Scientific Technician Production Grade A (Database Admin)

Requirements & Qualifications

• National Diploma NQF Level 6 in science, or relevant qualification within the related field as recognised by SAQA. Compulsory registration with SACNASP as certificated natural scientist, and at least three 3 years post qualification technical scientific experience

Duties

• The incumbent will be responsible for transforming data formats and performing routine operations on data; maintaining databases and distributing information through the Marine Information Management System MIMS; developing and customizing operational software; applying appropriate technical procedures and skills to generate information and knowledge; compiling reports and making recommendations; routinely engaging with research staff to identify needs and requirements; and providing technical support to research staff to promote data uploads on the MIMS.
• Furthermore, the incumbent will provide technical support information and advice to organize scientific information so that it is FAIR – Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable; adhere to international best practices in terms of metadata content and data format; promote and advocate MIMS to stakeholders; provide data management support to the Oceans and Coast branch to improve the monitoring of ocean processes and climate change around South Africa; and support the digitisation of the Oceans and Coast historical dataset.
• Additionally, the incumbent will implement software to perform technical scientific functions and tasks; design, develop and maintain open-source databases for scientific data; implement web-based tools for data visualisation and capture; provide scientific support and advice; access data from international data repositories and real-time systems; maintain continuous professional development to keep up with new technologies and procedures; conduct research/literature studies to improve expertise; support the MIMS manager to publish and present technical reports and findings; and liaise with relevant bodies/councils on scientific computing-related matters.

Candidate Profile

• Knowledge of Information systems engineering principles, scientific data formats, database design and entry, and the use of open-source database creation and management tools such as SQL.
• Proficiency in programming skills in minimum one computing language, specifically Python or MATLAB, while basic knowledge of web development such HTML, PHP or JavaScript would be advantageous.
• Additionally, they must exercise professional judgment, conduct data analysis, perform quality assessment and control.
• Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, effective communication skills, leadership, and the ability to take direction; and demonstrate self-management, networking, planning and organisational skills, and the ability to navigate conflict management and change management.