Section Head: National Borehole Core Depository

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations and Logistics

• Inventory control of existing and incoming borehole cores and lithological samples (rock/soil).
• Directs material handling, sampling, packaging and storage of core, rock hand specimen, soil, etc. in line with the operational procedures.
• Supervises maintenance, calibration and operation of scientific equipment, data curation and preservation tools in the core depository (e.g. databases, etc.).
• Directs prudent data and knowledge management in line with established/best practice.
• Supervises specialist geological sample preparation and analyses including the operation, maintenance, repair of equipment of depository apparatus.
• Supervises operation and maintenance of complex equipment (e.g. hyperspectral scanner).
• Coordinates all systems in the National Borehole Core depository (core retrieval and packing, databases, facilities, etc.) maintenance and optimisation.
• Manages the use of specialised software packages for operating the electronic and image core library (e.g. databases, software for hyperspectral scanner, etc.).  
• Provides technical service and support for research projects within or across the organisation.
• Supervises the handling to storage facilities at the National Borehole Core depository.
• Manages the packing of core and geological samples in relation to the design and operation of the National Borehole Core depository.
• Directs stocktaking and ordering supplies for the National Borehole Core depository.
• May be required to supervise core handling activities for in-house drilling projects.
• Designs catalogues for data and knowledge management.

Project Management and Implementation

• Develops strategic project plans for the operation and optimisation of the National Borehole Core depository.
• Guides the implementation of projects.
• Identifies and contributes to the compilation of tender proposals where required.
• Monitors project costs and expenditures and ensures that the budget is expended in line with the approved plans and objectives of the projects.
• Integrates, interprets all datasets, reports and findings on projects in the National Borehole Core depository.

Scientific Research

• Independently initiates and participates in integrated geoscientific and logistical research, which involves data mining, data collection, data interpretation and compilation/computation of the required products in line with the plans and prescribed guidelines.
• Directs the collation of geoscience and logistical data according to set requirements for data curation, preservation and presentation.
• Develops continuous improvement plans and researches on new techniques for up-to-date digital running of the National Borehole Core depository.
• Develops, interrogates and implements innovative conceptual models, methodologies and techniques to enhance efficiency in the operational optimisation of the National Borehole Core depository.
• Compiles high-quality technical reports and scientific publications.
• Provides contributions and/or formulates scientific-logistical research proposals, methodologies and techniques.
• Oversees and conducts extensive laboratory observations or field tests on grounds, geological samples (rocks – core or hand specimen, soils, etc.).
• Supervises the testing and implementation of new software/technologies for implementation on equipment or data analyses.
• Contributes to technical conceptualisation of research projects and devises logistical methods to implement.

Quality and Risk Management

• Maintains a safe and optimal working environment in line with set procedures by ensuring adherence to safe working method statements/ safety procedures and policies.
• Develops and implements operating manuals for work procedures for ISO certification.
• Identifies, monitors risk and develops mitigation measures and controls for correction and prevention to maintain quality standards in line with the risk management plan.
• Develops waste/discard/disposal management plans and ensures adherence thereto.
• Evaluates project results, reviews and edits project reports compiled by subordinates in the section.
• Conducts daily operations, maintenance, and calibration and repair of instruments and equipment.
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Stakeholder Relations

• Provides expert advice in the operations of the National Borehole Core depository.
• Provides technical, scientific data, information and advice on arrangement or installation of instrumentation for data acquisition in project management delivery to support CGS programmes and its staff.
• Develops and maintains working relations with client base.
• Makes science-based contributions to research publications in national and international publications.
• Reports progress and technical problems to the manager and proposes remedial solutions.
• Participates in scientific discussions on advancements in core depository curation and maintenance at relevant platforms.
• Provides technical/scientific data, information and advice to all the relevant stakeholder.
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People Management (including development and capacity building)

• Provides supervision and guidance in execution of projects, use of equipment by subordinates.
• Participates in continuous professional development initiatives/interventions in order to keep up with new technologies and procedures.
• Initiates national or international training workshops /courses for junior staff to strengthen skills transfer staff in line with the business unit development plan.
• Assist the manager with resource planning and allocation.
• Develops independent development plans for manager’s review.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Good communication skills.
• Ability to analyse, prioritise and solve complex logistical and technical problems independently.
• Ability to conduct advanced geoscientific research within a specified discipline.
• Ability to generate and edit of advanced reports from the core depository work.
• Ability to independently interpret, evaluate and assess of data generated from the various sections of the core depository (e.g. hyperspectral scanner).
• Ability to evaluate and assess work and reports from subordinate in the section.
• Ability to develop and present scientific and logistical project proposals at national and international forums.
• Ability to develop scientific and logistical proposals, source commercial projects and negotiate contractual arrangements.
• Ability to lead and manage varied scientific and logistical projects in the National Borehole Core depository.
• Ability to lead and manage project team(s).
• Ability to mentor and coach other subordinated and project team members.
• Ability to implement ISO certification processes and standards.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Impeccable client/stakeholder orientation.
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EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12; and
• PhD/DTech in a geoscience-related field plus 3 years’ relevant  experience; or
• MSc/MTech in a geoscience-related plus 5 years’ relevant experience; or
• BSc Hons in a geoscience-related field plus 6 years’ relevant experience.
• Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) registration with SACNASP.
• Valid Driver’s License (non-negotiable).
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KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Computer literate and understanding of specialised software packages used in the core depository (e.g. databases, software for hyperspectral scanner, etc.).
• Understanding of logistical and scientific methodologies in line with best practice.
• Ability to conduct scientific presentation.
• Understanding of project management.
• Knowledge of routine data/sample collection in fieldwork using standardised methods.
• Understanding of conducting geological, geophysical and geochemical investigations, examination, exploration and evaluations.
• Experience in implementing procedures for sample preparation, packaging and storage.
• Proficiency and understanding complex core depository processes.
• Proficiency in implementing geoscience methodologies to analyse geological samples.
• Demonstrates proficiency as a competent end user of various core-library or laboratory instrumentation, equipment and systems.
• Experience with routine conditioning and calibration of physical and high-tech systems.
• Understanding of ISO processes and standards.
• Understanding of PFMA and supply chain processes.
• Understanding of the relevant core depository databases, building geodatabases, ArcGIS and spatial data processing as well as geo-referencing.