Scientist Manager Grade A

About the role

The Department of Water and Sanitation is hiring a Scientist Manager Grade A in Water And Sanitation Services Management: EC Provincial Operations: Eastern Cape Sd: Geohydrological Services, based in Kugompo. This is a permanent post, paying R1,143,468 a year. How to apply: All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.dws.gov.za/ Reference number to quote: 301026/05 Closing date: 30 October 2026 Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV.

Responsibilities

• Manage and provide strategic leadership for geohydrological services.
• Plan, coordinate and oversee groundwater-resource monitoring, assessment and information management programmes.
• Provide specialist geohydrological advice to management, municipalities, water-sector institutions and other stakeholders.
• Oversee groundwater-quality and groundwater-level monitoring programmes.
• Manage groundwater data, modelling and dissemination of scientific information.
• Lead scientific research and promote the application of innovative groundwater management approaches.
• Provide input on groundwater projects, budgets and procurement processes.
• Manage staff performance and development.
• Mentor candidate scientists and facilitate scientific skills transfer.
• Represent the department in technical committees, stakeholder forums and intergovernmental structures.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, policies, professional standards and scientific codes of practice.
• Develop and implement geohydrological methodologies, policies, strategies, procedures and technical standards.
• Review and approve scientific reports, groundwater studies, models and technical recommendations.
• Ensure the development and implementation of policies, systems, and procedures.
• Review and recommend/approve scientific projects, facilitate the setting of scientific standards, specifications, and service levels according to organizational objectives to ensure optimum operational service.
• Monitor scientific efficiencies according to organizational goals, and facilitate the compilation of innovation proposals to optimize limited resources in achieving increased levels of compliance within industry.

Requirements

• MSc Degree or equivalent qualification in Geohydrology/Hydrogeology/Earth Science.
• 6 years of post-qualification natural sciences experience required.
• Compulsory registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist.
• The disclosure of a valid unexpired driver’s license.
• Experience in groundwater exploration, monitoring, assessment and sustainable resource management.
• Experience in water resource management.
• Scientific methodologies and models.
• Research and development.
• Scientific presentation.
• Analysis and management of groundwater data.
• Business processes to ensure data flow.
• Professional judgement.
• Scientific mentoring.
• Strategic capability and Leadership.
• Financial Management.
• Change Management.
• Problem solving and analysis.
• Knowledge management.
• People Management and Empowerment.
• Client Orientation and Customer Focus.
• Excellent communication, report-writing and presentation.
• Conflict management.
• Accountability and ethical conduct.
• Knowledge of the National Water Act and related water-sector legislation.
• Experience in scientific research, project management, stakeholder engagement, technical report writing and the management of professional scientific personnel.
• Knowledge of GIS and groundwater-modelling tools such as MODFLOW will be an added advantage.