Specialist Seismic Network Technician

Council for Geoscience; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Specialist Seismic Network Technician in Gauteng, Pretoria. The role involves installing and maintaining seismic stations, managing projects, and ensuring system functionality. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in seismic network operations and strong project management skills.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 qualification required.
• 10+ years experience with seismic network development.

Responsibilities

• Install and maintain seismic stations and systems.
• Manage projects and supervise junior staff.

Skills

Project Management

Stakeholder Relations

Problem Solving

Education

National Diploma in Electrical/Electronic/Software Engineering

BSc/B-tech

Tools

SeisComP

Earthworm

Antelope

Job description

Job Title: Specialist Seismic Network Technician

Location: Gauteng, Pretoria

Deadline: June 14, 2025

Key Responsibilities

1. Seismic station installation
   Prepare, configure, and test seismograph station equipment.
   Conduct site surveys and inspections before construction.
   Construct and install seismograph stations on-site.
   Integrate new stations into the seismic system, ensuring network connectivity, data streaming, database integration, data quality, uptime, archiving, and backups.
2. Maintenance and repairs
   Perform testing, verification, and calibration of equipment.
   Plan and coordinate logistics for field repairs.
   Review maintenance and repair reports.
   Identify causes of issues in scientific and auxiliary equipment.
   Manage and administer seismic systems and databases.
   Operate, optimize, and configure software and hardware in line with system plans.
3. Monitor system health and data availability
   Review monitoring reports.
   Troubleshoot seismic systems as needed.
4. Project implementation and management
   Apply strong project management skills.
   Report on technical issues and recommend solutions.
   Supervise junior staff to achieve project goals.
   Contribute to cost proposals for projects and equipment purchases.
5. Research, learning, and development
   Research new technologies in seismology.
   Suggest and evaluate new applications and solutions.
   Provide training and coaching on scientific software.
   Engage in continuous personal development and present training sessions.
6. Stakeholder relations and reporting
   Build relationships with stakeholders.
   Contribute to technical specifications in contracts.
   Coordinate with equipment manufacturers.
   Lead diplomatic engagements regarding station operations.
7. Quality assurance
   Develop and follow SOPs.
   Supervise junior staff work.

Qualifications and Experience

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

Knowledge Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of seismic network installation, site selection, maintenance, and operation, including associated electronic systems.
• Proficiency with seismic acquisition software and databases.
• Understanding of seismic network setup and administration.
• Relevant ICT skills.