Specialist Seismic Network Technician

Job Title                       :      Specialist Seismic Network Technician

Position Status            :      Permanent

Peromnes Grade         :      P07 (R 1 123 719.44 CTC Per Annum)

Location                       :      Head Office: Pretoria

Reporting Line             :      Manager: Infrastructure and Land Use

Overall Job Purpose    :       The incumbent will implement technical expertise for the installation, operations and maintenance of all aspects of seismograph networks and to manage real-time seismic data acquisition systems, data archives and automatic earthquake locator systems.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Seismic station installation

• Prepare, configure and test seismograph station equipment.
• Site survey and/or inspections before construction.
• Seismograph station construction and on-site installations.
• Integrate newly installed stations into the entire Seismic System (network connectivity, data streaming, database writing, data quality and uptime, archiving and backups).

Maintenance and repairs

• Testing, verification and calibration.
• Logistical planning and arrangements for field repairs.
• Review maintenance/repair reports from junior staff.
• Determine the cause of problems in technical scientific and axillary equipment.
• Management and administration of Seismic Systems.
• Database management.
• Operation/optimisation/enhancement/configuration of software and hardware in line with Seismic System plans.

Monitor state-of-health & data availability of seismograph Networks

• Review monitoring reports from junior staff.
• Perform troubleshooting on Seismic Systems.

Project Implementation and Management

• Must have strong Project management skills.
• Compile reports on technical problems and formulate recommendations for corrective action.
• Supervise junior staff in the achievement of allocated deliverables in the project environment.
• Provide inputs to cost proposals for project implementation and capital purchases of new scientific equipment under supervision.

Research, learning and development

• In-depth research on new technologies applied in seismology to keep abreast with the trends and technological advancements.
• Make suggestions for research for new applications, technology trends and technical and operational solutions, and confirm viability.
• Conduct on-the-job coaching assistance for new users on scientific software to facilitate skills and knowledge transfer.
• Undertake the requisite individual learning and development in line with the Business Unit development plans.
• Present training workshops/courses related to area of expertise when required.

Stakeholder Relations and Reporting

• Develop working relations with Stakeholders where seismograph stations are deployed.
• Provide inputs on technical specifications to be included in external contractual agreements.
• Liaise with equipment manufacturers on technical aspects for repairs under existing contracts.
• Lead and facilitate diplomatic engagements and discussions related to the station operations.

Quality Assurance

• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and perform work according to SOPs.
• Review/supervise work done by junior staff.

KEY ATTRIBUTES AND REQUIRED SKILLS

• Technical skills, including working knowledge of Linux.
• Programming skills will be an added advantage.
• Working experience regarding seismic data acquisition software and databases.
• Presentation and facilitation skills.
• Communication skills (oral and written).
• Negotiation skills.
• Customer orientation.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Technical report writing skills.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Grade 12; 
• National Diploma in Electrical: Electronic- / Software Engineering / Computer Science (or equivalent) with at least 10 years’ relevant experience in the development, operation and maintenance of seismograph network(s), or
• BSc or B-tech (or equivalent) in Electrical- / Electronic- / Software Engineering / Computer Science with at least 8 years’ relevant experience in the development, operation and maintenance of seismograph network(s).
• Experience with seismic acquisition systems (e.g., Nanometrics, Reftek, Güralp).
• Strong understanding of telemetry systems and power supply configurations.
• Familiarity with seismic data analysis software (e.g., SeisComP, Earthworm, Antelope) is advantageous.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• Working level experience and knowledge regarding the installation, site selection, maintenance, repair and operation of a seismographic network, including all associated electronic systems (i.e. databases, data acquisition systems, communication systems, technical specifications and requirements of scientific equipment, calibration of equipment and troubleshooting of technical equipment).
• Working knowledge of seismic acquisition software and databases.
• Knowledge of total seismic network system setup and administration. 

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: 23 May 2025