Scientific Technician Production Grade A (Database Admin) at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Requirements & Qualifications

• National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in science, or relevant qualification within the related field as recognised by SAQA. Compulsory registration with SACNASP as certificated natural scientist, and at least three (3) years post qualification technical (scientific) experience

Duties

• The incumbent will be responsible for transforming data formats and performing routine operations on data; maintaining databases and distributing information through the Marine Information Management System (MIMS); developing and customizing operational software; applying appropriate technical procedures and skills to generate information and knowledge; compiling reports and making recommendations; routinely engaging with research staff to identify needs and requirements; and providing technical support to research staff to promote data uploads on the MIMS.
• Furthermore, the incumbent will provide technical support information and advice to organize scientific information so that it is FAIR – (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable); adhere to international best practices in terms of metadata content and data format; promote and advocate MIMS to stakeholders; provide data management support to the Oceans and Coast branch to improve the monitoring of ocean processes and climate change around South Africa; and support the digitisation of the Oceans and Coast historical dataset.
• Additionally, the incumbent will implement software to perform technical scientific functions and tasks; design, develop and maintain open-source databases for scientific data; implement web-based tools for data visualisation and capture; provide scientific support and advice; access data from international data repositories and real-time systems; maintain continuous professional development to keep up with new technologies and procedures; conduct research/literature studies to improve expertise; support the MIMS manager to publish and present technical reports and findings; and liaise with relevant bodies/councils on scientific computing-related matters.  

Candidate Profile

• Knowledge of Information systems engineering principles, scientific data formats, database design and entry, and the use of open-source database creation and management tools such as SQL.
• Proficiency in programming skills in minimum one computing language, specifically Python or MATLAB, while basic knowledge of web development such HTML, PHP or JavaScript would be advantageous.
• Additionally, they must exercise professional judgment, conduct data analysis, perform quality assessment and control.
• Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, effective communication skills, leadership, and the ability to take direction; and demonstrate self-management, networking, planning and organisational skills, and the ability to navigate conflict management and change management.