SLR Technical Operator at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The main purpose of this role is to participate in daily Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) operational, technical and maintenance requirements. This role involves both indoor and outdoor work, during both day and night shifts, and requires driving at night

Key Responsibilities:

• SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PLATFORM AND DATA YIELD•Adhering to operational shifts as drawn up by the relevant supervisor•Tracking as many targets as possible according to the relevant priority list(s)•Ensure data capturing, pre-processing and submission as per established procedures•Participate in preventative maintenance and upgrades as per the determined Schedule INTERNAL PROCESSES AND RELATIONS•Identifying system issues and the causing factor(s) and / or system(s)•Assisting with necessary maintenance and upgrades•Communicate and report system issues clearly with team and supervisor•Accurate and complete logs in terms of satellites tracked, shift logs, etc
• SUPPORTING SKILLS AND ACTIVITIES•Support station operations in employee-specific area of strength(s)•Contribute to Quarterly and annual reporting requirements•Follow the health and safety protocols

Minimum Qualification:

• Grade 12 / Senior Certificate / National Certificate / Vocational 4 /N3 N4 N5/ NQF 4

Minimum Experience:

• 0-2 years

• National Diploma qualification in electronics/photonics/technical field (NQF Level 6)Valid driver’s license

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a technical and/or scientific environmentPrior experience in shift-based or fieldwork operations preferred

Knowledge:

• Exposure to opto-electronic systems and operationsFamiliarity with Microsoft Word and ExcelExperience working in a technical and / or scientific environmentBasic electronic systemsReasonable writing and communication skills

Additional Notes:
Ability to assist in maintenance and upgrades of an electronic natureParticipating in maintenance, repairs, calibrations and testsBasic technical competenciesReport on shift outcomesParticipate in station upgrades Driving at nightWorking day and night shiftsThe 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) is established by an Act of Parliament and mandated to contribute to national development by supporting, promoting and advancing research and human capacity development, through funding and the provision of the necessary research infrastructure, in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including humanities, social sciences and indigenous knowledge; and supporting and promoting public awareness of, and engagement with, science. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) implements South Africa's strategic investments in radio astronomy, including the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which covers a broad range of engineering and scientific activities. SARAO is a National Facility of the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy and space geodesy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the Africa Radio Astronomy Programme across nine African countries, as well as associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.