Assistant Meteorological Technician

In brief

**Overview** This role is for an Assistant Meteorological Technician within the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, specifically supporting the South African Weather Service (SAWS) Marine Section's activities. Two posts are available on an approximately 15-month contract, with a salary of R280,278 per annum, plus 37% lieu in benefits (permanent SAWS employees will have a different payment structure). The position is based at the remote Marion Island station. Successful candidates will undergo compulsory training in Cape Town before deploying to Marion Island for a full year (April 2027 to May 2028), with no option to return to South Africa before May 2028. The role demands an individual capable of living and working in an isolated environment with small groups, requiring self-sufficiency, self-motivation, physical fitness, and mental resilience due to the challenging conditions and potential for long hours and unrelated duties. **What you will do** * Assist and actively participate in the running of the surface meteorological and atmospheric research project assigned by the Marine Section of SAWS. * Perform surface meteorological observations. * Conduct upper-air balloon releases. * Maintain and verify all equipment at the remote station of Marion Island. * Conduct quality control of data. * Perform tasks within the prescribed scope of work as delegated by the Senior Meteorological Technician when required. * Assist other team members with logistical and administrative tasks associated with the general running of the base. * Conduct all duties in accordance with the rules, regulations and standards as set out by the South African Weather Service. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * **Qualifications and Experience:** * National Diploma in Natural Sciences or an equivalent relevant qualification (NQF Level 6) recognised by SAQA, with 0–1 year of relevant experience; OR * Grade 12 with a National Weather Certificate and two (2) years of experience in weather observation. * **Knowledge:** * Automatic Weather Stations and Automatic Rain Stations. * South African Weather Service policies and procedures. * International standards such as WMO and ICAO. * **Technical Competencies:** * Communication and interpersonal skills. * **Conditions and Attributes:** * Willing to work shifts (both day and night shifts) and on public holidays. * Willing to work in possible adverse weather conditions. * Punctual. * Dedicated. * Precise. * Willing to work in a team, as well as on their own. * Ability to work and live with small groups of people (essential for Marion Island). * Self-sufficient. * Self-motivated. * Physically fit. * Mentally strong. * Prepared for physically challenging and satisfying work. * Prepared to work long hours in extreme conditions on duties unrelated to their function. * **Other:** * Required to attend compulsory training at the South African Weather Service in Cape Town. * Adherence to the health, safety and environmental requirements at Marion Island Base. * Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting. * Appointment is subject to a rigorous medical examination. * Appointment is subject to psychometric assessment. **Who should apply** Candidates who possess a National Diploma in Natural Sciences (or equivalent NQF Level 6 qualification) with 0-1 year of relevant experience, or a Grade 12 with a National Weather Certificate and two years of weather observation experience. Applicants should have knowledge of Automatic Weather Stations, Automatic Rain Stations, SAWS policies and procedures, and international standards such as WMO and ICAO. The ideal candidate will have communication and interpersonal skills, be punctual, dedicated, precise, and capable of working both independently and in a team. This role is suited for individuals who are willing to work shifts, on public holidays, and in adverse weather conditions. Given the Marion Island base location, applicants must be physically fit, mentally strong, self-sufficient, self-motivated, and prepared for a challenging, isolated environment, including the ability to live and work with small groups for over a year without returning to South Africa. They should also be prepared for long hours in extreme conditions, potentially on duties outside their primary function. **Deadline** Not specified **Reference** Original posting: https://www.govpage.co.za/vacancies/department-of-forestry-fisheries-and-the-environment-vacancies-from-dpsa-circular-38-of-2026#spani-ref-oc29-2026 Source: govpage

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At a glance

• No previous work experience required.
• 2 posts available.

Extracted automatically from the advert; confirm requirements on the original listing.

Job description

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