Senior Technologist 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