Field Technician: Instrumentation

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the operational performance, maintenance, and upgrades of the Cathedral Peak (CP) LTER observation platform, ensuring continuous data collection and functionality.
• Conduct routine monthly sampling and maintenance of the CP instrumentation network and assist with other platforms as needed.
• Conduct pre-testing, deployment, commissioning, calibration, and servicing of instrumentation, including repairs and inspections.
• Oversee logistical planning and risk mitigation for field operations, including security measures, safety protocols, route access and equipment protection from fire.
• Drive innovation through the evaluation of new technologies, system improvements, and custom technical solutions.
• Ensure high-quality data through downloading, QA checks, and processing aligned with SAEON data protocols.
• Maintain metadata, field logs, and documentation; manage uploads to the open data portal and relevant repositories.
• Support field research by assisting SAEON staff, students, and collaborators with technical and logistical needs.
• Share data with stakeholders, collaborators, and land custodians, ensuring traceable proof of distribution.
• Develop and contribute to dashboards, visualizations, and graphics to support reporting and data interpretation.
• Operate and tow the 8m boat for periodic inland water sampling linked to observational studies.
• Participate in internal and external technical forums to standardize protocols and advance instrumentation and data practices.
• Contribute to publications, policy briefs, social media content and e-news articles, to enhance SAEON·s visibility and impact.
• Mentor interns in instrumentation, field protocols, and data systems; support their technical development.
• Manage field assistant performance through structured planning, monitoring, coaching, and personal development support.
• Lead inventory and asset tracking, including photographic documentation and lifecycle management of the nodes equipment
• Ensure maintenance and compliance of vehicles, boats, and trailers per safety and regulatory standards
• Identify needs and assist in procurement related to the observation platform through contributing expert input on technical specifications and supporting SCM processes.
• Uphold financial and supply chain practices in line with PFMA, Treasury, and NRF policies, leading bid committees (BSC/BEC) when required.
• Support science engagement and outreach activities, including stakeholder interaction and learner development programmes.
• Implement health, safety, and environmental compliance measures across field sites, ensuring collaborators complete risk assessments and that all regulations are followed, including EKZNW protocols.

Key Requirements:
Qualification:

• BTech, BSc Hons (NQF 8) in a field related to instrumentation, climatology/meteorology/micrometeorology, agrometeorology,
• hydrology, air quality/atmospheric chemistry, biogeochemistry, physics, chemistry, environmental science or engineering
• MSc or MTech will be advantageous
• Valid Drivers license. EB or compliant for pulling a trailer (Boat) would be advantageous
• Skippers licence would be advantageous, or must be willing to acquire
• Remote Pilot Certificate would be advantageous, or must be willing to acquire

Experience:

• 3-5 years experience working with hydrometeorological instrument arrays or similar equipment and sampling protocols
• 2-3 years experience (inclusive) working in remote areas.
• Regular off road driving experience experience more than 3 years

Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of fieldwork logistics, including risk management and health and safety procedures
• Technical understanding of a variety of environmental instruments, including advanced systems like Eddy Covariance
• Experience with instrumentation development, installation, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance
• Competency in using power tools, operating heavy machinery, and managing technical equipment
• Familiarity with data management principles, including data visualisation and presentation
• Basic coding skills (e.g., R, Loggernet), with advanced proficiency considered advantageous
• Basic proficiency in Zulu for regional communication would be advantageous
• Knowledge of working at heights and fall arrest procedures (advantageous)
• Understanding of drone operation and associated regulations (advantageous)
• Strong writing and reporting abilities
• Effective organisational, planning, project coordination, and problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working with diverse teams and stakeholders
• Ability to work independently after orientation, performing routine servicing and data collection from complex instrumentation systems