Senior Technologist - De Aar Office at The South African Weather Service (SAWS)

Key Performance Areas: 

Products, Service Delivery / Infrastructure maintenance: 

• Ensure data availability from remote Observation Networks such as Automatic weather stations, RADAR, Lightning Detection Network, Automatic Rainfall stations, conforming to approved organizational targets. 
• Accurately diagnoses and repairs faulty equipment to enable network availability. 
• Undertakes continuous monitoring of Observing Networks and evaluate system performance. 
• Implements the Inspection Programme for Observing Networks to maintain data integrity. 
• Liaises with Commercial Clients on AWS installation and maintenance matters. 
• Identifies new sites in the expansion of network areas and prepares proposals for approval by Regional Manager. 
• Compiles the infrastructure demand plan for the region, with support from Meteorological Technicians. 
• Coordinates infrastructure replacement requests with Technical Services. 
• Ensures calibration and testing of meteorological equipment as and when necessary. 
• Coordinates the incoming and outgoing of meteorological equipment. 
• Ensures that reactive and non-reactive maintenance is attended to within the stipulated timeframes as directed by Technical Services and the Line Manager.  

Innovation, Process Improvement & Revenue Generation: 

• Monitors adherence to EQS processes to enable certification of equipment of Observing Networks. 
• Participates in the planning and directs the implementation of decommissioning and re-commissioning of the weather observation systems. 
• Provides analysis and recommendations on asset life cycles. 
• Analyse current techniques and technologies used in the collection and processing of data to ensure the best practices are used and applied consistently across the board. 
• Develops maintenance processes for Observing Networks. 
• Develops business continuity plans to ensure availability of systems. 

Administration, Governance, Risk & Compliance: 

• Prepares infrastructure status reports for Regional Manager a daily basis. 
• Monitors MOU with Site Owners to ensure fulfilment of contractual obligations. 
• Prepares specification for procurement of technical equipment. 
• Proactively orders Weather observation infrastructure spares to prevent work disruptions. 
• Ensure the availability of the relevant Standard Operating Procedures, and that the junior personnel are well inducted on these also have easy access to them and comply accordingly. 
• Ensure Compliance with designated national and international standards.
• Analyse and interpret regional infrastructure performance through monitoring and evaluation. Where applicable implement corrective actions. 
• Ensures strict adherence to SHEQ policies and procedures. 
• Monitor the Risk Register and ensure the implementation of identified risks mitigation actions. 
• Participate in various regional audits and ensure that all audit findings are addressed 
• Compiles monthly, quarterly and annual status reports on Observing Networks for submission to Regional Manager. 
• Give input on budget planning. 
• Assist the region and SCM with sourcing of local suppliers. 

People, Culture and Values: 

• Promote a culture and practices that reflect the SAWS values and manage the team’s performance. 
• Develop Capacity and capability required to sustain/ maintain observations infrastructure ion operation. 
• Takes ownership of own development activities to ensure performance against agreed standards. 
• Contributes to team success by contribution and commitment to the team.  

Stakeholder Management: 

• Collaborate with the other regional Team in an effort to deliver the SAWS mandate. 
• Implement public awareness programmes for the local communities. (Office outreach activities). 

Minimum Requirements and Attributes: 

• BTech in Electrical/Electronic Engineering (Light Current) or equivalent. 
• At least 5 years’ experience within Electrical/Electronic Engineering or equivalent environment. 
• Code EB or Code 08 (without endorsements). 
• Leadership and management skills