About the position
Postion Summary:
The Grasslands Node, set up in 2011, is one of seven within SAEON. The nodes long term observations and research sites are carefully designed to support interdisciplinary research aimed at understanding how climate change and human activities affect Grasslands and the essential services they provide to society.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage the operational performance, maintenance, and upgrades of the Cathedral Peak (CP) LTER observation platform, ensuring continuous data collection and functionality
- Conduct routine monthly sampling and maintenance of the CP instrumentation network and assist with other platforms as needed
- Conduct pre-testing, deployment, commissioning, calibration, and servicing of instrumentation, including repairs and inspections
- Oversee logistical planning and risk mitigation for field operations, including security measures, safety protocols, route access and equipment protection from fire
- Drive innovation through the evaluation of new technologies, system improvements, and custom technical solutions
- Ensure high-quality data through downloading, QA checks, and processing aligned with SAEON data protocols
- Maintain metadata, field logs, and documentation; manage uploads to the open data portal and relevant repositories
- Support field research by assisting SAEON staff, students, and collaborators with technical and logistical needs
- Share data with stakeholders, collaborators, and land custodians, ensuring traceable proof of distribution
- Develop and contribute to dashboards, visualizations, and graphics to support reporting and data interpretation
- Operate and tow the 8m boat for periodic inland water sampling linked to observational studies
- Participate in internal and external technical forums to standardize protocols and advance instrumentation and data practices
- Contribute to publications, policy briefs, social media content and e-news articles, to enhance SAEON’s visibility and impact
- Mentor interns in instrumentation, field protocols, and data systems; support their technical development
- Manage field assistant performance through structured planning, monitoring, coaching, and personal development support
- Lead inventory and asset tracking, including photographic documentation and lifecycle management of the nodes equipmentEnsure maintenance and compliance of vehicles, boats, and trailers per safety and regulatory standardsIdentify needs and assist in procurement related to the observation platform through contributing expert input on technical specifications and supporting SCM processes
- Uphold financial and supply chain practices in line with PFMA, Treasury, and NRF policies, leading bid committees (BSC/BEC) when required
- Support science engagement and outreach activities, including stakeholder interaction and learner development programmes
- Implement health, safety, and environmental compliance measures across field sites, ensuring collaborators complete risk assessments and that all regulations are followed, including EKZNW protocols
Minimum Qualification:
- Honours Degree / Post Graduate Qualification / Professional Qualification / NQF 8
Minimum Experience:
- BTech, BSc Hons (NQF 8) in a field related to instrumentation, climatology/meteorology/micrometeorology, agrometeorology,hydrology, air quality/atmospheric chemistry, biogeochemistry, physics, chemistry, environmental science or engineeringMSc or MTech will be advantageousValid Driver’s license
- EB or compliant for pulling a trailer (Boat) would be advantageousSkippers licence would be advantageous, or must be willing to acquireRemote Pilot Certificate would be advantageous, or must be willing to acquire
Experience:
- 3-5 years’ experience working with hydrometeorological instrument arrays or similar equipment and sampling protocols2-3 years’ experience (inclusive) working in remote areas
- Regular off road driving experience experience more than 3 years
Knowledge:
- Working knowledge of fieldwork logistics, including risk management and health and safety proceduresTechnical understanding of a variety of environmental instruments, including advanced systems like Eddy CovarianceExperience with instrumentation development, installation, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenanceCompetency in using power tools, operating heavy machinery, and managing technical equipmentFamiliarity with data management principles, including data visualisation and presentationBasic coding skills (e
- g
- , R, Loggernet), with advanced proficiency considered advantageousBasic proficiency in Zulu for regional communication would be advantageousKnowledge of working at heights and fall arrest procedures (advantageous)Understanding of drone operation and associated regulations (advantageous)Strong writing and reporting abilitiesEffective organisational, planning, project coordination, and problem-solving skillsStrong interpersonal and communication skills for working with diverse teams and stakeholdersAbility to work independently after orientation, performing routine servicing and data collection from complex instrumentation systems
Additional Notes:
Physically fit to perform fieldwork in extreme mountain terrain, including 5–10 km hikes and driving in rough, off-road conditions (appointment subject to medical assessment)A skills tests will form part of the interview processWilling to work in areas with dangerous wildlife and under challenging environmental conditionsAble to spend extended periods away from home in rustic or remote field locationsWilling to adhere to a structured monthly fieldwork schedule and participate in additional project-based trips as neededWilling to mentoring and teach junior staff, interns, and studentsCommitted to regularly updating skills in the rapidly evolving field of instrumentationThe NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant·s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.
Desired Skills:
- Skilled in applied field of position
- Knowledge to be relevant
- Responsible in performing duties
About The Employer:
The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) is a research platform funded by the Department of Science Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF) since 2002. SAEON conducts long term observation and research in ecosystems on land, the coast and the oceans to understand how those systems function and are changing in time and space through human influences and climate change. We deliver information to our informed policy-making towards a sustainable society.
