Remote Sensing Technologist

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is a public entity under the National Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). SANSA has a mandate to drive the promotion and use of space and cooperation in space-related activities. To achieve this mandate, the Agency fosters research in space science and technology, advances space engineering programmes, and supports the creation of an environment conducive to industrial development in space technologies within the framework of national government policy. More information about the organization can be found at https://www.sansa.org.za

SANSA is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining employees who are passionate about the success of the national space industry. Personal growth, which is one of our values, encourages employees to invest time in education and training through bursaries and training courses offered to them.
SANSA thrives on our employees’ creativity, competencies, and expertise, and on their ingenuity to succeed in a high performing environment. If you aspire to the SANSA values of Service, Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Personal Growth and Excellence, and living these in a fast paced and innovative environment, then SANSA could be the place for you.

The following opportunity exists at the Earth Observation programme situated in Pretoria, Gauteng to be filled by an individual with the relevant skills, drive, competencies, qualifications and who puts the interests of the nation first, has a commercial mind-set, thinks like our customers, knowledge driven and people centric.

Remote Sensing Technologist (Permanent)
The successful candidate will be expected to utilize newly developed image processing techniques for processing satellite images, produce value added products and services, be familiar with project management principals, and support and demonstrate the use of Earth observation data and derived value-added products to clients. In relation to the latter, a key area of focus of the position is supporting Government’s District Development Model (DDM) through the demonstration and uptake of Earth observation derived products and services to develop the capability of and support local government in their decision-making processes.

Key performance areas for the successful candidate will include •Data Processing and Data Product Creation •Project Management •Remote Sensing Technological Innovation • Stakeholder Support and Human Capital Development.

Key job activities include •the creation of geo-information products based on client requirements using remote sensing expertise and software knowledge, • creation and deployment of value-added products based on research and development outputs (from proof-of-concept to production) • converting SANSA’s archive of satellite data into ARD (Analysis Ready Data) products • producing high
quality demonstration use cases • providing technical advice and assistance to clients / users on the appropriate use of Earth observations • writing and producing technical articles and reports on the use of remote sensing for broad consumption • preparing project plans for identified projects, inclusive of project scope, timeframes, resourcing and budgetary requirements •coordinating project implementation and, liaising with key stakeholders at all levels of seniority.

The ideal candidate will have: •Minimum BSc Honours Degree in Remote Sensing or Geography or Geomatics (NQF Level 8) • an MSc or PhD would be highly advantageous • 3 to 5 years’ experience in remote sensing, GIS, and research • More than 5 years’ experience would be highly advantageous • Software knowledge-ERDAS Imagine, ArcGIS & QGIS, Python will be an added advantage • Solid report writing and compilation experience is compulsory • Good knowledge of IT and MS Office packages.
A successful candidate should have advanced analysis and problem-solving skills, exercise good judgement in making decisions, be reliable, have excellent communication and writing skills, be a self-starter who demonstrates independence and actively pursues opportunities for learning and self-development. Excellent computer, oral and written communication together with planning skills and advanced technical knowledge are essential competencies.

Please NOTE that the appointment will be on a level commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Background verification, including criminal record, credit checks, security clearances, qualification and citizenship checks as well as competency assessment and psychometric testing, may form part of the selection process.
SANSA subscribes to the principles of Employment Equity and welcomes applications from all persons with disabilities.
Preference will be given to candidates in accordance with this.
Should you meet the above requirements, please register your detailed CV at https://jb.skillsmapafrica.com
Communication will only be conducted with short-listed candidates. If applicants have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, they must assume that their applications were unsuccessful.

Selaelo Motalaota
smotalaota@sansa.org.za