Senior Technologist at The South African Weather Service (SAWS)

WS03/082024    

Job Summary:

To manage the regional observation infrastructure performance through effective maintenance, upgrade, and calibration of Observing Networks to enable system availability and data integrity.

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 diagnose and repair faulty equipment to enable network availability.
• Undertake continuous monitoring of Observing Networks and evaluate system performance.
• Implement the Inspection Programme for Observing Networks to maintain data integrity.
• Liaise with Commercial Clients on AWS installation and maintenance matters.
• Identify new sites in the expansion of network areas and prepare proposals for approval by Regional Manager.
• Compile the infrastructure demand plan for the region, with support from Meteorological Technicians.
• Coordinate infrastructure replacement requests with Technical Services.
• Ensure calibration and testing of meteorological equipment as and when necessary.
• Coordinate the incoming and outgoing of meteorological equipment.
• Ensure 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:

• Monitor adherence to EQS processes to enable certification of equipment of Observing Networks.
• Participate in the planning and direct the implementation of decommissioning and recommissioning of the weather observation systems.
• Provide analysis and recommendations on asset life cycles.
• Analyze 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.
• Develop maintenance processes for Observing Networks.
• Develop business continuity plans to ensure availability of systems.

Administration, Governance, Risk & Compliance:

• Prepare infrastructure status reports for Regional Manager on a daily basis.
• Monitor MOU with Site Owners to ensure fulfillment of contractual obligations.
• Prepare specifications for procurement of technical equipment.
• Proactively order 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 and have easy access to them and comply accordingly.
• Ensure compliance with designated national and international standards.
• Analyze and interpret regional infrastructure performance through monitoring and evaluation. Where applicable, implement corrective actions.
• Ensure strict adherence to SHEQ policies and procedures.
• Monitor the Risk Register and ensure the implementation of identified risk mitigation actions.
• Participate in various regional audits and ensure that all audit findings are addressed.
• Compile 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 in operation.
• Take ownership of own development activities to ensure performance against agreed standards.
• Contribute to team success by contributing and committing to the team.

Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborate with the other regional team in an effort to deliver the SAWS mandate.
• Implement public awareness programs 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.