Scientist Production A – C at Department of Water and Sanitation

Requirements

• A science degree (BSc Hons) in environmental science, aquatic science, hydrology, water quality science, or a relevant natural science qualification. Three (3) years of post-qualification scientific experience in water quality monitoring, ecological assessment, or pollution impact analysis. Compulsory registration with SACNASP as a professional natural scientist. 

Duties

• Conduct strategic water quality and ecological monitoring, including analysis of trends, risk identification, and resource status assessments within the water management area. Support the development, alignment, and governance of strategic water-quality monitoring networks, including ecological water requirement sites, and ensure data integrity and reporting readiness. Undertake site inspections and technical assessments during pollution incidents to evaluate water-quality impacts, ecological risks, and potential exceedances of Resource Quality Objectives, and compile evidence-based reports and recommendations.
• Review and comment on environmental submissions, including scoping reports and environmental impact assessment reports, with a focus on water quality risks, waste-related impacts, ecosystem integrity, and compliance with resource-directed measures. Provide technical input into the Catchment Management Strategy and ensure protection requirements are integrated into allocation and reconciliation processes. Provide evidence-based scientific support to compliance directorates on water quality and waste discharge matters where required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of monitoring systems, data governance, and scientific reporting standards, and work collaboratively across quantity and quality functions to address cross-cutting water resource management challenges. Engage in stakeholder and technical forums to communicate scientific findings and promote integrated catchment management.