The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is a Section 3(a) public entity under the Ministry of
Environmental Affairs and is governed by a Board. The organisation is an authoritative voice for
weather and climate related services in South Africa and is a member of the World Meteorological
Organization (WMO) to fulfil a range of international obligations of the government. South African
Weather Service (SAWS) strives to be a Weather and Climate Centre of Excellence providing innovative
solutions to ensure a weather-smart region, sustainable development and economic growth. The
South African Weather Service (SAWS) is therefore seeking to appoint an efficient and enthusiastic
person to undertake the role of:
Senior Scientist
Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW)
Department: Research and Development
Salary: Total package negotiable – Level 10
Ref. WS07/102023
Centre: Cape Town
Job Summary:
The Senior Scientist: Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) will be responsible for various trace gas
research activities and assisting the Senior Scientist GAW in this regard. A special focus will be on data
quality and QA/QC procedures according to WMO GAW protocols. The Scientist will participate in
research, scientific, operational and administrative activities within his/her section. The suitable
candidate should have at least university level project experience in weather-climate sciences,
atmospheric/air pollution aspects of remote sensing and possess good communication skills necessary
to contribute to the advancement of the SAWS GAW mandate.
Key Performance Areas:
As a Senior Scientist: GAW within the Research and Innovation Department of SAWS, the incumbent
will be responsible for:
- Conduct research and innovation under the guidance of the Lead Scientist, to ensure sustained
and continuous long-term systematic monitoring and processing/evaluation of atmospheric
chemistry data within the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) programme, towards the support
of the SAWS operations and services, in order to meet the SAWS strategic goals and
obligations. - Participate in the research, development, installation, upgrading or maintenance of the
scientific instruments/systems relevant to atmospheric chemistry monitoring and research at
the Cape Point GAW station. - Participate in research programmes, projects or activities related to greenhouse gas (GHG)
observations. - Assist the senior scientist in GHG data analysis, calibrations and verification as well as
maintenance of data sets. - Participate in the support of all relevant GHG products and systems.
- Support Lead scientist any new projects undertaken, both in cooperation with other SAWS
divisions and sections and well as with external institutions. - Keep abreast of latest GHG measurement technology, methods and techniques so as to
improve overall productivity and service delivery. - Assist Lead scientist to publish and present research findings to others on a national and
international level. - Participate in enhancing and building the national/international positioning of SAWS through
scientific collaboration and engagement (presentations, meetings, workshops, etc) - Support Lead scientist to foster strategic partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders,
collaborators - Support and attend to ad hoc Supply Chain Management requests.
- Keep administrative processes up to date (Research Management Framework, monthly
reporting etc.) - Participate in all activities related to the implementation and/or maintenance of the SAWS
SHEQ system, ensuring quality output and customer satisfaction - Support and attend to ad-hoc administrative requests.
- Ensure and contribute to the GAW unit SHE Quality requirements of SAWS.
- Working knowledge of troubleshooting technical instrumentation (including IT related issues).
Minimum Requirements and Attributes:
- An appropriate Masters degree in the Atmospheric Sciences/ Meteorology/ Environmental
/Physical or Chemical sciences - At least 2-5 years proven scientific experience Knowledge and research experience in the field of
Atmospheric Sciences/ Meteorology/ Chemistry/Physics or Environmental Sciences will serve as
an advantage. - Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Experience in the operation of analytical equipment (GC or air quality instruments)
- Ability to meet project and administrative deadlines
- The ability to work in a team as well as individually
- Ability to work with MS Excel, MS Word, MS Powerpoint
- Willingness to undertake further study e.g. PhD
- Valid Code 08 drivers licence
- Knowledge of programming/coding in any language such as Matlab, R, Python, SQL will be an
added advantage
Please Note:
Register as user on our website using this link: https://www.weathersa.co.za/home/vacancies to apply for the above position and upload your (Comprehensive CV with certified copies of qualifications).
Enquiries for the above-mentioned positions must be directed to Ms Thembisa Bixa, at Tel. (012)
367 6208.
Closing Date: 06 November 2023
Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. Candidates who have
not been contacted within 3 months after the closing date of this advertisement,
please accept your application was unsuccessful. The organisation reserves the right
not to fill this position. South African Weather Service is an equal opportunity employer.
Record Reference HCM-ADVERT-SENIOR_SCIENTIST-RES-GAW
All the best with your applications