Senior Technician at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
This position is supported by the Department of Science and Innovation's South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) programme and will be based in Cape Town.

Key Responsibilities:

• The planning and execution of voyage scientific activities in collaboration with project leaders, specifically the preparation and handling of observation equipment and scientific instrumentation
• The servicing and calibration of marine and terrestrial scientific instruments
• Implementation and management of mooring and instrumentation deployments at various monitoring stations in the Ocean
• Health and safety, including risk assessment and associated safety procedures; onboard the vessel, laboratory and at the premises
• Acquisition of new instrumentation and facilitation of maintenance to existing ones through the supply chain process
• Engagement and liaison with OEM’s, distributors and service providers to ensure that all equipment perform optimally and comply with statutory and operational requirements
• Assisting with the collection and recording of scientific measurements, including physical data and biological information, according to proper scientific procedures and protocols
• Assistance with record keeping, data capture and data processing
• Overseeing the work of the other integrated facility techniciansOther tasks relating to SAEON’s activities as may be specified by the Manager from time to time

Minimum Qualification:

• Honours Degree / Post Graduate Qualification / Professional Qualification / NQF 8

Minimum Experience:

• 3-5 years

• A minimum requirement of an Honours or BTech in Electronic Engineering, Marine Technology, or equivalent qualification with at least 3 years post-qualification working experience

Experience:

• Capacity to adhere strictly to safety regulations and to contribute to the overall safety of operations
• Capacity to multi-task and manage time between multiple projects and activities

Knowledge:

• Ability to independently and efficiently plan, maintain and manage various deployments of offshore observing systems, including moorings and instrumentation onboard the vessel
• Proficiency in all aspects of marine and terrestrial equipment (maintenance, setup, operation, data acquisition and processing, troubleshooting)

Additional Notes:
A valid driver’s license and SAMSA approved medical, as well as the ability to complete SAMSA sea-going [URL Removed] to spend time away from the office onboard the vessel at sea (for up to 8 weeks), or in port. The job requires an employee to bend, stoop, reach, or stand for extended periods, lift and move heavy objects and lift and move heavy objects [URL Removed] 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 and Innovation (DSI) and managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF) since 2002. SAEON is mandated to observe and research ecosystems on land, in coastal regions and the oceans to understand how those systems function and might change over time and space when influenced by socio-economic driving forces including climate change. We deliver our data online and offer tools, services and advice for informed environmental policy-making