Chief Scientist - Geology (Mapping) x 3

Job Title                                 : Chief Scientist – Geology (Mapping) x 3

Position Status                      : Permanent

Peromnes Grade                   : P06 (R 1 362 944,20 CTC per annum)

Location                                 : Pretoria, Head Office

Reporting Line                      :  Manager: Scientific Resources

Overall, Job Purpose            : Undertake advanced to innovative, integrated, and multidisciplinary geoscientific research to provide fundamental understanding of geological history, structure, and resources for various applications, including mineral exploration, resource management, infrastructure development and understanding natural hazards. The incumbent will oversee the design and implementation of sampling programmes, geological sampling, and mapping of rock formations and geological structures.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Undertake advanced geoscience investigations focused on South Africa’s mapping programme.
• Undertake advanced geoscience research and development to improve understanding of rock formations and geological structures.
• Conduct geological surveys and mapping, analysing geological data to understand subsurface geology and its implications.
• Lead geoscience data mining, collection, interpretation, and modelling toward developing the knowledge and strength of South Africa’s developmental imperatives.
• Contribute to the development of innovative and new methodologies that can be employed in South Africa’s development sectors.
• Compile and oversee the development of reports, maps, and similar publications on the Council for Geoscience’s (CGS) mapping programme and broader geoscience programme.
• Report and present the findings of the CGS’s mapping programme to key stakeholders.
• Make recommendations of the research at a regional, national, and inter-governmental level for both scientific and for the benefit of South Africa’s national development sectors.
• Advise on the exploration of resources, including drilling programmes.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and supervision to more junior staff toward their professional development.
• Undertake a critical review of CGS products and methodologies within the Mapping Programme and broader geoscience programme.
• Undertake constant review and evaluation of the CGS’s Mapping Programme.
• Contribute toward, and uphold, key quality assurance practices and methodologies in the CGS.
• Undertake varied geoscience activities and research and development toward meeting the mandate of the CGS and the developmental agenda of South Africa.
• Use specialised software and GIS tools to analyse data and build geological models, aiding in broadening knowledge of geological formation and structures, and resource exploration.

Research and Development

• Initiate, participate and take a leading role in advanced and cutting-edge geoscientific research, which involves:

• Data mining and data collection.
• Data interpretation.
• Compilation/computation of maps and/or geoscientific models.
• Development of new methodologies.
• Publications. 

• Lead research in the search for and development of natural resources and potential deposits.
• Compilation of reports and high-impact peer-reviewed technical papers or scientific publications.
• Stay updated on the latest geological research and mapping techniques.
• Contribute to the development of policies and make recommendations on the research at regional, national, inter-governmental level for scientific research or commercial purposes.
• Provide guidance and/or mentoring to junior staff in research, which involves the following:

• Develop and guide the formulation of research proposals, methodologies, data collection and data interpretation.
• Revision and editing of reports, methodologies, models and maps on various projects.
• Lead and monitor progress on projects.
• Evaluate project results, edit reports of junior scientists for publication.

• Participate in independent research from data gathering, development of high-quality maps and reports, level editing of maps, reports, 3D models and other publications.
• Develop, interrogate, and implement innovative and specialised conceptual models and techniques to enhance efficiency with regard to geoscientific work or programmes.
• Contribute to the design of new methods and formulate theories, using integration of existing and new data with regard to geoscientific work or programmes.
• Participate and lead the analysis of various types of geological data, including geochemical, geophysical, and remote sensing data, to understand geological processes and structures.
• Geoscience data processing, interpretation and packing toward defining research areas/requirements and the establishment and review of solutions toward mandated research objectives, training, and development plans.
• Integrate and package results toward applied policy-defining suggestions.

Project Implementation/ Project Management

• Design and lead varied projects simultaneously and guide other scientists in the implementation.
• Monitor risks and implement/make recommendations for corrective measures in line with the risk management plan for the Business Unit Manager.
• Identify and contribute to geoscience aspects during the compilation of tender documents and proposals.
• Participate and/or lead commercial contract negotiations with external clients in line with the mandate from the Executive Management.
• Monitor expenditures in the project expenditure and ensure that the budget is expended in line with the evaluation of progress of tasks and objectives of the projects, and report progress to the line manager.
• Lead the compilation of commercial and statutory project tender documents or contracts, geoscientific and project financial and scheduling aspects.
• Design and provide independent moderation or peer-review of post-graduate degrees or scientific publications.
• Develop and implement operating manuals for work procedures for ISO certification.
• Evaluate project results, review and edit project proposals and technical reports compiled by lower-level scientists.

Stakeholder Relations and Reporting

• Provide specialised advice to Executive Management, and/or public and private sector in the related field of expertise and may advise Executive Management on scientific and technical acceptability of maps, publications and reports.
• Provide independent moderation or peer-review of post-graduate degrees or scientific publications.
• Make presentations at a national and/or international conferences or related work forums.
•  Editing or co-editing of a book or volume based on conference proceedings.
• Make science-based contributions to research publications as an author or co-author in national and international journals.
• Produces high-quality publications in national and/or international journals as first author.
• Participate in scientific discussions at national and international conferences involving matters of scientific importance, either in a specific field or variety of fields.
• At times, contribute to the national standard and best practice guidelines at relevant Forums.

Quality Assurance

• Identify, develop, and implement operating manuals for work procedures for ISO certification.
• Evaluate project results, review and edit project proposals and technical reports compiled by lower-level scientists.

Learning and Development

• Mentor, coach and provide supervision and guidance in specialised research of lower-level scientists in regard to their geoscientific work and their progress.
• Initiate national or international training workshops/courses for junior staff to strengthen skills transfer in line with the business unit development plan.
• Assist in identifying and designing training needs and recommend to the manager.
• Evaluate the results, edit reports for publication by junior scientists, and prepare own work for publication by the CGS.
• Supervise and guide the execution of projects by junior staff

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Ability to lead and undertake research within a dynamic and diverse team environment, and capable of building interpersonal relations with clear communication.
• Ability to resolve complex and specialised analytical and logistical problems.
• Ability to lead and oversee the planning and organising of targeted field work and project coordination.
• Ability to undertake a leadership role with clear communication, management of resources, conflict management, and the capability of building professional relationships.
• Affinity toward training and development of young/inexperienced geoscientists.
• Professional and scientific writing and communication skills.
• The ability to work with a wide range of geoscience modelling programmes and software.
• The ability to lead and oversee the collection and integration of a wide range of geoscience datasets, including borehole and legacy data.
• Have an affinity toward creative and innovative thinking with a significant dedication toward quality management and control.
• Affinity toward maintaining the highest level of safety and health management.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Matric (Grade 12) and;
• BSc Hons in Geology, or any other relevant earth science qualification, plus 13 years relevant experience. Or,
• MSc in Geology, or any other relevant earth science qualification, plus 8 years relevant experience. Or
• PhD in Geology, or any other relevant earth science qualification, plus 5 years relevant experience.
• Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) registration with SACNASP
• NRF rating will be an added advantage.
• Valid driver’s licence

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge and understanding of geological history, structures, and resources for various applications, including mineral exploration, resource management, infrastructure development and understanding natural hazards.
• Peer-reviewed onshore geoscience publication record will be an added benefit.
• Knowledge and experience in project planning, management, and execution will be an added advantage.
• In-depth specialised knowledge and understanding of geodynamics, regional orogenic-tectono-metamorphic processes, and the applications and collection of geoscience data, mainly linked to minerals and energy systems.
• Knowledge and understanding of various geodynamic environments, their characteristics, and how these enable various mineralising systems.
• General understanding of treasury guidelines and procurement procedures.
• Computer literacy and the ability to work within a geographic database environment, and critical economic geology modelling systems.

The Council for Geoscience is committed to Employment Equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity prescripts, preference will be given but not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups. Females and people from previously disadvantaged groups and sectors are encouraged to apply.

Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not been contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of this advertisement, please consider your application unsuccessful.

All appointments are subject to positive vetting results.

The processing of your personal information by the Council for Geoscience will be done in accordance with the POPI Act 4 of 2013.

For enquiries, please contact us at recruitment@geoscience.org.za. Please note: Applications submitted to this email address and CGS social media platforms will not be considered.

Closing Date: 18 September 2025