Senior Technologist

The South African Weather Service; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

The South African Weather Service is seeking an experienced Electrical / Electronic Engineer for their Bloemfontein office. The role involves ensuring data availability from various meteorological systems, performing diagnostics, and maintaining equipment integrity. Successful candidates will contribute to the continuous improvement and effective management of observing networks, while promoting a culture of operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in Electrical / Electronic Engineering.
• Code EB or Code 08 driver's license essential.

Responsibilities

• Ensure data availability from observation networks.
• Diagnose and repair faulty equipment.
• Monitor and evaluate system performance.

Skills

Diagnostics

Maintenance

Equipment Calibration

Project Management

Education

BTech in Electrical / Electronic Engineering

Job description

Job Location : Free State, Bloemfontein Deadline : June 23, 2025 Quick Recommended Links

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Key Performance Areas :

Products, Service Delivery / Infrastructure maintenance :

• Ensure data availability from remote Observation Networks such as Automatic weather stations, RADAR, Lightning Detection Network, Automatic Rainfall stations, conforming to approved organizational targets.
• Accurately diagnoses and repairs faulty equipment to enable network availability.
• Undertakes continuous monitoring of Observing Networks and evaluate system performance.
• Implements the Inspection Programme for Observing Networks to maintain data integrity.
• Liaises with Commercial Clients on AWS installation and maintenance matters.
• Identifies new sites in the expansion of network areas and prepares proposals for approval by Regional Manager.
• Compiles the infrastructure demand plan for the region, with support from Meteorological Technicians.
• Coordinates infrastructure replacement requests with Technical Services.
• Ensures calibration and testing of meteorological equipment as and when necessary.
• Coordinates the incoming and outgoing of meteorological equipment.
• Ensures that reactive and non-reactive maintenance is attended to within the stipulated timeframes as directed by Technical Services and the Line Manager.

Innovation, Process Improvement & Revenue Generation :

• Monitors adherence to EQS processes to enable certification of equipment of Observing Networks.
• Participates in the planning and directs the implementation of decommissioning and re- commissioning of the weather observation systems.
• Provides analysis and recommendations on asset life cycles.
• Analyse current techniques and technologies used in the collection and processing of data to ensure the best practices are used and applied consistently across the board.
• Develops maintenance processes for Observing Networks.
• Develops business continuity plans to ensure availability of systems.

Administration, Governance, Risk & Compliance :

• Prepares infrastructure status reports for Regional Manager a daily basis.
• Monitors MOU with Site Owners to ensure fulfilment of contractual obligations.
• Prepares specification for procurement of technical equipment.
• Proactively orders Weather observation infrastructure spares to prevent work disruptions.
• Ensure the availability of the relevant Standard Operating Procedures, and that the junior personnel are well inducted on these also have easy access to them and comply accordingly.
• Ensure Compliance with designated national and international standards.
• Analyse and interpret regional infrastructure performance through monitoring and evaluation. Where applicable implement corrective actions.
• Ensures strict adherence to SHEQ policies and procedures.
• Monitor the Risk Register and ensure the implementation of identified risks mitigation actions.
• Participate in various regional audits and ensure that all audit findings are addressed
• Compiles monthly, quarterly and annual status reports on Observing Networks for submission to Regional Manager.
• Give input on budget planning.
• Assist the region and SCM with sourcing of local suppliers.

People, Culture and Values :

• Promote a culture and practices that reflect the SAWS values and manage the team’s performance.
• Develop Capacity and capability required to sustain / maintain observations infrastructure ion operation.
• Takes ownership of own development activities to ensure performance against agreed standards.
• Contributes to team success by contribution and commitment to the team.

Stakeholder Management :

• Collaborate with the other regional Team in an effort to deliver the SAWS mandate.
• Implement public awareness programmes for the local communities. (Office outreach activities).

Minimum Requirements and Attributes :

• BTech in Electrical / Electronic Engineering (Light Current) or equivalent.
• At least 5 years’ experience within Electrical / Electronic Engineering or equivalent environment.
• Code EB or Code 08 (without endorsements).