Principal Technical Assistant: Science Collections Ref: RHEC/2023/08 at South African National Biodiversity Institute

Job Summary

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated, efficient, and enthusiastic person to provide physical and scientific curation support in the Compton Herbarium.  The incumbent will be required to provide scientific and technical support services in herbarium collections, including data capture, quality control, imaging, mounting and repair of herbarium specimens, physical curation activities, as well as co-ordination and supervision of herbarium volunteers and interns.

• The successful candidate must be in possession of a Grade 12, (with Biology as a subject),
• Job Specific Qualification, or equivalent qualification with NQF 4 with 5 years of work experience in the relevant field, OR a National Diploma or Higher Certificate or equivalent qualification with NQF 6 with 3 years of work experience in the relevant field.
• A Higher Education Qualification/Advanced Diploma at NQF 7 will be an added advantage.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position:

• comprehensive knowledge and understanding of biodiversity conservation and taxonomic principles;
• proven ability to provide support to managerial activities, herbarium curation techniques, and database operation; proven ability to work under pressure with diverse team whilst being quality, cost, and safety conscious;
• ability to plan, solve problems, and implement solutions; good planning, organizing, interpersonal, time management, and problem solving skills;
• excellent report writing and communication skills (both verbal and written);
• computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook) will be advantageous;
• experience in the use of Botanical Record and Herbarium Management System (BRAHMS) software will be an added advantage.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Perform physical curation duties;
• Attend to mounting and renovation of specimens;
• Execute specimen data processing duties;
• Perform data curation duties;
• Contribute to digitisation activities;
• Render general scientific and support services; and
• Co-ordination of herbarium volunteers and interns.