CHIEF RESEARCH TECHNICIAN: WATER SCIENCE (TWO YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT)

• Technical infrastructure coordination: Independently responsible for the installation, configuration, and ongoing maintenance of field-based monitoring equipment, including driving to remote sites, setting up systems, ensuring correct deployment, and addressing site-specific challenges.

• Maintains high standards of equipment functionality through regular calibration, diagnostics, and troubleshooting.

• Field and laboratory operations: Personally, conducts fieldwork across multiple sites, including the installation of technical infrastructure, manual data collection, and environmental sampling (e.g. soil, water).

• Engages in laboratory work as required, including sample processing and supporting standard procedures in soil science and related disciplines.

• Data management and processing: Develops and implements code to facilitate semi-real-time data retrieval from deployed field equipment.

• Manages the curation and integrity of environmental datasets and supports data processing workflows to ensure timely availability of reliable, structured data for researchers.

• Research support and collaboration: Serves as a technical point of contact for all project researchers, providing flexible and responsive support on tasks ranging from field deployments and sample collection to laboratory procedures and data-related coding or troubleshooting.

• Maintains clear communication to align with project timelines and technical requirements.

• Technical reporting and documentation: Maintains comprehensive logs of all equipment deployments, calibrations, site visits, and data handling procedures.

• Prepares internal documentation to support reproducibility and continuity across the project’s technical components.

• MSc degree in Climatology, Meteorology, Environmental Science, Data science plus 8 years applicable experience or a related Hons degree or B Degree/B.Tech. plus 10 years applicable. National Diploma plus 15 years applicable experience.

• Applicable experience in research support, technical operations, laboratory or field procedures, infrastructure maintenance, calibration, data collection, or related technical research environments, depending on qualification level.

• Registration with relevant scientific registration body.

• Demonstrated experience in project management and coordination, including project planning, budgeting, technical risk management, and resource coordination.

• Proven ability to support and lead technical aspects of research projects, including data collection, processing, analysis, interpretation, and technical reporting.

• Experience in the maintenance, calibration, and management of scientific infrastructure and equipment.

• Knowledge and experience in technology transfer, innovation, prototype development, testing and validation, and/or commercialization processes will be advantageous.

• Evidence of scientific contribution through technical reports, innovation outputs, presentations, or authorship/co-authorship of scientific publications.

• Experience supervising, mentoring, or coordinating technical staff or small teams.

• Sound understanding of safety, health, environmental compliance, and regulatory standards applicable to research and technical environments.

• Strong technical problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.

• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to compile and present technical reports.

• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research environments and engage effectively with researchers and stakeholders.

• A valid driver's license (Code 8/EB) is required, as the position involves regular travel.

• Willingness and ability to travel and spend intermediate periods away from home for fieldwork and project-related activities.

Enquiries: Dr AT Grundling, Tel: 012 310 2500

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 23 JULY 2026.

A competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance (as well as competency and leadership assessments).

Preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV with at least three recent (3) contactable referees, certified copies of certificates, supporting documents and a copy of driver’s license must be attached on the form.

A SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The organisation reserves the right not to appoint.