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:
- Contribute to the planning of and undertake observations across SAEON Grassland node research sites
- Contribute to knowledge production and science advancement through producing and contributing to research outputs
- Assist with data management to secure the Grasslands node hydrological and climate data for future use
- Assist with the processing of images obtained via remote sensing technologies
- Assist with data sharing with registered platform users
- Support science engagement and outreach activities, including stakeholder interaction and learner development programmes
- Adhere to 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:
- BSc Hons (NQF 9) specialising in hydrology or water resources managementMSc will be advantageous Driver’s license required Code 8 / EBOff-road driving skills and willingness to travel to remote locations
Experience:
- At least two years of experience in which regular field work related to hydrological observations was required either within studies or as part of employment
- Experience in hydrological modelling and statistical analysis of hydrological dataExperience in in situ surface and/or groundwater observationExperience in water quality and/or hydrogeochemical samplingExperienced with field logistics in remote areasAbility to write scientific reportsExperience with stakeholder or community engagement
- Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of the South African Strategic Water Source AreasUnderstanding of hydrological processes, catchment hydrology, and the water cycle under changing land use and climate conditions
- Understanding of satellite-based earth observation and its applications in water resources and land cover analysis
- Working knowledge of fieldwork logistics, including risk management and health and safety procedures
- Basic coding skills (e
- g
- R), with advanced proficiency considered advantageous
- Understanding of drone operation and associated regulations (advantageous)
Additional Notes:
Willing to work in areas with dangerous wildlife and under challenging environmental conditionsAble to spend extended periods away from home in rustic or remote field locationsThe 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.
