SCIENTIST MANAGER GRADE A – REF NO: 301026/04 Branch: Water Resource Management Dir: Water Resource Management Planning Sd: Water Quality Planning

This Scientist Manager Grade A post sits within the Department of Water and Sanitation's Water Resource Management branch, specifically in the Water Resource Management Planning directorate's Water Quality Planning sub-directorate, based at the Pretoria Head Office. The role is an OSD-graded management echelon position, meaning it carries the associated all-inclusive salary package and professional career progression typical of the Occupation Specific Dispensation. The successful candidate will join a team of professionals tasked with strategic water resource planning, with a dedicated focus on water quality. This involves developing and maintaining integrated water quality planning solutions that support the broader management of the country's water resources.

The core responsibilities are wide-ranging and technically demanding. The incumbent will conduct assessment studies to address data and information gaps and needs for water quality planning, and will be responsible for forward planning using predictive modelling tools and other methodologies. A key part of the role is formulating planning goals, including the determination of Water Quality Planning Limits. The Scientist Manager will also handle intervention planning through scenario analysis, reconciliation and allocation of water quality, and the development of programmes, thematic plans and strategies to maintain or improve water resource quality in catchments. In addition, the post provides water quality planning decision support and management information to help implement water quality interventions, and contributes to capacity building in this field. The role also involves providing national and strategic guidance on resource directed water quality management, assisting in the planning and conducting of studies or projects, and writing and compiling technical scientific reports and documents. Policy development is another important element, as the work relates to the development, implementation and refinement of policies, strategies, guidelines and methodologies for water quality planning and management. Finally, the post promotes integrated planning through stakeholder participation, coordination and management.

To be considered, applicants must hold an MSc degree in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, or a relevant qualification in Water Resource Management. They need six years of applicable post-qualification experience after a BSc Natural Scientific degree, and must be compulsorily registered with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist. A valid unexpired driver's licence is required, as is extensive knowledge of and experience in water quality management. Computer literacy is essential. The ideal candidate will have a sound understanding of how to integrate water quality management into the holistic management of water resources, and will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, good comprehension, the ability to interpret data and information, and the capacity to work with a wide range of stakeholders.

Other important information relates to the application and selection process. The department is an equal opportunity employer and will apply the Employment Equity imperatives of the Constitution and the Employment Equity Act, with women and persons with disabilities encouraged to apply and preference given to EE targets. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to suitability checks, including SAQA verification, reference checks, and criminal and credit checks. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate when shortlisted. As this is a Senior Management Service post, shortlisted candidates will undergo a technical exercise and interview, and up to three candidates may be required to complete psychometric assessments covering cognitive abilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence and integrity. A pre-entry certificate from the National School of Government is required before appointment, and all shortlisted SMS candidates must undertake two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an integrity assessment. Candidates will also need to complete a financial disclosure form and undergo security clearance. Foreigners or dual citizenship holders must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin when shortlisted. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates only, and those who do not hear within three months should consider their application unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to fill the position, and faxed applications will not be accepted.