SCIENTIST MANAGER GRADE A REF NO: 301026/05 Branch: Water And Sanitation Services Management: EC Provincial Operations: Eastern Cape Sd: Geohydrological Services

This is a senior scientific management post within the Eastern Cape Provincial Operations of the Department of Water and Sanitation, specifically in the Geohydrological Services sub-directorate, based at Kugompo. The role is graded as a Scientist Manager Grade A and forms part of the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) salary structure, carrying an all-inclusive remuneration package. The position is central to the department’s mandate to protect, manage and sustainably develop groundwater resources in the Eastern Cape, and it requires a blend of advanced scientific expertise, strategic leadership and stakeholder engagement.

Candidates must hold an MSc degree or equivalent qualification in Geohydrology, Hydrogeology or Earth Science, and have at least six years of post-qualification experience in the natural sciences. Compulsory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Professional Natural Scientist is required, along with a valid, unexpired driver’s licence. The ideal applicant will have proven experience in groundwater exploration, monitoring, assessment and sustainable resource management, as well as broader water resource management. Strong grounding in scientific methodologies, modelling, research and development, data analysis and management, and the business processes that support data flow is essential. Additional competencies include professional judgement, scientific mentoring, strategic capability and leadership, financial and change management, problem solving, knowledge management, people management and empowerment, client orientation, and excellent communication, report-writing and presentation skills. Knowledge of the National Water Act and related water-sector legislation is critical, as is experience in scientific research, project management, stakeholder engagement, technical report writing and managing professional scientific personnel. Familiarity with GIS and groundwater-modelling tools such as MODFLOW will be an added advantage.

The incumbent will manage and provide strategic leadership for geohydrological services, planning, coordinating and overseeing groundwater-resource monitoring, assessment and information management programmes. This includes supervising groundwater-quality and groundwater-level monitoring networks, managing groundwater data, developing models and disseminating scientific information to support decision-making. The Scientist Manager will provide specialist geohydrological advice to departmental management, municipalities, water-sector institutions and other stakeholders, and will represent the department in technical committees, stakeholder forums and intergovernmental structures. The role also involves leading scientific research and promoting innovative groundwater management approaches, as well as contributing to groundwater projects, budgets and procurement processes. Staff management is a key component, including managing performance and development, mentoring candidate scientists and facilitating skills transfer. The post holder will develop and implement geohydrological methodologies, policies, strategies, procedures and technical standards, and will review and approve scientific reports, groundwater studies, models and technical recommendations. Ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, policies, professional standards and scientific codes of practice is a core responsibility, along with monitoring scientific efficiencies and facilitating innovation proposals to optimise limited resources.

This is an equal-opportunity position, and employment equity considerations will be applied in line with the Constitution and the Employment Equity Act. Shortlisted candidates should note that suitability checks, including qualification verification, reference checks, and criminal and credit checks, will be conducted. 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. 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 prior to appointment, and the successful candidate will need to complete a financial disclosure form and undergo security clearance. Applications must be submitted online, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.