Specialist Scientist - Hydrogeologist

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Undertake specialised geoscience investigations focused on South Africa’s groundwater resources and provide expert advice on water-related issues.
• Undertake specialised geoscience research and development to improve understanding of the hydrogeological regime.
• Conduct geological surveys and mapping, analysing geological data to understand subsurface geology that controls groundwater flow paths, storage, and quantity.
• Lead environmental impact assessment and ensure compliance with environmental requirements.
• Predict the movement of contaminants in groundwater, helping to identify potential sources of pollution and to design remediation strategies.
• Undertake hydrogeological modelling to understand water flow, manage water resources, and assess risks related to climate change.
• Lead geoscience data mining, collection, interpretation, and modelling toward developing the knowledge and strength of South Africa’s developmental imperatives.
• Develop 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) hydrological mapping projects and broader geoscience programme.
• Report and present the findings of the CGS’s hydrological mapping projects 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.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and supervision to more junior staff toward their professional development.
• Undertake critical review of CGS products and methodologies, within the hydrological mapping projects and broader geoscience 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 hydrological models, aiding in broadening knowledge of groundwater resources.
• Ensure adherence and/or compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and safety protocols related to hydrological aspects of projects.
• Compile standardised geological reports for management information purposes (manage all geological data properly).

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

• Initiate, participate and take a leading role in specialised 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. 
• Compilation of reports and high-impact peer-reviewed technical papers or scientific publications.
• Stay updated on the latest geological research and hydrogeological mapping techniques.
• Develop policies and make recommendations of 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 and lead national or international review bodies tasked with reviewing advanced projects/programmes of national, scientific, or international significance.
• 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 regarding geoscientific work or programmes.
• Participate and lead the analysis of various types of geological data, including geological and geophysical data, to understand hydrogeological behavior in an outcrop.
• 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.
• 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 postgraduate degrees or scientific publications.
• Make presentations at 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.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT 

• 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

• Grade 12 and;
• BSc Honours Degree in Geology/Hydrogeology with a specialisation in hydrogeological modelling and 20 years’ experience in fundamental Geology and/or Hydrogeology, or;
• MSc in Hydrogeology with a specialisation in hydrogeological modelling and 15 years’ experience in fundamental Geology and/or Hydrogeology, or;
• PhD Degree in Hydrogeology with a specialisation in hydrogeological modelling and 10 years’ experience in fundamental Geology and/or Hydrogeology;
• Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) registration with SACNASP.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience in integrated geosciences, hydrogeological mapping, and hydrogeological modelling.
• Experience and ability to develop and apply hydrogeological models.
• Relevant publication record.
• Knowledge and understanding of various geodynamic environments, their characteristics, and how these enable various mineralising systems.
• In-depth specialised knowledge and understanding of geodynamics, regional orogenic-tectono-metamorphic processes, and the applications and collection of geoscience data, especially linked to minerals and energy systems.
• Computer literacy and the ability to work within a geographic database environment, and critical economic geology modelling systems.
• General understanding of treasury guidelines and procurement procedures.

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: 05 December 2025