Job Description

Senior Technician: Science Collections

Salary Level 7 SANBI offers basic annual salary of R294 321.00

KwaZulu-Natal Herbarium, Durban

Foundational Biodiversity Sciences Division

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated individual to provide scientific and technical support services in herbarium collections management, data management and taxonomic research including some direct responsibility for supervision and coordination of other employees as allocated.

Please Note:

1) An application form (obtainable from SANBI website: www.sanbi.org must accompany the CV together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for this position, and certified qualifications confirming that the minimum qualifications are met (applicants lacking evidence of meeting minimum qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered).

2) A competency test will be conducted as part of the selection process.

3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible email addresses of at least three referees.

4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered.

Personal Information will be processed by SANBI for purposes of assessing your suitability for the advertised position. SANBI may also share your personal information including special personal information with service providers or third parties, both within the Republic of South Africa and in other jurisdictions, to carry out verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, background and reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. In this regard, by virtue of your application, you acknowledge that SANBIs authorised verification agent(s) and service providers will access your personal information including special personal information to conduct background screening, verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. For more information, kindly refer to SANBIs website.

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups.

Contact Ms Lehlohonolo Mbele for any queries related to seeking clarity on this position. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications must be submitted via an e-mail to recruitmentpta@sanbi.org.za

Postal applications must be addressed to: Assistant Director: Human Resources, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X101, Pretoria, 0001.

Closing Date: 23 August 2023

Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates must consider their applications unsuccessful.

This position requires a national diploma in Botany, Biological Sciences or equivalent qualification at NQF 6 with 4 years of work experience in the relevant field or a degree in Botany, Biological Sciences or equivalent qualification at NQF 7 with 2 years of work experience in the relevant field. A postgraduate qualification in Botany, Biological Sciences or equivalent qualification at NQF 8 will be an added advantage.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: knowledge of the South African flora, plant taxonomy, herbaria, and policy frameworks related to Scientific Collections, Collections Management, Training by the National Science Collections Facility (NSCF); ability to undertake plant identifications and scientific curation independently; proven ability and experience in BRAHMS 8 database including data quality control, record transfers, and data curation; experience in training others in a supervisory capacity; excellent analytical and science writing skills by way of publication; advanced project management training, knowledge and experience; document management skills; excellent communication skills at all levels (both verbal and written), ability and experience to work with a diverse team and under pressure whilst being quality, cost, and safety conscious, advanced computer literacy skills. The possession of a valid drivers licence with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Lead on collections management processes.
• Conduct scientific curation.
• Support data management activities (Quality control of data records and transfer).
• Conduct plant identifications.
• Contribute to flora project and taxonomic research.

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