Radar Specialists x3 (Re-Advertisement) at The South African Weather Service (SAWS)

Job Summary and Key Performance Areas: 

The Specialist: Radio frequency and Detection Range (RADAR, Regional) Network is essentially responsible for the operation of the radars within the respective regions in South Africa: 

• RADAR and peripheral Maintenance and Calibration, 
• Assembly, Installation, Repairs and Upgrade 
• Software Development and Back-up, thus have advanced ICT Skills 
• Multi-discipline in Engineering 
• Understanding of General Machinery Rules and Regulations, thus ensuring compliance 
• Record Keeping, Compilation and Updating 
• Research on new and developing Radar Technology 

The Specialist RADAR Network: Regional, may also be requested to partake in the following SAWS networks including, but not limited to the following: 

• Radar Technology and trend upkeep, technology research 
• Frequency Management and its impact on Weather RADAR Technology. 
• Heavy Current Electrical Circuitry and Reticulation, such as LV, MV (up to 11KV 3 phase circuits), 
• Switchgears, Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs), Transmission lines and Substation. 
• Air-conditioning and Refrigeration 
• Diesel Generator and Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) Technology 
• Lightning Detection Network 
• Web-Based Camera (WEBCAM) Network 
• Surface Observations Network [(which includes the Automatic Weather Stations (AWSs); 
• Automatic Rain Gauge Systems (ARSs); Manual Stations; and Biomet Stations)] 
• Upper Air Sounding Network (which includes the Hydrogen Generators and Tracker System) 
• Renewable Energy (Wind and Solar Power) Technology and its impact on Weather RADAR 
• Technology.
• Solar Radiation Technology 
• Network promotion and expansion 
• Audit and Risk Management Skills 

The functions require a broad scope of basic ICT electronic knowledge and skills.  

The Specialist, RADAR Network: Regional shall also: 

• Provide training on the operation of network nodes and instrumentation to SAWS staff and commercial clients with the aim of enabling competence in installation, routine maintenance, as well as the development of documentation to support the activities mentioned above and maintain. 
• The necessary records to prove system adherence and compliance with documented requirements.
• Transfer skills to the Regional Senior Technologists and Technicians. 

Minimum Requirements and Attributes: 

• A Degree in Electrical Engineering (NQF 7 – 8: B-Tech, B-Eng, BSc). 
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant technology experience, post qualification. 
• Minimum of 5 years’ other engineering or technology experience. 
• Well-versant in specific technology application (thus, Original Equipment Manufacturer, OEM, trained). 
• If registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (Candidate or Professional Category), ECSA recognised Voluntary Engineering Body may be considered as added advantage.