Principal Geomatics Officer

About the role

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development is hiring a Principal Geomatics Officer in Imagery And Topographic Data, based in Western Cape (Mowbray). This is a permanent post, paying R413,001 a year. How to apply: Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to: 4th floor, No 2 Riebeeck Street, ABSA Building, Cape Town or by email to Post273@dlrrd.gov.za Reference number to quote: 3/1/1/1/2026/273 Closing date: 23 October 2026 at 16:00 Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV. Note: EE Targets: Indian and White Males, and African and Indian Females, and Persons with Disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Capture different geospatial data into the Integrated Topographic System.
• Interpret imagery and map the topographical features.
• Ensure topological rules are applied in accordance with the topographic standard.
• Document the processes for application of topographical rules.
• Ensure all topographical features metadata is captured.
• Map the land cover classes in accordance with the defined standard.
• Perform geospatial data analysis according to the requirements.
• Quality check the accuracy of mapped land cover classes in accordance with requirements.
• Ensure compliance to the standards in maintaining geospatial in the database.
• Monitor availability of archives tapes.
• Contribute/participate in the development of procedure and standard documents.
• Provide reports on the monitoring of the Tape Library equipment’s and software.
• Ensure random checks on readability of archive tapes.
• Extract and provide geospatial data from the database.
• Process the aerial imagery spatial flight plan data (photo, flight lines and boundary) in the database and provide a report.
• Provide report on all completed and published vector data to Integrated Topographic Information System (ITIS) for aerial Imagery.
• Store all aerial imagery ground position system data files in the database according to the defined structure.
• Acquire, process and produce geospatial information for all mapping purposes.
• Source, edit and manipulate geospatial data for creating maps.
• Prepare, validate and import geospatial data for map spatial environment.
• Validate the processed geographic names and ancillary data.
• Ensure application of defined cartographic generalisation principles to enhance geospatial data during map production.
• Ensure compliance to standards and specifications at all times.
• Undertake photogrammetric absolute orientation of aerial imagery in accordance with standards and specifications.
• Perform quality check and verify accuracy of processed data as required.
• Archive the final maps and geospatial data in accordance with the standard.
• Disseminate, promote and quality assure geo-spatial information and services to clients.
• Provide and ensure the correctness of geo-spatial information to clients in accordance with service delivery standards.
• Create awareness to internal and external clients.
• Report on quality related issues and participate in processes to ensure quality.
• Assist with the revision of datasets of products and services for established vendors with district municipalities.
• Assist with stock management and stock reconciliations.
• Maintain copyright of geospatial information.
• Ensure correctness of invoices and quotations.
• Perform administrative and related functions.
• Provide advice to clients on use of products and services, including the Geoportal.
• Acquire, validate and process ancillary data for topographic mapping purposes.
• Verify and ensure all geospatial data and materials for field annotation are accurate for each map.
• Use the different ancillary geospatial data and verify all the changes detected on previous edition map are recorded.
• Prepare a report with all the queries classified from digital field annotation for each map.
• Source ancillary data and authenticate the geographic names and their geographic position in a map.
• Ensure all captured and processed ancillary data meets the requirements and available in the database (Integrated Topographic Data).

Requirements

• Minimum requirements:
• Applicants must be in a possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and a National Certificate in Geomatics or Survey Officer Certificate (NQF Level 5)
• At least 6 years geomatics post qualification experience in geomatics, geospatial information science
• Job related knowledge:
• Knowledge of surveying
• Photogrammetry
• Cartography
• Geo-spatial information science
• Good Geographical Information Science (GIS) knowledge regarding data capture, structuring and manipulation
• Knowledge of aerial photo interpretation for topographic mapping
• Knowledge including feature identification and data representation
• Knowledge of Geographical Information Systems software
• Performance management and monitoring
• Theory, principles and practices of standards
• Job related skills:
• Problem solving and analysis
• Decision making
• Team leadership and creativity
• Customer focus and responsiveness
• Communication (verbal and written)
• Computer literacy
• Planning and organising
• Conflict management and negotiation