Key details

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Requirements

MSc degree in Hydrology, Water Resources Management, Environmental Science, Aquatic Science or relevant natural science qualification.

Compulsory registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist.

Minimum six (6) years post-qualification experience in water quality management, resource protection or integrated water resource management.

The disclosure of a valid unexpired driver’s license.

Sound knowledge of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998), Resource Directed Measures (classification, Resource Quality Objectives and Reserve), Catchment Management Strategy processes and aquatic ecosystem monitoring frameworks, including the River Eco-status Monitoring Programme.

Proven experience in establishing and overseeing monitoring systems, scientific data governance and quality assurance processes.

Strong leadership, analytical and advisory capability.

Ability and willingness to travel frequently within the Water Management Area and conduct site visits where required.

Proven experience in managing technical teams, including performance management, skills development and work planning.

Sound understanding of public sector financial management principles and the ability to plan, manage and monitor programme budgets within a regulated water resource management environment.

Duties

Lead water resource quality and protection functions within the Water Management Area.

Oversee the development and implementation of water quality management programmes, including the waste discharge charge strategy.

Provide scientific governance and quality assurance over monitoring systems, ecological assessments and technical reports.

Oversee technical assessments and site investigations undertaken by scientific staff, including pollution incident responses, and provide strategic recommendations to Executive Management.

Lead review of environmental submissions, including Scoping Reports and Environmental Impact Assessment Reports, to assess impacts on water resources and ecosystems.

Drive institutional readiness for resource classification, Reserve implementation and Resource Quality Objective monitoring.

Work collaboratively to ensure integrated quantity– 118 quality management and alignment between allocation and protection priorities.

Represent PUCMA in technical forums and provide high-level scientific advisory inputs on emerging risks and sustainability challenges.

Manage and supervise scientific staff, including performance planning, monitoring and development, and ensure optimal allocation of technical resources.

Plan, manage, and monitor programme budgets for water resource quality and protection functions, and ensure the cost-effective implementation of monitoring and management programmes in compliance with applicable public sector financial management frameworks.

How to apply

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Notes

The Pongola-Umzimkulu Catchment Management Agency is a Public Water Resource Management Agency, established in line with the provisions of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act no 36 of 1998) (NWA) and National Water Policy for South Africa.

It is an entity of the National Department of Water and Sanitation.

Employees appointed in the CMA have similar employment terms and conditions as those of employees appointed in terms of the Public Service Act, though not employed in terms of the Public Service Act.