Senior Scientist at The South African Weather Service (SAWS)

Job Summary:

• This position is responsible for matters pertaining to the availability and quality control of near realtime and historical air quality data managed by the South African Weather Service. The incumbent will assist in the provision of quality data to local clients and will be expected to be involved in and contribute to various projects including air quality related research and the development, installation, maintenance and upgrading of existing systems utilized by SAWS.

Key Performance Areas:
The Scientist: Air Quality Information is expected to deliver on the following key goals and strategicobjectives 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 technical as well as scientific and ICT fields, with respect to operational and other associated assistance.
• Strict adherence to national and internationally prescribed standards in respect of the air quality infrastructure maintenance and management of 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.
• 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, equipment installation, upgrading or maintenance of systems, etc.
• 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 SAWS clients.
• Conducting administrative functions related to the post.
• Participation in Quality Management System Auditing and Continuous Improvement programmes and activities.
• Conducting administrative functions related to the post.

Minimum Requirements:

• A Masters degree in air quality sciences OR an equivalent or higher qualification in
• Environmental Sciences, atmospheric Chemistry, Chemistry, Physics etc.
• Minimum of 4 years scientific experience in data management, research and information management activities.
• Good knowledge of 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 written and verbal communication skills.
• 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.