Senior Scientist Air Quality Services at The South African Weather Service (SAWS)

Key Performance Areas: 
The Scientist: Air Quality Information is expected to deliver on the following key goals and strategic objectives of the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS) as per the SAWS Strategic and Business Plan: 

• Quality control and quality assurance of air quality data; 
• Active involvement in the commissioning and installation of new technical applications and solutions; 
• Report on the availability and quality of data from the monitoring network; 
• Interaction with technical staff in the Regions and head office in technical as well as scientific and ICT fields, with respect to operational and other associated assistance; 
• Adhere to/implement national and internationally prescribed standards in respect of the air quality infrastructure maintenance and the derived data; 
• Keep abreast of the latest air quality monitoring systems and infrastructures and related developments, technologies and techniques; 
• Provision of near real-time, quality controlled and assured ambient air quality data and information gathered by ambient air quality monitoring stations reporting to the SAAQIS through the SAAQIS web site to government, business and industry, academia, research institutes and the general public; 
• Publication of research, air quality newsletters, official publications, legislation, Gazettes and other documents related to air quality and air quality management in South Africa on the SAAQIS web site; 
• Development and presentation of Air Quality Monitoring Reports; 
• Delivery of commercial and/or public good services through various projects including client liaison, research, development, installation, upgrading or maintenance of the scientific systems relevant to specific AQ research field; 
• Participation in programs, projects or activities related to commercial and/or public good services; 
• Development of new products and establishment of new processes that will improve the service delivery to clients; 
• Participation in Quality Management System Auditing and Continuous Improvement programmes and activities; 
• Conducting administrative functions related to the post. 

Requirements:

• A Masters Degree in Air Quality Sciences OR an equivalent or higher qualification in Environmental Sciences, Chemistry, Physics; 
• Minimum of 4 years scientific experience in data, research and information activities; 
• Good knowledge in computer and information systems, and database management systems;
• Knowledge of air quality and other environmental legislation, 
• Code 8 driver’s license for a gear shift vehicle (manual); 
• Administrative and organizational skills for varied tasks; 
• Ability to work under pressure and within time constraints; 
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal; 
• Knowledge and skills in formulating and writing of reports and scientific papers, with specific reference to air quality related topics; 
• Ability to read, analyse and interpret air quality data and information; 
• Skills and experience (at least 1 year) in project management.