Scientist Production Grade A – Systems Ecology needed at Gauteng Provincial Government

Requirements :

• Grade 12 plus B.Sc. Hons Degree (NQF Level 8) in Ecological Science/ Landscape Ecology/ Remote sensing/ Natural Resource Management/ Natural Science/ Ecological Systems/ Environmental Science or relevant qualifications as recognized by SAQA.
• 3 years’ post qualification relevant experience in ecological remote sensing, drone imagery, GIS mapping, planning and modelling. Ecological spatial monitoring, planning and modelling, Python programming. Compulsory registration with SACNASP. Valid driver’s licence. 

Duties :

• Develop and implement methodologies, policies, systems, and procedures. Monitor project/programme performance. Perform scientific functions with basic tasks that require some interpretation in the presence of an established framework.
• Provide scientific support and advise. Undertaking research and analysis of the nature and complexities of the physical world to identify discoveries that would improve people’s lives and ignite scientific knowledge for society, including facilitation of interdisciplinary advances in systems thinking, synthesis, and modelling. Develop and test theory of ecosystem organization; detect and manage emergent properties; and predict responses to disturbance, including biodiversity risks and disasters.
• Conduct and apply remote sensing, python programming, drone imagery or other GIS systems in ecosystems monitoring, analysis, interpretation and modelling. Contribute and supervise the implementation and maintenance of key ecosystems monitoring. Coordinate ecological systems spatial planning and mapping. Collate and storage of ecological systems data and information management. Perform scientific analysis and regulatory functions.
• Provide evidence-based decision support in the Department by evaluating and providing comment for protected areas management, compliance and enforcement purposes, permitting and environmental authorisation applications.
• Supervision of staff and develop working relations with client base under supervision. Create basic public awareness of the systems ecology dynamics. Provide accurate data and information as requested. Conduct basic analysis of scientific data and compile reports.
• Familiarisation with existing technologies and procedures. Conduct basic and applied research. Publish and present research findings. Research/literature studies on science to improve expertise. Participate in intra and intergovernmental platforms on matters pertaining to systems ecology.