Researcher (Water Wise)

Job Advert Summary

To manage and provide hands on running of all in-house, on-site research related work, with a focus on technical research as well as selected external research. Results must support WW and Environmental initiatives of EMS and will be related to the public in the form of articles, advertorials, posters and presentations.

Minimum Requirements

• BTech/BSc Honours Horticulture or relevant environmental field
• 4-5 years’ appropriate experience
• Excellent computer literacy in MS Excel, Word, SPSS (advanced) (or other relevant statistical package).
• Code 8 (EB) drivers license (with own vehicle)
• Water conservation/environmental/horticultural knowledge

DESIRABLE

• MTech/MSc Horticulture or relevant environmental field
• Market research experience.
• Experience in design programmes such as InDesign, CorelDraw, Photoshop.

Primary Duties

• Accurately manage the research budget as per the forecast to meet all research and budgetary requirements.
• Accurately understand the stakeholder’s situation and convert into an achievable problem statement.
• To ensure that the Procurement process is followed correctly and that all Procurement requirements are fulfilled to allow for the smooth running of the process.
• Regular, continuous, and efficient communication with both stakeholders and suppliers to ensure all objectives are met.
• To remain up-to-date with relevant knowledge in the field as well as within the industry.
• To accurately identify and assess relevant gaps and/or problems that need addressing through research (applied/desktop/market).
• Research design and plan needs to be cost-effective, implementable, and achievable within the required period.
• Implement accurate and effective research to address identified problems and to obtain rapid and accurate results within time limits set.
• Ensure that data is collected and captured correctly and accurately within the parameters set. To manage and operate research equipment. To comply strictly with the scientific process and methodology.
• To ensure data is stored and updated regularly, accurately, and on time. To ensure data is backed-up on a regular basis.
• To accurately analyse data and to assist other researchers and students with data analysis within the time limits set.
• All Water Wise education and training is substantiated by accurate scientific data obtained from research projects.
• To write-up scientifically accurate and high-level reports and articles that can be submitted to journals for publication.
• Present and communicate research results to identified audiences to ensure target market is educated on Water Wise matters.
• Ensure current, relevant, and up-to-date research and information is accessible and available for use when required.
• To ensure Water Wise claims are backed up by up-to-date scientific research and are shared with the public through articles, advertorials, posters, and presentations that are accessible to the public. to encourage water saving.
• Ensure budget is spent within 95% compliance.
• Feedback required as per the section’s timeous completion report.
• All deviations need to be reported to the Coordinator as soon as they are picked up.
• Must ensure deliverables are met and completed on time and meet the agreed outcomes.
• Ensure all projects are run on time, and meet all deadlines, requirements, and expectations.
• Ensure that all research projects align with Water Wise requirements and expectations and that deadlines are met.
• Ensure full compliance for operating, storage and maintaining of all scientific instruments (e.g. pH meter, GPS, soil moisture meter, light meter, plant canopy imager etc.)
• Capture data – into Excel, SPSS, R or as appropriate.
• Co-supervise multiple research projects in collaboration with research institutions.
• Communicate research results through presentations and talks at conferences/forums/talks.
• Translate scientific data into articles, advertorials, posters and presentations accessible to the public.
• Other work associated with the Water Wise section.

Knowledge

• Scientific research, emphasis on data collection, capturing and analysis
• Horticulture or relevant environmental field 

Skills

• Research skills
• Analytical skills
• Communication skills
• PC literate
• Able to learn to use new equipment on own.
• Self starter.

Attitude

• Accuracy & attention to detail
• Reliable & consistent
• Performance Driven
• Self starter
• Curious