SANSA has the 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 organisation can be found at http://www.sansa.org.za.
SANSA thrives on its employees’ creativity, competencies, expertise and ingenuity to succeed in a high-performing environment. If you aspire to the SANSA values of care, customer-centricity, trust, collaboration and innovation, then SANSA could be the place for you.
The following opportunity exists in SANSA to be filled by an individual with the relevant skills, drive, competencies and qualifications.
Trainee Space Weather Forecaster
Location: Hermanus
Programme: Space Science
Contract Type: Two (2) year Contract
Reporting to the Head of Space Weather, the incumbent will provide Space Weather forecasting and prediction services as a customer demand service within SANSA’s suite of products and services. The forecasting and prediction services are delivered as part of SANSA’s operational space weather centre, which is a 24/7 monitoring and control environment.
Key performance areas will include, but are not limited to:
Incumbents will work shifts (day and night on rotation)
1. Monitoring and issuing space weather forecasts. In so doing he/she ensures that a significant part of fulfilling the office’s mandate, which is to:
- provide SW forecasting services to all clients that may require this service
- promote the SANSA brand within the region at various organized activities such as presentations and exhibitions
- publish space weather-related reports related to the improvement of space weather process and process elements, where necessary
- assist with Trend forecasts, and verification.
2. Troubleshooting and complex problem-solving of technical problems
3. Support activities such as:
- Forecast briefings which occur at the start of shifts, and at specified times between forecasting offices
- Monthly operating reviews at Space Weather Forum
- Development and testing of new products and services
- Training of clients on applications
The ideal candidate must have:
Minimum Qualifications for a level 1 Trainee forecaster:
- BSc Honours in Meteorology & Climate Science, Space Science, or Physics
Advantageous Qualifications:
- Post grad Certificate in forecasting
Additional Training to be provided:
- Post grad Certificate in forecasting
- Space Weather forecasting methodology
Experience:
- 1 – 2 Years weather related forecasting would be an advantage
Minimum Qualifications for a level 2 Trainee forecaster:
- MSc. in Space Science, Meteorology & Climate Science, Physics, Physics & Mathematics, Physics & Computer Science or Physics & Statistics
Advantageous Qualifications:
- Post grad Certificate in forecasting
Additional Training to be provided:
- Post grad Certificate in forecasting
- Space Weather forecasting
Experience:
- 1 – 2 Years weather related forecasting would be an advantage
Additional Requirements:
- Drive, ambition and energy are essential
- Inter-personal skills such as ability to engage with stakeholders at various levels, and manage customer queries
- Initiative, and attention to detail
- Understanding of a customer centric approach
- Incumbents should be motivated to develop their skills and be passionate about science applications
- Willingness to be vetted for security clearance
Training will be provided, and candidates must be willing to travel nationally and /or internationally to attend training. Incumbents who successfully pass all aspects of the training provided in the first 2 years may be offered permanent positions as Space Weather Forecasters within the Operational Space Weather Centre subject to:
- the recruitment policy;
- any other applicable policies of the organisation, and
- the availability of vacancies.
Competency based testing will form part of the selection process.
Please note that the position is based at the SANSA Hermanus campus in Hermanus in the Western Cape.
Should you meet the above requirements, please upload your detailed CV and apply on www.sansa.org.za
Disclaimer
Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should a candidate not hear from us within four (4) weeks following their application, they should consider their application unsuccessful. Strictly fair and non-discriminatory selection procedures will be followed. We use Affirmative Action (AA) measures in an endeavour to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups. Where possible, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act and in line with SANSA's Employment Equity plans. SANSA reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.
Background verification, including criminal records, credit checks, security clearances, qualifications, and citizenship checks, as well as competency assessment and psychometric testing, shall form part of the selection process. By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent that SANSA can collect, process, and share their Personal Information (PI) for verification, assessments, and employment purposes only.
Closing Date: 05 September 2025