CHIEF ASSISTANT TECHNICAL OFFICER (SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT) REF NO: 301026/34 Branch: Water And Sanitation Services Management: GP Cd: Provincial Operations: Gauteng Dir: Water Resources Management Sd: Hydrological Services

This position is for a Chief Assistant Technical Officer (Scientific Support) within the Department of Water and Sanitation, based at the Boskop Hydrological Services Office. The role sits within the Hydrological Services sub-directorate, which forms part of the Water Resources Management directorate in the Gauteng provincial operations. The incumbent will work in a technical environment focused on surface and groundwater data, supporting the broader mandate of managing the country’s water resources. The post is graded at a technical support level and offers an opportunity to contribute to the collection, processing, and archiving of essential hydrological information used for water resource planning and decision-making.

Applicants must have an NQF Level 4 Senior Certificate or Grade 12 with Mathematics, Mathematics Literacy, or Physical Science. In addition, between six and ten years of practical experience in a surface or groundwater technical environment is required, specifically involving the collection and processing of water-related data. A valid, unexpired driver’s licence is essential, as the role involves travel and fieldwork. Candidates need a high level of computer literacy in Microsoft Excel and Word, and must be able to work with the HYDSTRA data management system. Knowledge of surface water monitoring instruments, data processing and administration, hydrological and geo-hydrological processes, and relevant database systems is also required. Familiarity with relevant equipment, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements, tendering processes, and the purchasing of instruments and materials is expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, good interpersonal relations, organisational skills, technical report writing, and effective verbal and written communication are all necessary. A willingness to travel is a key condition of the post.

The main duties involve assisting with the collection, processing, and archiving of hydrological data, including stream flow, surface water levels, evaporation, and rainfall data. The officer will ensure that data and field forms are received, registered, and processed, and will use HYDSTRA for data processing, archiving, and quality control. Processed data must be archived according to departmental standards, and recommendations from field visits must be reported to the supervisor. The role also includes converting raw binary logger data into suitable formats for import into relevant systems, and assisting with the dissemination of hydrological data to stakeholders within the Department of Water and Sanitation. The incumbent will support Technicians, Assistant Technical Officers, and Scientists in executing their tasks, including quality control, and will provide inputs for training materials as well as on-the-job training in their area of expertise.

This is an equal opportunity position, with the Department’s Employment Equity objectives taken into account during the selection process. Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and preference will be given to candidates aligned with the equity targets. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to suitability checks, including qualification verification, reference checks, criminal and credit checks. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate when shortlisted, and foreign nationals or dual citizenship holders must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin. Candidates will also be required to complete a financial disclosure form and undergo security clearance. The department reserves the right not to fill the position, and correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.