Scientist Production: Palaeontology

Overview

Scientist Production in Palaeontology at Albany Museum in Makhanda, requiring a master's degree and SACNASP registration to curate fossil collections and conduct palaeontological research.

Requirements

• National Senior Certificate plus a master’s degree in Paleontology / Geology / Geo Science/Zoology, specializing in Eastern Cape Palaeoscience.
• Compulsory registration with SACNASP as a professional Natural Scientist.
• A minimum of three (3) years relevant experience in a museum natural science environment.
• Knowledge of curating paleontology collections, research, fieldwork, fossil preparation and publication of scientific papers.
• Ability to recognise diagnostic characteristics on which classification systems are based.
• Computer knowledge, laboratory protocol, word computer packages, paleontology, and financial management.
• Program and project management.
• Communication skills, Report writing skills, People management skills, Customer or client orientated approach.
• Knowledge of public service regulations, legislations/ policies/ prescripts and procedures.
• Knowledge of Eastern Cape Museum Act.
• National Heritage Act, Operational standards for natural science museum, South African National Standards for Museums.
• A valid driving licence.

Duties

• Identify, name and classify fossil species based on morphology, and evolutionary relationships.
• Conduct field surveys and excavations, perform laboratory analysis (fossil preparation and microscopic analysis), curate paleontology collections, and publish research to support knowledge generation and understanding of changing ecosystems through time, and heritage management.
• Develop and implement methodologies, policies, systems and procedures.
• Identify and consolidate needs for methodologies, policies, systems and procedures.
• Identify gaps and develop appropriate interventions.
• Monitor and evaluate program performance.
• Perform scientific functions that require interpretation in the absence of an established framework.
• Provide scientific support and advice.
• Develop working relations with client base.
• Create public awareness of the science system.
• Provide scientific data, information and advice as requested.
• Review scientific publications.
• To perform scientific analysis and regulatory functions.
• Conduct analysis of scientific data.
• Gather and interpret data, evaluate results and disseminate information, through both scientific publications and public outreach initiatives.
• Apply appropriate scientific models to generate information and knowledge.
• Formulate proposals and compile reports.
• Develop and customize models and techniques.
• Conduct research and development.
• Continuous professional development to keep up with new technologies, procedures and knowledge.
• Conduct basic and applied research.
• Research/literature studies to improve expertise.
• Publicly present research findings.
• Liaise with relevant bodies/councils on science-related matters.
• Manage human capital development.
• Mentor, train and develop candidate scientists and others to promote skills/knowledge transfer and adherence to sound scientific principles and code of practice.
• Supervise scientific work processes.
• Manage performance and development.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via one of the following options: directing to a specific relevant centre: Head Office: Qonce: Enquiries – Ms. S. Mpafa Tel No: (043) 492 1405 / Mrs. R. E. Swartbooi Tel: 043 492 0949 / Mr. M. Cezula 043 492 1400 / Ms. S. Cetywayo 043 492 0936 Hand deliver to: No. 5 Eales Street, Wilton Zimasile Mkwayi Building, Qonce, 5605. OR Tambo District: Attention Mr. S. Stuma / Ms. T. Mngoma Tel: 047 495 0853 Hand deliver to: Human Resource Management, 49 Victoria Street, Mthatha Reference Library, Mthatha, 5099. Amathole District: Enquiries Mr. B. Mbangatha / Mr. M. Mboniswa Tel: 043 492 1838 /1839Hand deliver to: No 16 Commissioner Street, Old Elco Building, Ku-Gompo City, 5201. Albany Museum: Makanda: Enquiries. Dr. P. Cimi – 046 622 2312 (Makanda) Hand deliver to 40 Somerset Street, Makanda. Amathole Museum: Qonce: Enquiries. Ms. S. Cakata – 043 642 4506 (Qonce) Hand deliver to Corner of Alexandra & Albert Roads, Qonce. East London Museum: Ku-Gompo City Enquiries. G. Morcom / S. Lamati – 043 743 0686 – EL Museum (Ku-Gompo City) Hand deliver to 319 Oxford Street, Belgravia, Ku-Gompo City. Bayworld Museum: Gqeberha Enquiries. V. Ketelo – 041 584 0650 – Bayworld Museum (Gqeberha) Hand deliver to Beach Road & Brookes Hill Drive, Humewood, Gqeberha. Chris Hani District: Attention Mr. T. Thomas / Ms. A. Phanya: 045 492 0030 / 0054 Hand deliver to: Bathandwa Ndondo Building, Komani Hospital. Nelson Mandela District: Attention Mr. S. Javu / Ms. T. Bosman / Ms. A. Dyalvane: 041 492 1288 / 1232 / 1230 Hand deliver to: 66 Corporate Place, Ring Road, Greenacres, Newton Park, Gqeberha. Alfred Nzo District: Attention Mr M.B. Gugwana / Ms. T. Ntsevu: 039 492 0297 Hand deliver to: No 67 Church Street Mt Ayliff. Sarah Baartman District: Attention Ms. N. Qumza / Ms. N. Sandi: 046 492 0223 / 0228 Hand deliver to: Registry, 1st floor, Corner African and Milner Street, Makanda. Applicants are encouraged to use e-recruitment system. People with disabilities who meet the requirements will be given preference. The e- Recruitment System is available 24/7 and closes at 23:59 on the closing date. To report any e-recruitment system challenges send an email with your (i) ID Number, (ii) profile email address, (iii) details of your issue to: erecruitment@ecsrac.gov.za. Do not send any applications to this email address; should you do so, your applications/CV will be regarded as lost and will not be considered. Technical support is limited to working hours: (08:00- 16:30 Mon-Thursday and 08:00-16:00 on Friday). NB: Direct any enquiries to the relevant enquiries’ person as provided under each position.

Enquiries: Dr. P. Cimi Tel No: (046) 622 2312, Albany Museum (Makanda) e- Recruitment Technical Enquiries – recruitment@ecsrac.gov.za

Notes

Persons with a disability are encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted on a duly completed New Z83 form (effective from 01 January 2021), e-Recruitment System automatically generates Z83 immediately you press apply and generate Z83. Applicants are not required to submit copies of qualifications and other relevant documents upon application but must submit a fully completed Z83 form and detailed Curriculum Vitae. NB: Z83 in the e-recruitment system is currently not signable; so, applicants who submitted applications via the e-recruitment system will not be disqualified for an unsigned Z83 instead will be requested to sign on/or before the interview day. View the list of the positions you applied for on “My Job Applications” and do note that the system Z83 does not reflect work experience and qualifications, however, every detail of your information does reflect to the Recruitment team. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, and other relevant documents (like a copy of Permanent Resident Permit for Non-RSA Citizens/Permanent Resident Permit Holders to HR on or before the interview date. Failure to submit all the required documents will disqualify the application. Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. If you have not been contacted within six (6) months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Selected candidates will be subjected to a personnel suitability check (criminal record check, citizenship verification, financial/asset record check, qualification/ study verification and previous employment verification). All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements, and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. The Selection Panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic Managerial Competency Assessment in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of Competency-based Assessment. Successful candidates will also be subjected to security clearance processes. Where applicable, candidates will be subjected to a skills/ knowledge test. The competency assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment tools. Successful candidates will be appointed on a probation period of twelve 12/24 months. It is the objective to address the Employment Equity Affirmative Action Measures in line with the Employment Equity Plan and to achieve equitable representation across race and gender. The EE targets of the recruiting Department will be adhered to although the applications are welcome from all racial groups. The Recruiting Department reserves the right to amend/ review/ withdraw the advertised posts if by so doing, the best interest of the department will be well served. (Females and People with Disabilities are also requested to apply and indicate such in their applications). Misrepresentation in the application documents will result in automatic disqualification and disciplinary action in the event the candidate has already been appointed. SMS pre-entry certificate (Nyukela) must be submitted prior appointment. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to technical exercises and interviews. Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behaviourally preferences, emotional intelligence and integrity. Successful candidates will be appointed on a probation period of 12/24 months. The competency assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the mandated Full details can be sourced by following the link: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry-programme MANAGEMENT ECHELON