Senior Technical Officer

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drilling for groundwater assessment and geoscientific research boreholes using percussion and reverse circulation drilling methods. This will include, but not limited to groundwater boreholes to maximum depth of 250 meters and mineral assessment boreholes to the maximum depth of 450 meters, installation of steel and uPVC casings, etc.
• Drilling of geotechnical assessment boreholes using percussion/reverse circulation drilling methods. This includes geotechnical assessment of boreholes to maximum depth of 100 meters.
• Borehole development and casing for groundwater, geotechnical assessment and mineral exploration using steel and uPVC casings, etc.
• Developing of borehole as per the client’s specifications, which can include but not limited to blow testing, water yield testing, etc.
• Recovering or (fishing) of lost equipment down the hole during drilling, such as rods, bits, etc.
• Prepare the related drilling equipment needed for each type of drilling method.
• Supervise assistant technical personnel while undertaking drilling services.
• Borehole development and casing for mineral exploration.
• Knowledge of standard operating procedures related to drilling methods and operations.
• Recording data or information during drilling, such as drilled core meters, gas detected etc.
• Handling and processing of the samples as prescribed by the requests of the client.
• Check and maintain good quality of core regularly to adhere to the specifications and quality standards set by the organisation.
• Daily checks and minor maintenance of equipment are required and recorded as per the organisation checklists and reports, and to the specifications of the client.
• Loading and offloading of equipment at the office and drill site using the safe work procedures laid down by the organisation.
• Setting up and dismantling of camps and drill sites. The drill sites must be safe and not destructive to the environment. The drill sites must be rehabilitated and left as close to the original state as possible, or to the acceptance of the client.
• Assist in driving the vehicle necessary to move the drill rig and equipment. The driller/technical officer will be required to assist with the driving of the trucks and other vehicles to mobilise the equipment from and to drill sites.
• Execute all administrative aspects related to drilling, for day-to-day record keeping of all activities at the drill site, such as daily drill record, vehicle log and checklists, etc.
• Execute ad-hoc tasks deemed necessary by the Supervisor or Manager, such as transport of equipment, etc.

Learning and Development

• Supervise and provide guidance to the Assistant Technical Officers during drilling operations. 
• Provide guidance in drilling methodologies, data collection and ensure quality control related to drilling and mineral exploration.
• Monitor and evaluate drilling operations, while mentoring assistant technical officers.

Quality Assurance

• Development and implement of quality documentation, and work within the requirements of the prescribed standards (ISO 9001 quality documentation).
• Ensuring health and safety measures on and off drilling sites.
• Develop and implement drilling operating manuals work procedures for ISO certification.
• Mentor and supervise Assistant Technical Officers to ensure quality core recovery. 
• Facilitate training courses or workshops to junior staff.

BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES

• Ability to work in remote areas.
• Presentation and facilitation skills.
• Communication skills (Oral and Written).
• Negotiation skills.
• Customer orientation.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Must be physically fit, e.g., ability to handle heavy equipment and machinery.
• Adherence to operation procedures as advised by the organisation and the client.
• Flexibility towards changes in priorities as determined by the supervisor/ project manager.
• Must have good self-discipline.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 10; and
• Valid code 14 driver’s license (EC) with PDP and experience of driving four axle heavy duty trucks will be an added advantage.
• Valid training certificates of drilling methods for reverse circulation and percussion will be an advantage.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of seven (07) years of reverse circulation and percussion drilling experience.
• Knowledge and experience in drilling for geotechnical assessment, mainly in dolomitic terrain using reverse circulation or percussion drilling.
• Knowledge and experience in drilling for groundwater investigation and assessment using percussion and reverse circulation.
• Knowledge and experience in drilling reverse circulation boreholes for mineral exploration.
• Knowledge and experience in preparation of the equipment needed for each type of drilling methods required.
• Knowledge and experience of ensuring health and safety measures on and off drilling site.
• Knowledge and experience of standard operating procedures related to drilling methods and operations.
• Experience of recording data or information during drilling such as drilled sample meters, water strikes, cavities, etc.
• Knowledge and experience with stick or mig welding, and gas cutting and brazing.
• Proven experience of operating a truck mounted crane. Operator ticket or valid certificate to be supplied.
• Knowledge and experience of minor mechanical repairs such as replacement of air and fuel.

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: 21 August 2026