmospheric Sciences/Meteorology 
  • University level research project experience. 
  • Knowledge and research experience in the field of data assimilation (specifically weather observations, numerical weather prediction models, radar and satellite) will serve as an advantage. 
  • Knowledge and proficiency in a programming language such as FORTRAN, GrADS 
  • Python and R, 
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal 
  • The ability to work in a team 
  • The ability to create new innovative solutions 
 
 
Please Note: 
Register as user on our website using this link: https://www.weathersa.co.za/home/vacancies to apply for the above position and upload your (Comprehensive CV with certified copies of qualifications). 
 
Enquiries for the above-mentioned positions must be directed to Ms Thembisa Bixa, at Tel. (012) 367 6208. 
 
Closing Date: 01 March 2024 
 
Preference will be given to People living with disabilities in line with SAWS EE Targets. Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. Candidates who have not been contacted within 3 months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept your application was unsuccessful. The organisation reserves the right not to fill this position. South African Weather Service is an equal opportunity employer. 
 
Record Reference HCM-ADVERT-SCIENTIST-RES-PRO_APPL
 
 
 
 
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DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT 
The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. 
 
APPLICATIONS May be forwarded to the Director-General, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, May be forwarded to the Director-General, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment: Private Bag X4390, Cape Town, 8000 or hand-deliver to 63 Strand Street, Cape Town, 8000 
 
CLOSING DATE 23 February 2024 
 
NOTE Applications must be submitted on a New signed Z83 form obtainable from any Public Service Department accompanied by a recent detailed Curriculum Vitae to be considered. 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 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. Following the interview and the technical exercise, the Selection Panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of competency-based assessments. The person appointed to this position will be subjected to a security clearance, the signing of a performance agreement and an 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. 
 
FOR ATTENTION Human Resources Management 
 
 
SENIOR METEROLOGICAL TECHNICIAN: GOUGH ISLAND (APPROXIMATELY 15 MONTHS CONTRACT) (OC 05/2024) 
SALARY R 294 321 (plus 37% lieu in benefits). Permanent SAWS employees will have a different payment structure of benefits. 
CENTRE MARION ISLAND 
 
REQUIREMENTS BSc Degree/ BTech in Natural Science or equivalent qualification within related field, coupled with a minimum of one year experience in surface meteorological observations or Grade 12 with National Weather Certificate coupled with 5 years’ experience in weather observation. Previous Island Experience will be an added advantage. Technical Competencies: Project Management, Conflict management, report writing and communication skills etc.. Candidates must be willing to work shifts (both day and night shifts) and on public holidays, in possible adverse weather conditions. Candidates must be punctual, dedicated, precise and be willing to work in a team, as well as on their own. 
 
DUTIES Oversee and coordinate surface meteorological and atmospheric research project assigned by the Marine Section of SAWS. Exercise responsible shift management of the two assistant meteorological technicians. Responsible for the supervision of a team of assistant meteorological technicians, provide leadership and guidance on day to day operations, including delegation of tasks and ensure submission of daily and monthly reports within stipulated timeframes, ensuring compliance with WMO applicable standards. Perform surface meteorological observations, conduct upper-air balloon releases and maintain and verify all equipment at the remote station of Marion Island. Conduct quality control of data, report writing and asset control. Assist other team members with logistical and administrative tasks associated with the general running of the base. Conduct all duties in accordance with the rules, regulations and standards as set out by the South African Weather Service. 
 
NOTE The incumbent will execute duties at Marion Island Base and adhere to the health, safety and environmental requirements. The successful applicant will spend a full year (April 2024 to May 2025) at Marion base. There is no option to return to South Africa before May 2025. The ability to work and live with small groups of people is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with e-mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant has to be self-sufficient and self-motivated. The location may affect both the physical and mental well-being of the incumbent, their family and close relationships. Candidates must be physically fit, mentally strong and prepared for physically challenging and satisfying work. In addition, the successful candidates may often be called upon to work long hours in extreme conditions on duties unrelated to their function. Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment. Appointment to these positions is subject to a rigorous medical examination as well as psychometric assessment, which will be arranged for at no cost to the applicants. 
 
ENQUIRIES Lebogang Makgati Tel: (021) 935 5700 
 
Email: Lebogang.Makgati@weathersa.co.za
(NB Do not email CV’s to enquiries)
 
 
 
 




DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT 
The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. 
 
APPLICATIONS May be forwarded to the Director-General, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, May be forwarded to the Director-General, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment: Private Bag X4390, Cape Town, 8000 or hand-deliver to 63 Strand Street, Cape Town, 8000 
 
CLOSING DATE 23 February 2024 
 
NOTE Applications must be submitted on a New signed Z83 form obtainable from any Public Service Department accompanied by a recent detailed Curriculum Vitae to be considered. 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 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. The person appointed to this position will be subjected to a security clearance, the signing of a performance agreement and an 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. 
 
FOR ATTENTION Human Resources Management 
 
 
ASSISTANT METEOROLOGICAL TECHNICIAN (X2 POSTS): GOUGH ISLAND (APPROXIMATELY 15 MONTHS CONTRACT) (OC 06/2024) 
SALARY R 241 485 (plus 37% lieu in benefits). Permanent SAWS employees will have a different payment structure of benefits. 
CENTRE MARION ISLAND 
 
REQUIREMENTS Grade 12 with Maths & Science / Grade 12 with National Weather Certificate; coupled with two (2) years’ experience in weather observation. Previous Island Experience will be an added advantage. Technical Competencies: communication and interpersonal skills etc. Candidates must be willing to work shifts (both day and night shifts) and on public holidays, in possible adverse weather conditions. Candidates must be punctual, dedicated, precise and be willing to work in a team, as well as on their own. 
 
DUTIES Assist and actively participate in the running of the surface meteorological and atmospheric research project assigned by the Marine Section of SAWS. Perform surface meteorological observations, conduct upper-air balloon releases and maintain and verify all equipment at the remote station of Marion Island. Conduct quality control of data and when required or perform tasks within the prescribed scope of work as delegated by the Senior Meteorological Technician. Assist other team members with logistical and administrative tasks associated with the general running of the base. Conduct all duties in accordance with the rules, regulations and standards as set out by the South African Weather Service. 
 
 
NOTE The successful candidate will be required to attend compulsory training at the South African Weather Service in Cape Town. The incumbent will execute duties at Marion Island Base and adhere to the health, safety and environmental requirements. The successful applicant will spend a full year (April 2024 to May 2025) at Marion base. There is no option to return to South Africa before May 2025. The ability to work and live with small groups of people is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with e-mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant has to be self-sufficient and self-motivated. The location may affect both the physical and mental well-being of the incumbent, their family and close relationships. Candidates must be physically fit, mentally strong and prepared for physically challenging and satisfying work. In addition, the successful candidates may often be called upon to work long hours in extreme conditions on duties unrelated to their function. Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment. Appointment to these positions is subject to a rigorous medical examination as well as psychometric assessment, which will be arranged for at no cost to the applicants. 
 
ENQUIRIES Lebogang Makgati Tel: (021) 935 5700 
Email: Lebogang.Makgati@weathersa.co.za
(NB Do not email CV’s to enquiries)