Principal Geoscientist

Job Title                : Principal Geoscientist

Position Status     : Permanent

Peromnes Grade  : P04 (R2 118 834,95 per annum)

Location                : Pretoria (Head Office)

Reporting Line      : Executive Manager: Integrated Geoscience Development

Overall Job Purpose:

The Principal Geoscientist will coordinate the geoscientific technical work at the CGS, including implementation of internationally acceptable standards, direct the implementation of the geoscientific programme, and explore sustainable collaborative endeavours. This involve coordinating scientific work across different business units and provide strategic advice to the Executive Manager on geoscience research focus and partnerships.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, facilitate and coordinate the management of the CGS Geoscience Technical Programme.
• Develop and lead a programme to ensure the long term viability and sustainability of geoscientific research in the CGS.
• Expand the CGS network to form partnerships in support of geoscientific research.
• Contribute to the CGS’s financial sustainability by identifying and expanding collaborative research endeavours and partnerships.
• Manage international mapping and other geoscience contracts.
• Implement appropriate guides, standards and international best practices in the field of geoscientific research.
• Generate income by expanding on commercial activities.
• Represent CGS at governmental or intergovernmental level, as required.
• Represent CGS in discussions and/or contracts negotiations.
• Participate in CGS strategic task teams and stakeholder engagement activities, as required.
• Ensure proper management of projects in terms of appropriate scoping and development of proposals, with adequate financials and human resources, to the Executive Manager.
• Ensure adequate reporting to the Executive Manager on projects at all levels.
• Ensure synergy between various scientific teams with respect to geoscience disciplines.
• Assess appropriateness, viability, and sustainability of proposals for national, international, intergovernmental, scientific and commercial projects for approval by Executive Management and or the Board.
• Initiate, monitor and evaluate pre-competitive geoscientific research and innovation.
• Lead the development of new methodologies through research and innovation.
• Develop, implement and ensure adherence to ISO standards.
• Provide scientific leadership and oversight.
• Promote the CGS both locally and internationally in the field of geoscience.
• Ensure quality control of all products and services.
• Oversee the development of risk management systems related to geoscientific projects.
• Take responsibility for any other task as may be required from time-to-time.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Ability to think innovatively and strategically.
• Ability to evaluate research quality and monitor research output.
• Ability to evaluate and monitor projects including project reporting.
• Ability to analyse and assess viability of projects.
• Ability to network and solicit new commercial business.
• Ability to inspire, lead and motivate people.
• Ability to inspire and persuade others.
• Ability to set clear goals, monitor them and ensure attainment thereof.
• Ability to think decisively to ensure operational efficiency.
• Ability to resolve conflict and engender a conducive work environment.
• Ability to assess and monitor overall efficiency and effectiveness of projects.
• Ability to engender diversity and transformation.
• Ability to engender continued learning and growth for self -development and staff development.
• Good business and financial management acumen.
• Knowledge of applicable regulations and laws applicable to the field of expertise.
• Excellent scientific skills.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• MSc in geology with at least 20 years’ experience in planning, leading and managing large mapping programmes including practical exposure to international projects in the field of geology, or
• PhD in geoscience plus at least 15 years’ experience in planning, leading and managing large mapping programmes including practical exposure to international projects in the field of geology.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrable ability to guide and develop a diverse portfolio of scientific disciplines and research imperatives in the field of geoscience will be advantageous.
• Demonstrate and proven success in developing new business in geoscientific research, in particular in response to requests for proposals by international bodies will be highly advantageous.
• Demonstrable ability to oversee multiple projects and project resources.
• Member of an appropriate professional institution (e.g. SACNASP).
• Knowledge of regulations and/or laws applicable to the field of expertise.
• Knowledge of CGS Act, ISO 9001 and PFMA.
• Knowledge the Operational Health and Safety Act.

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