Specialist Seismic Network Technician needed at Council for Geoscience

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Seismic station installation

• Prepare, configure and test seismograph station equipment.
• Site survey and/or inspections before construction.
• Seismograph station construction and on-site installations.
• Integrate newly installed stations into the entire Seismic System (network connectivity, data streaming, database writing, data quality and uptime, archiving and backups).

Maintenance and repairs

• Testing, verification and calibration.
• Logistical planning and arrangements for field repairs.
• Review maintenance/repair reports from junior staff.
• Determine the cause of problems in technical scientific and axillary equipment.
• Management and administration of Seismic Systems.
• Database management.
• Operation/optimisation/enhancement/configuration of software and hardware in line with Seismic System plans.

Monitor state-of-health & data availability of seismograph Networks

• Review monitoring reports from junior staff.
• Perform troubleshooting on Seismic Systems.

Project Implementation and Management

• Must have strong Project management skills.
• Compile reports on technical problems and formulate recommendations for corrective action.
• Supervise junior staff in the achievement of allocated deliverables in the project environment.
• Provide inputs to cost proposals for project implementation and capital purchases of new scientific equipment under supervision.

Research, learning and development

• In-depth research on new technologies applied in seismology to keep abreast with the trends and technological advancements.
• Make suggestions for research for new applications, technology trends and technical and operational solutions, and confirm viability.
• Conduct on-the-job coaching assistance for new users on scientific software to facilitate skills and knowledge transfer.
• Undertake the requisite individual learning and development in line with the Business Unit development plans.
• Present training workshops/courses related to area of expertise when required.

Stakeholder Relations and Reporting

• Develop working relations with Stakeholders where seismograph stations are deployed.
• Provide inputs on technical specifications to be included in external contractual agreements.
• Liaise with equipment manufacturers on technical aspects for repairs under existing contracts.
• Lead and facilitate diplomatic engagements and discussions related to the station operations.

Quality Assurance

• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and perform work according to SOPs.
• Review/supervise work done by junior staff.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Grade 12; 
• National Diploma in Electrical: Electronic- / Software Engineering / Computer Science (or equivalent) with at least 10 years’ relevant experience in the development, operation and maintenance of seismograph network(s), or
• BSc or B-tech (or equivalent) in Electrical- / Electronic- / Software Engineering / Computer Science with at least 8 years’ relevant experience in the development, operation and maintenance of seismograph network(s).
• Experience with seismic acquisition systems (e.g., Nanometrics, Reftek, Güralp).
• Strong understanding of telemetry systems and power supply configurations.
• Familiarity with seismic data analysis software (e.g., SeisComP, Earthworm, Antelope) is advantageous.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• Working level experience and knowledge regarding the installation, site selection, maintenance, repair and operation of a seismographic network, including all associated electronic systems (i.e. databases, data acquisition systems, communication systems, technical specifications and requirements of scientific equipment, calibration of equipment and troubleshooting of technical equipment).
• Working knowledge of seismic acquisition software and databases.
• Knowledge of total seismic network system setup and administration.