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WWWWWater Research Commissionater Research Commissionater Research Commissionater Research Commissionater Research Commission

DeparDeparDeparDeparDepartment of Wtment of Wtment of Wtment of Wtment of Water Aater Aater Aater Aater Affairs and Fffairs and Fffairs and Fffairs and Fffairs and Forestrorestrorestrorestrorestryyyyy

SPONSORSSPONSORSSPONSORSSPONSORSSPONSORS

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Water Research CommissionJune 2004

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Published by and obtainable from:

Water Research CommissionPrivate Bag X03Gezina 0031South Africa

Tel.: (012) 330-0340Fax: (012) 331-2565E-mail: orders@wrc.org.zaWebsite: www.wrc.org.za

DISCLAIMER

This career guide is intended as an overview of career paths available in the world of waterand not as a comprehensive or up-to-date handbook. The details are published in good faith

on the basis of material supplied and correct at the time of going to press. Readers areadvised to check details before use, as they are liable to change without notice. The Water

Research Commission cannot be held responsible for their accuracy, or for any use thatmay be made of them.

The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views andpolicies of the Water Research Commission, nor does mention of trade names or commercial

products or services constitute endorsment or recommendation.

© 2004 Water Research CommissionAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by anymeans without written permission of the copyright holder.

Project Manager: Steve MitchellProject Manager: Steve MitchellProject Manager: Steve MitchellProject Manager: Steve MitchellProject Manager: Steve MitchellResearch, teResearch, teResearch, teResearch, teResearch, text, and editing: Elisabeth Lickindorxt, and editing: Elisabeth Lickindorxt, and editing: Elisabeth Lickindorxt, and editing: Elisabeth Lickindorxt, and editing: Elisabeth Lickindorf and Eldene Eyssellf and Eldene Eyssellf and Eldene Eyssellf and Eldene Eyssellf and Eldene EyssellPhotographs: Water Research CommissionDesign, layout and typesetting: Drinie van Rensburg

Printed in the Republic of South AfricaISBN 1-77005-190-2

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TTTTTable of Contentsable of Contentsable of Contentsable of Contentsable of Contents

Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................ iv

List of abbreviations ............................................................................................................ iv

Message from the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, Buyelwa Patience Sonjica ............. v

Message from Dr Rivka Kfir, Chief Executive Officer of the Water Research Commission ..... vii

SECTION I: Preparing for a career in the world of water ..................................................... 1

A Overview ...................................................................................................................... 11 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 1

Water-related job opportunities ............................................................................................... 1What this book tells you .......................................................................................................... 1

2 Preparing for a career ................................................................................................................ 1Job, career, or vocation? .......................................................................................................... 1Skills, interests, and aptitudes .................................................................................................. 1Employers and surroundings ................................................................................................... 2

3 How to qualify ......................................................................................................................... 3School subjects ........................................................................................................................ 3Career fields for water-related work .......................................................................................... 4Apprenticeships and learnerships ............................................................................................ 5Technical colleges ..................................................................................................................... 5Technikons, universities of technology, and comprehensive universities ................................. 5Bridging programmes .............................................................................................................. 6Universities ............................................................................................................................... 6

B Water-related careers ..................................................................................................... 81 The water cycle ......................................................................................................................... 82 People who work in the world of water ................................................................................... 8

Water as a resource .................................................................................................................. 8Preparing water for distribution .............................................................................................. 10Treatment of ‘raw’ water ........................................................................................................ 10Water supply ........................................................................................................................... 11Water use ............................................................................................................................... 12Water treatment (overview) .................................................................................................... 13Wastewater treatment and sanitation ................................................................................... 14Auxiliary services ..................................................................................................................... 14Support services ..................................................................................................................... 14

C. Jobs interacting for water for all .................................................................................. 15

SECTION II: Careers across the water cycle .................................................................................. 19Key to water cycle colour codes .................................................................................................... 19Key to skills, interests, and aptitudes terms .................................................................................. 19Careers A-Z ................................................................................................................................... 24

SECTION III: Useful contacts ............................................................................................. 85

INDEX ............................................................................................................................. 92

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AcknowledgementsAcknowledgementsAcknowledgementsAcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

We acknowledge with thanks the special contribution to this career guide by the Water Institute ofSouthern Africa, in particular the Chief Executive Officer, Willie Lötz, and committee member Dr HeidiSnyman, who gave invaluable and generous assistance and advice throughout the project. We alsothank cartographer Helena Fourie of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (Business Informa-tion) for her kind contribution.

Further thanks go to members of the South African Association of Water Utilities (through JohnConnolly), Dr George Green, Dr Gerhard Backeberg, Dr Gerhard Offringa, Dr Kevin Pietersen, andMartha Pretorius for support and comments on specific career descriptions.

List of abbreviationsList of abbreviationsList of abbreviationsList of abbreviationsList of abbreviations

DEAT Department of Environmental Affairs and TourismDTI Department of Trade and IndustryDWAF Department of Water Affairs and ForestryHSRC Human Sciences Research CouncilNECSA National Energy Commission of South AfricaNGO Non-governmental organizationSABS South African Bureau of StandardsSANP South African National ParksSETA Sector Education and Training Authority

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Message from the Minister of WMessage from the Minister of WMessage from the Minister of WMessage from the Minister of WMessage from the Minister of Water Aater Aater Aater Aater Affairs andffairs andffairs andffairs andffairs andFFFFForestrorestrorestrorestrorestryyyyy, Buyelwa P, Buyelwa P, Buyelwa P, Buyelwa P, Buyelwa Patience Sonjicaatience Sonjicaatience Sonjicaatience Sonjicaatience Sonjica

Good quality water is, and will remain, central to thecountry’s economy. It is essential for both agriculture andindustry, and without it the nation’s homes and cities willbe unable to function. It is, however, a scarce resourceand needs to be managed with care.

Great strides have been made in the last decade inthe provision of water and sanitation services but

there is still much more to be done, especially as faras the peri-urban and rural population areconcerned. What is more important, both theresource itself and the infrastructure need to becared for if the country is to sustain the develop-

ment planned by the government. People workingin the water field make a major contribution to the

quality of life of individuals as well as to the long-termoverall sustainability of the country.

We need more skilled people in the water field,particularly people from disadvantaged back-grounds. Having appropriately skilled people in thewater sector is central to the sustainable manage-

ment of water and sanitation services as well as of our water resources. There are many oppor-tunities for people who want a career in the water sector, be it in central, provincial, or localgovernment, the water industry (water or sewage works), other related services, or academia(e.g. research).

It is important that you, the learners, make the correct subject choice for your matric so thatyou can study for the work that you want to do. This guide is designed to help you in yourcareer.

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Message from Dr Rivka KfirMessage from Dr Rivka KfirMessage from Dr Rivka KfirMessage from Dr Rivka KfirMessage from Dr Rivka Kfir, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officerof the Wof the Wof the Wof the Wof the Water Research Commissionater Research Commissionater Research Commissionater Research Commissionater Research Commission

Welcome to the exciting world of water!

Everything we do needs water – food production, industry – and itis the greatest single component of our bodies. Good quality wateris central to our existence. And yet, the diseases transmittedthrough poor quality water remain one of the world’s biggest killersof infants and small children.

Why is it that such an important part of our lives can cause somuch harm? A number of disease-causing organisms are able tolive in water, so maintaining water quality is important. Good waterquality is part, but only a part, of ensuring that the water supply thatpeople receive contributes to the quality of life that they want.

The water sector works to ensure that the water resource issustained in good condition so that it can meet not only the needs of the current generation butthe needs of future generations as well. The water sector also ensures the provision of water andsanitation services to South Africa. To do this a number of complex activities must be integrated.Things like land-use patterns and the quality of effluent from wastewater treatment plants areimportant factors in the overall sustainability of the resource as it is used in water purificationworks, water distribution, and for the benefit of the environment. A critical aspect, of course, ishow much water is left in our rivers. A well managed and healthy river is able to maintain servicessuch as the supply of clean water, the provision of food, fuel and medicinal plants, as well as spir-itual and recreational opportunities that those using a river look for.

The operation of water and wastewater treatment plants is important in sustaining the waterresource, and the development and implementation of cost-effective technologies to cope withwater supply is one of the important roles played by water resource managers.

We live in a changing world. The only way we can keep pace with these changes and stillmake sure that we sustain good water resource quality is through research. Our country needsresearchers. The career of a researcher can be very rewarding. This guide indicates the mainareas of research that are available in the water field, together with the qualifications you will needto do research.

This book is designed to showcase many of the careers available in the water sector. I encour-age you to use this career guide to help you in your decision.

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1

AAAAA .....OVERVIEWOVERVIEWOVERVIEWOVERVIEWOVERVIEW

1.1 .1 .1 .1 . INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

WWWWWateraterateraterater-related job oppor-related job oppor-related job oppor-related job oppor-related job opportunitiestunitiestunitiestunitiestunitiesWater in Africa is precious. At every single stageof the water cycle, trained people are needed tolook after it, to store it, to make sure it is cleanenough for use, or to help people andindustries all over the country to have access toit. This means that the world of water offers agreat many different job opportunities for schoolleavers or people who have diplomas,certificates, or degrees.

South Africa is critically short of skilled staff atall levels in the world of water. Wherever peopleneed water there are career opportunities inwork that is worthwhile and interesting. Thejobs are at all educational levels and in everytype of environment across the county – incities, in nature reserves, or in isolated villages.Employers include government, researchinstitutions, water utilities, industry, con-sultancies, non-governmental organizations,and private enterprise.

We use water in every walk of life, and oureconomy depends on reliable sources of goodquality water. Each part of the water industrycontributes to making sure that adequate wateris available, in homes, for example, or in industryor agriculture.

This book is a guide to the many optionsavailable to anyone looking for a career path inthe fascinating world of water.

What this book tells youWhat this book tells youWhat this book tells youWhat this book tells youWhat this book tells youThis book describes the wide variety of jobs todo with water, and the many career optionsavailable. It gives an overview of workopportunities in the world of water, details ofmore than 50 specific types of work, andsummaries of many more. It also tells you whereyou can study further and where you can findout more. At the end there is an index.

Each career description gives details aboutthe kind of work, tasks, and responsibilitiesinvolved; the working environment you canexpect; the skills, interests, and aptitudes you

would need; subjects to study; and training andqualifications to pursue at different levels. Itgives you an idea of who would employ you,and whom to contact for further information.

2.2 .2 .2 .2 . PREPPREPPREPPREPPREPARING FOR A CAREERARING FOR A CAREERARING FOR A CAREERARING FOR A CAREERARING FOR A CAREER

We spend so much of our lives at work earning aliving that it makes sense to choose a careerwith great care and to start preparing for it asearly as possible.

We need to know what kind of work is avail-able, what career will best suit our personal skillsand interests and give us job satisfaction, andwhat subjects we need to take and at whatlevel. We need to examine the career fields avail-able and, finally, we need to know what qualifi-cations to aim for that will give us entry to ourchosen career and help us grow and succeedthrough each subsequent stage as weprogress.

Here is a brief summary of points to consideras you choose and prepare to succeed withyour personal career path.

Job, careerJob, careerJob, careerJob, careerJob, career, or vocation?, or vocation?, or vocation?, or vocation?, or vocation?If you have a job, you should earn enoughmoney to survive. To enter a career, you normallyneed a formal qualification, and then you willhave opportunities to develop your knowledge,skills, and experience as you progress from stageto stage. A vocation is something you feel youmust follow because you enjoy it and becauseyou feel it is worthwhile; it may mean a careerpath that does not always pay a top salary butyou choose it because it offers you jobsatisfaction and a sense of fulfilment.

Skills, interests, and aptitudesSkills, interests, and aptitudesSkills, interests, and aptitudesSkills, interests, and aptitudesSkills, interests, and aptitudesTo make the right career decision, you need toknow certain things about yourself. Here are afew useful questions. There are no ‘right’ or‘wrong’ answers – just answer as honestly asyou can!• What are your personal qualities? What are

the qualities that make you who you are?Are you caring, patient, impatient, hardworking, friendly, resourceful, pro-active,

SECTION IPREPPREPPREPPREPPREPARING FOR A CAREER IN THE WORLD OF WARING FOR A CAREER IN THE WORLD OF WARING FOR A CAREER IN THE WORLD OF WARING FOR A CAREER IN THE WORLD OF WARING FOR A CAREER IN THE WORLD OF WAAAAATERTERTERTERTER

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obedient, self-disciplined, shy, impulsive,adaptable, systematic, open to new ideas?Are you a leader or a follower? Are you avisionary or an implementer?

• What can you do? What are your abilities?What interests you? What do you enjoydoing? The career you’ll enjoy most is theone that gives you a chance to do what youare good at and to develop your strengthsand your potential. (Each of the careerdescriptions in Section II indicate the kind ofinterests, skills, and aptitudes that are bestsuited to each type of work.) Here are somekey general areas for you to think about:o your school subjects — which are your

favourites? which are you best at? whichwould you like to follow and developfurther in the career of your choice?

o your interests — what kind of work doyou like doing best? what do you enjoyfinding out about?

o independence — do you like to work onyour own? to make your own decisions?take responsibility for yourself and forwhat you do?

o group and teamwork skills/interpersonalskills/working with people — how well doyou get on with others? are you good atnegotiating? can you easily toleratedifferent viewpoints?

o information handling skills/working withdata — are you good at researching,cataloguing, interpreting, classifying,selecting, organising?

o computer skills — can you work withdifferent computer programs?

o communication skills/working with words— are you good at expressing yourself,listening, writing, interpreting, criticisingconstructively, debating, negotiating,explaining?

o number skills/working with numbers —do you enjoy counting, measuring,estimating, calculating?

o problem solving skills/analytical skills/working with ideas — how good are youat thinking things out, planning,assessing, analysing, strategizing,evaluating?

o practical and technical skills/working withthings — do you like designing, making,planning, controlling, getting things towork?

• What goals would you like to achievethrough your work? Job satisfaction,

money, responsibility, status, secure employ-ment, your own business?

• For whom and in what kind of surroundingsand conditions would you like to work?Would you prefer to work for a largecompany or organization or a small one? Doyou prefer to work outdoors or indoors; inan office or in a plant or in a laboratory?

• What needs do you have? Do you needsecurity, challenges, recognition? Do youneed independence or do you need to feelpart of a team? Do you need to feel you are‘making a difference’? Do you need to feel‘in charge’ of a team or project or activity?Do you prefer to focus on implementingideas or projects? Do you feel the need tostart up new projects? Do you prefer tofocus on seeing a particular job or activitythrough to its conclusion?

• What are your personal beliefs? What areyour values and what is important to you?Do you want to earn a lot of money, havestatus, work independently, have enoughmoney, help others?

Aptitude tests can be arranged at school or bymost higher education institutions. These canhelp you plan your curriculum and career. Forexample, log on to the University of the Wit-watersrand’s online career planning system:www.wits.ac.za/ec2

Employers and surroundingsEmployers and surroundingsEmployers and surroundingsEmployers and surroundingsEmployers and surroundingsWater-related careers offer opportunities for workin a great variety of circumstances, to suit alltastes and needs. They also offer a wide choiceof employers. Here are some of the options.

EmployersEmployersEmployersEmployersEmployersThe wide range of employers in the world ofwater includes the following:• private sector employers (e.g. in business,

commerce, and industry; engineering firms,for example, design and construct many ofthe facilities needed to store, supply, andtreat water; manufacturing firms plan,produce, and market equipment anddevices for water-supply control andmanagement; consulting engineers surveyand rehabilitate sites where water has beenpolluted)

• public sector employers (e.g. governmentdepartments, utilities such as Umgeni Wateror Rand Water)

• community employers (e.g. non-govern-

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mental organizations or NGOs, such as theMvula Trust)

• self-employment (e.g. you can be self-employed as an entrepreneur, or as aprofessional consultant or contractor)

• institutional employers specializing inresearch and high-level teaching (e.g.universities, science councils, and researchinstitutes employ lecturers or professionalresearchers in specialist programmes orprojects)

• international agencies (e.g. the UnitedNations employs people in manyprogrammes that focus, for instance, onlocal water quality and resources; UNESCOemploys people to promote safe drinkingwater in developing countries; the WorldBank, the Asian Development Bank, andsimilar organizations evaluate and financeirrigation and water-supply projects aroundthe world).

SurroundingsSurroundingsSurroundingsSurroundingsSurroundingsWater-related careers mean that you can chooseto specialize in work that you do indoors or

outdoors. You can look for work wherever peo-ple use or need water.

You can be employed in an office, in a fac-tory, in a laboratory, or out of doors (at buildingsites or dams, for example, or in natural environ-ments gathering data or water samples or con-ducting geological surveys), or in rural or small-town or urban surroundings.

3.3 .3 .3 .3 . HOW TO QUALIFYHOW TO QUALIFYHOW TO QUALIFYHOW TO QUALIFYHOW TO QUALIFY

School subjectsSchool subjectsSchool subjectsSchool subjectsSchool subjectsDepending on your choice of career, it is best tochoose your matriculation subjects as early asGrade 9. Your choice of subjects is very importantbecause it will affect what you can do later if youwant to carry on studying or get furtherqualifications.

If you need a matriculation exemption,you have to take 6 subjects from 4 differentsubject groups, with at least 4 higher gradesubjects from 3 different subject groups, andobtain an aggregate of at least 950 marks. Themarks are calculated as follows:

Grade Subject marked out of Pass mark per subject(not including year marks)

Higher Grade 400 160/400 (40%), Symbol EStandard Grade 300 100/300 (33%), Symbol F

To qualify for a senior certificate, you need 6subjects chosen from any of the subject groupsand an aggregate of at least 720 marks. Youmust pass at least 5 subjects, including two ofSouth Africa’s official languages.

The subject groups are:Group A: Languages — English, Afrikaans,vernacularGroup B: MathematicsGroup C: Sciences — physical science,biology, or physiologyGroup D: Third Languages — German,French, Italian, Hebrew, Latin, Greek, etc.Group E: Humanities — history, geography,economics, biblical studies, Jewish studiesGroup F: Additional subjects — e.g. businesseconomics, technical drawing, mercantilelaw, agricultural science, music, art, typing,

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home economics, accounting, computerstudies, technika (electrical, mechanical, civil,or electronics).

Career fields for water-related workCareer fields for water-related workCareer fields for water-related workCareer fields for water-related workCareer fields for water-related workBelow are some examples of career fields, typicalmatric subjects, and water-related careersassociated with them.

Qualifications at all levels are available in thedifferent tertiary education institutions acrossSouth Africa. (Examples are given in theoverviews that follow, and in the specific careerdescriptions in Section II.) Find out whatselected institutions offer by way of vocational‘structured’ courses, or what options they offerin more general courses. Some institutionscluster subject areas in ways that provide forparticular employment. Check with each Schoolor Faculty that seems to offer what you want,and apply to the dean’s office for help. Ask forassistance from the student counselling orcareer counselling division of the institution.The career fields described below do not alwayshave a central focus on water, but all of themcontain possibilities for work in water-relatedactivities.

Humanities and social sciencesHumanities and social sciencesHumanities and social sciencesHumanities and social sciencesHumanities and social sciences• Matric subjects: history, agricultural science,

geography, home economics, languages.• Careers: political scientists, geographers,

sociologists, anthropologists, translators,lawyers, and historians are involved in thegrowing public interest in water and thequality of our environment.

As water resources become increasinglyscarce, we need more effective administrativeand political institutions for water planning,development and management. To plan forthe efficient use of water in municipalities,agriculture, mining, and industry, we needto know about water resources, populationgrowth, and industrial and urbandevelopment. Policies, guidelines, and lawsabout water use have to be developed.

CommerceCommerceCommerceCommerceCommerce• Matric subjects: mathematics, business

economics, economics, typing, accountancy.• Careers: administrators and managers

trained in water-resources administration arein demand. So are accountants,bookkeepers, secretaries, and economists.

SciencesSciencesSciencesSciencesSciences• Matric subjects: mathematics, physics and

chemistry, biology, agricultural science,geography.

• Careers: hydrologists, computerprogrammers, laboratory technicians,climatologists, microbiologists,biotechnologists, chemists, geologists,engineering technicians, statisticians,limnologists, mathematicians,hydrogeologists, geomorphologists,botanists, and ecologists all play essentialroles in water-related activities andindustries.

Engineer ingEngineer ingEngineer ingEngineer ingEngineer ing• Matric subjects: mathematics, physics and

chemistry, biology, agricultural science,geography.

• Careers: many types of engineers addresswater-resource issues: agricultural, civil,environmental, and hydraulic engineerssurvey water resources, measure water flowsabove and below ground, gather andanalyse data about floods, and constructfacilities to store, treat, transport, anddistribute water.Note: Engineering faculties of some higher edu-cation institutions offer bridging/support pro-grammes to help students from communitieswhere appropriate education facilities werelacking. Students with matriculation exemption,with a minimum of a D-symbol (higher grade),are considered for acceptance.

TTTTTechnical /pract icalechnical /pract icalechnical /pract icalechnical /pract icalechnical /pract ical• Matric subjects: mathematics, physical

science, technical drawing, trade theory,metalwork.

• Careers: fitters and turners, boilermakers,plumbers, draughtsmen, engineeringtechnicians, surveyors, and laboratoryassistants provide services that are crucial fordelivery in the world of water.

Medica lMedica lMedica lMedica lMedica l• Matric subjects: mathematics, physics and

chemistry, biology.• Careers: nurses, doctors, community health

workers, specialists in water-borne diseases,and other health professionals are involvedin work associated with the provision ofwater that is safe for humans to use.

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Apprenticeships and learnershipsApprenticeships and learnershipsApprenticeships and learnershipsApprenticeships and learnershipsApprenticeships and learnershipsChanges in the training of artisans are subject tothe official approval of the Registrar of LabourTraining. New systems of learnership andapprenticeship training are being introduced,and each industry will have its own systems andprocedures. (For details, contact the appropriateSector Education Training Authority (SETA) orprofessional association. You will find some ofthe most important ones in Section III.)

In addition, many large employers (such asthe Department of Water Affairs and Forestry)provide their own in-service training for suitablematriculants or graduates who are looking for acareer that will give them immediate work andhelp them to develop further in specializedfields.

TTTTTechnical collegesechnical collegesechnical collegesechnical collegesechnical collegesTechnical colleges offer vocational educationand training (VET) from Grade 10 to Grade 12,and higher education up to 3 years post-grade12. Here you can train as an artisan, and registerfor full-time, part-time, and distance educationprogrammes. To get into a technical college,you need to have passed Grade 9.

Programmes at technical colleges combinetheory and practice, so students who qualifycan start working productively as soon as theyfind a job. Students obtain certificates ordiplomas for post-school programmes,depending on the type and length of theprogramme.

Technical colleges offer 7 fields of study,including the arts (e.g. dance, drama, music,art), social services (e.g. educare, child care, careof the aged), utility services (e.g. catering,clothing design), agriculture (e.g. horticulture,landscape architecture), and languages andcommunication (e.g. Business English). Otherstudy fields, which could lead you directly to acareer in water, include:

• Engineering studies: in specific fields,e.g. electrical, mechanical, civil, and utilities/production engineering, can lead to careersin e.g. civil, mechanical, or electricalengineering; building; fitting and turning;plumbing.Note: After obtaining a National Diploma(N.Dip.), an engineering technician can register asa ‘certificated engineer in training’; aftercompleting 2–4 years of practical experience, sheor he may register, with the Engineering Council

of South Africa, as a ‘registered certificated engi-neer’ or a ‘registered engineering technician’.

• Business studies: in specific fields, e.g.secretarial, personnel management, publicrelations, small business development,bookkeeping, can lead to careers in e.g.management, credit control, accounting,clerical or secretarial work.

Technical colleges offer several qualifications.These include:

National Certificate — If you complete anational course and pass 4 subjects in the na-tional examinations, you obtain a National Cer-tificate. You can enter the next level and com-plete National Certificates from N1 to N6.

First National Diploma — To qualify for theFirst National Diploma, you must pass a total of12 subjects on the N4, N5, and N6 levels, with aminimum of 3 subjects on the N6 level. Youmust also complete two years’ relevant practicaltraining.

Second National Diploma — To qualify forthe Second National Diploma, you must pass 2extra subjects on the N4, N5, and N6 levels for atotal of 6 subjects. Together with the 12 sub-jects completed in the first diploma, you willthen complete 18 subjects. The extra subjectsmust follow consecutively from N4 to N6. Aftercompleting the theoretical N6 course, you mustdo two years of practical training in the relevantfield of study to obtain the National Diploma.

TTTTTechnikons, universities of technol-echnikons, universities of technol-echnikons, universities of technol-echnikons, universities of technol-echnikons, universities of technol-ogyogyogyogyogy, and comprehensive universities, and comprehensive universities, and comprehensive universities, and comprehensive universities, and comprehensive universitiesSouth Africa’s higher education system is in astate of transition. Institutions have beenmerging with others and changing their names(e.g. from technikons to technical universities orcomprehensive universities or universities) andthe types of qualification they offer. It is sensible,therefore, once you decide on your career path,to obtain up-to-date information from a nearbyinstitution, or from an institution that you thinkcan offer what you are looking for.

Technikons, former technikons, universitiesof technology, and comprehensive universitiesprovide academic education and practicalhands-on training in a wide range of specializedcareers. They train technologists, not artisans.Many of their programmes help students toprepare for work in specific jobs. They coverspecialized occupations and careers in the fields

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of applied engineering; biological, chemical andphysical sciences; and applied commercial sci-ences; humanities, arts, and teacher education.

To study at one of these institutions, youneed at least a senior certificate or an equivalentqualification, but the exact entrancerequirement can vary from programme toprogramme and from institution to institution.Some faculties require specific compulsoryschool subjects, a personal interview, and/or anentrance test.

Qualifications obtained from a formertechnikon or its equivalent are:

CertificatesNational Higher CertificateNQF: Certificate(minimum of 120 credits)

DiplomasNational Higher DiplomaNQF: Diploma(minimum of 240 credits)National DiplomaNQF: First degree(minimum of 360 credits)

DegreesBachelor in Technology (B.Tech.)Master’s in Technology (M.Tech.)Doctorate in Technology (D.Tech.)

Some specialized study fields at theseinstitutions that can prepare students for arange of jobs in the world of water are:accounting, agriculture, analytical chemistry,biomedical technology, biotechnology, businessadministration, computer systems, cost andmanagement accounting, economicmanagement analysis, environmental sciences,human resource management, informationtechnology, internal auditing, laboratorymanagement, nature conservation, and watercare. In the fields of engineering you can studychemical engineering, civil engineering, orelectrical engineering (specializing, for instance,in electronics or process instrumentation).

Note: A person with a recognized B.Tech. or M.Tech.degree can register as an ‘engineering technologist intraining’; after three years’ practical experience, anengineering technologist may register as a‘professional technologist (engineering)’ with theEngineering Council of South Africa.

Programmes at these institutions promote tech-nology education and research for the develop-

mental needs of a transforming South Africa andour changing world. Designed in collaborationwith industry and the private and public sectors,courses are structured to include practical appli-cations and to deliver graduates with knowl-edge that is immediately relevant in theworkplace.

Bridging programmesBridging programmesBridging programmesBridging programmesBridging programmesStudents who have only a senior certificate andwould like to study further can enquire aboutattending special access programmes forcourses in, for example, economic andmanagement sciences, science, law, humanitiesand social sciences.

Such courses are offered at certain tertiaryeducation institutions and also at privatecolleges around South Africa. One-year courses,for instance, are available to help students toupgrade their marks in mathematics, physicalscience, and accounting, or to prepare studentsfor further study towards careers in auditing or inelectronic, computer, or mechanical engineering.It is worth investigating such courses, and alsothe availability of bursaries and scholarships.

UniversitiesUniversitiesUniversitiesUniversitiesUniversitiesMany former technikons and colleges have beenmerging with other higher education insti-tutions in South Africa since 2003 and the publictertiary education system has been in flux, withchanges taking place continuously over a periodof years. As you decide what qualifications youmay need, update yourself by consulting acollege or university near you, or by writing tothe institutions that might best provide for yourneeds.

Many water-related careers requirecompletion of undergraduate or postgraduatedegrees, with specific appropriate subjects takenat different levels (especially in so-called ‘struc-tured’ degree courses, or as chosen by you in amore general degree course as you prepare foryour specific career path). To study for an under-graduate degree at a university in South Africa,you will normally need at least a matriculationwith full exemption. Certain degrees andfaculties have additional minimum requirements.All universities use a point rating system, whichdiffers from university to university. Some degreesmay require an admissions test and/or apersonal interview.

Depending on the course, universities canaward certificates and diplomas, and, in

7

addition, they confer degrees as follows:B. (Bachelor)Hons. (Honours)M. (Master)D. Phil./Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

Here are some examples of faculties, bachelordegrees, fields of study, and minimum admis-sion requirements. (For details, consult the cur-rent Calendar of the institutions of your choice.)

Faculty Bachelor Examples of fields of Admission requirementsdegrees study

Built B.Sc. — Town and Regional Mathematics and English,Environment Bachelor of Planning matric pass on higher grade

Science or minimum of 60% onstandard grade

Arts/ BA — Humanities, social sciences, English (First Language) pass onHumanities Bachelor of performing arts (drama and music). higher grade or (Second Language)

Arts Areas of study include: inter- 40% on higher grade; plus higherB.Soc.Sc. national relations, languages, law, grade pass in 2 of: any language,— Bachelor of political studies, psychology, biology, economics, biblical studies,Social Science sociology history, mathematics, physical

science, physiology

Commerce, law, B.Com. — Accounting, marketing, human English (First Language) pass onand manage- Bachelor of resource management, local higher grade or (Second Language)ment Commerce government, law, information 40% on higher grade; mathematics

B.Econ.Sc. — systems, finance, insurance and pass on higher grade or minimumBachelor of Eco- risk management, economics 60% on standard gradenomic SciencesB.Acc. —Bachelor ofAccountancy

Engineering* B.Sc.(Eng.) Agricultural, chemical, civil, Mathematic, pass on higher grade;electrical, environment, and physical science, pass on highermechanical engineering grade

Law BA Law, LLB Relevant fields of law: e.g. English (First Language), pass onconstitutional, contract, criminal, higher grade; (Second Language),environmental, tourism, labour, minimum 50% on higher grademineral rights

Science B.Sc. Biological, earth, mathematical Mathematics, pass HGand physical sciences; computersciences, microbiology and bio-technology (genetic engineering),and chemistry

*Note: A graduate with a recognized B.Sc.(Eng.) or B.Eng. degree can register as an ‘engineer in training’.After three years’ practical experience, an engineer may register as a ‘professional engineer’ with theEngineering Council of South Africa.

8

B.B.B.B.B. WWWWWAAAAATERTERTERTERTER-REL-REL-REL-REL-RELAAAAATED CAREERSTED CAREERSTED CAREERSTED CAREERSTED CAREERS

1.1 .1 .1 .1 . THE WTHE WTHE WTHE WTHE WAAAAATER CYTER CYTER CYTER CYTER CYCLECLECLECLECLE

Water circulates continually between the earthand the atmosphere. This circulation is knownas the water or hydrological cycle. Because werely on it for all our water needs, we need toappreciate how this cycle works if we want tounderstand water resources and how best tomanage them.

Water is available in nature as a solid, aliquid, or a gas: as ice, snow, water, and steam(water vapour). This is how the cycle works:

• Evaporation — the sun evaporates waterfrom oceans, lakes, and rivers, for example,or plants transpire water into theatmosphere

• Condensation — as the air filled withmoisture rises, it cools and condenses intoclouds

• Precipitation — the water in the clouds fallsback to the earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail(such precipitation can happen in minutesor hours)

• Surface runoff — some of the rain runs intostreams and rivers and returns to the oceans(this can take days)

• Infiltration — some of the water infiltratesthe soil and is evaporated directly; some of itmoves through the roots of plants and istranspired by the leaves

• Percolation — other water percolates orseeps deeper into groundwater aquifers(layers of rocks or soil underground that areable to hold water). In arctic regions,groundwater may be frozen. It can takedecades, centuries, or even millions of yearsfor water in deep underground aquifers tojoin the hydrological cycle

• Evaporation — the cycle starts again.

The hydrological cycle is what links the differentwater resources — rivers, wetlands, estuaries,and groundwater.

Plants, animals, people, and modern humansocieties all need water. It is in domestic usewherever people live, and it is used widely inscience, industry, and agriculture — as a solventor as a catalyst, for instance, and for diluting,cooling, cleansing.

People interrupt the natural water cycle toobtain water when and where they need it. For

example, we sink boreholes and build storagereservoirs to supply municipal, industrial, andagricultural water needs, and we return treatedwastewater to our lakes and streams.

The activities of people, animals, and plantscreate the biophysical environment of our waterresources, so these resources need to bemanaged in an integrated way, taking intoaccount all the relationships between water andthe activities that surround it, as well as relevantsocial, economic, and political issues.

Only a small part of all the earth’s water isfresh water; most water occurs in other forms —as salt water in the oceans, ice in ice caps andglaciers, or hot salty water deep in the earth.

The purest natural form of water is probablysnow, and the next purest is rain, even thoughit contains dissolved gases from the air.Mountain streams are relatively pure, butlowland rivers can be highly polluted byindustrial or human wastes and bacteria.

Groundwater is particularly important tohumans, as it is the largest reserve of drinkablewater in regions where people are able to live.Because it has filtered through the ground, ithas less organic contamination than river water,for instance. It may appear at the surface in theform of springs, or we can reach it through wellsand boreholes.

South Africa has limited supplies of water, soit needs skilled and qualified people to look afterits water resources and each part of the watercycle to make sure there is enough of the rightquality water to serve all our needs.

2.2 .2 .2 .2 . PEOPLE WHO WORK IN THEPEOPLE WHO WORK IN THEPEOPLE WHO WORK IN THEPEOPLE WHO WORK IN THEPEOPLE WHO WORK IN THEWORLD OF WWORLD OF WWORLD OF WWORLD OF WWORLD OF WAAAAATERTERTERTERTER

Section II lists (in alphabetical order) careersrelating directly or indirectly to eight differentsegments of the cycle of work in the world ofwater. It goes on to describe the different typesof work in some detail. This part of theintroduction defines those eight segmentsbroadly and indicates where some of the careersfit into the larger picture.

WWWWWater as a resourceater as a resourceater as a resourceater as a resourceater as a resourceWater resources are bodies of water such asrivers, streams, wetlands, estuaries, andgroundwater. They need to be managed soeveryone can benefit from them, now and infuture. We need to find the balance betweenprotecting these resources and using them

9

efficiently and fairly. People with careers in thearea of water resources are responsible forfinding water and monitoring, analysing, andconserving it.

The National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998)regulates the way in which surface water (i.e.water that is above the ground) andgroundwater (i.e. water that is underground) areprotected, used, developed, conserved,managed, and controlled. The Minister sets thenational objectives, and, in each of SouthAfrica’s 19 water management areas, there is acatchment management agency responsible forprotecting the catchments and aquifers in itsarea (i.e. maintaining the quality of surface andgroundwater for use in an ecologicallysustainable way, preventing the degradation ofrivers and aquifers, and rehabilitating them).

To protect and use water resources properly,we need information about:

• The quantity, quality, and reliability of freshwater (where can we find it? can we drink it?Is there enough for our future needs?)

• The effect of human activities on waterresources and the hydrological cycle (e.g.too many boreholes can use up thegroundwater; chemicals and mining canpollute rivers and dams; soil erosion canspeed up evaporation)

• The effect of natural phenomena on waterresources (e.g. global climate change couldalter rainfall patterns; droughts and floodsneed to be managed)

• Water-linked ecosystems (such as rivers, estu-aries, and wetlands), and how to protect,sustain, and rehabilitate them after peoplehave polluted them or mined them or intro-duced alien plants and animals, for example.

Water resource management maintains reliablewater supplies for human needs and protectsthe environment. Clean, reliable water supply isvital for human health and for economic devel-opment through its use in commerce, industry,and agriculture.

People who manage water resourcesconsider the availability of water, how much isneeded, and for what particular uses. They needto protect the health of these resources, bytaking into account the animals that live thereand the plants or vegetation that surroundthem. People working with water resourcesneed to understand present and futuredemand for water. They consider options formeeting it by means of new resources (such asdams and reservoirs) and by means of ensuringthat enough is ‘set aside’ in the country’s re-serve to provide for basic human needs and toprotect water ecosystems. They also try to man-

10

age demand through changing technologyand by trying to change people’s behaviour inthe way they use water.

Some positions in the field of water resourcemanagement are: water resource planner, waterresource engineer, water resource analyst, waterresource economist, hydrologist, hydrogeo-logist, and hydroecologist.

To enter such fields you could be a graduatein a numerate discipline (such as geography,environmental science, engineering, or econo-mics), or hold a postgraduate degree in waterresources or engineering hydrology. There arealso many opportunities for social scientists.

Preparing water for distributionPreparing water for distributionPreparing water for distributionPreparing water for distributionPreparing water for distributionThe next step in the process of providing waterfor society’s needs is to make it available. Peopleemployed in this area may be involved in waterstorage, for instance. Others are responsible formaking it possible to have efficient access to thewater for the purpose of drawing it, transportingit further, treating it, and preparing it for safe use.

As the public trustee of the national waterresources, the Department of Water Affairs andForestry develops, operates, and maintains inter-basin transfer schemes and the storage damsused to store raw water in bulk. But, with alicence or other authorization to do so, any insti-tution or person can build and operate a dam.

There are many different career opportunitieshere for people with all levels of qualifications.There is work for engineers of all kinds — civilengineers who build dams and reservoirs, forexample; mechanical engineers and electricalengineers — as well as for surveyors, electricians,fitter and turners, and plumbers. There is also agreat need for specialists working in areas ofscience such as ecology, hydrology, micro-biology, and for laboratory analysts and otherswho provide crucial support.

TTTTTreatment of ‘reatment of ‘reatment of ‘reatment of ‘reatment of ‘rawrawrawrawraw’ water’ water’ water’ water’ waterCareers in the area of water treatment areavailable in two important parts of the cycle ofwater use. First, we need people who treatwater before it has been put to use — before itreaches our taps, for example — that is, treat-ment of ‘raw’ water and preparing it for itsdifferent users. Second, we need people whotreat water after it has been used by people andindustries, that is, treatment of wastewater todispose of it safely or to make it safe and readyfor further use.

The same basic qualifications apply to bothaspects of water treatment, but they are appliedvery differently. (For an outline of careers thatapply to both aspects of water treatment, seethe Water Treatment overview below.)

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WWWWWater supplyater supplyater supplyater supplyater supplyWe need water at home and at work and in theeconomy (e.g. in urban centres and rural areas,in mining, agriculture, and industry). People withcareers in water supply make sure that we haveenough water for all these uses, in towns and inrural areas. They can work for large employers,such as a water services authority or waterboard, and for a host of others essential in thesupply chain.

The water services authority (municipality) isresponsible for making sure that the infra-structure for reticulation (i.e. the overall supplynetwork) is developed, operated, and main-tained. Bulk water services providers are respon-sible for developing, operating and maintainingabstraction works for drawing water; bulkpotable (drinking) water treatment plants andpump stations; and reservoirs and pipelines fordistributing clean water to municipal reservoirs.The activities of water services authorities areregulated by the Water Services Act (Act 108 of1997), which deals mainly with water services orpotable water and sanitation services suppliedby municipalities to households and other mu-nicipal water users.

A water board provides bulk treated waterand may be contracted as a service provider.The water services authority is responsible forwater and sanitation systems, and it may con-

tract another provider to develop, operate, andmaintain the infrastructure, manage revenuecollection and customer relations, and promotehealth and hygiene awareness.

Pipeline networks underground carry cleanwater and wastewater. They distribute the waterfrom the water treatment works to the taps ofdomestic and commercial water users, throughmetallic and non-metallic pipes. They also bringwater to the treatment works from varioussources — rivers, reservoirs that collect uplandstream water, and boreholes where the water ispumped from underground aquifers. Waste-water pipes (or sewers) take sewage away fromproperties to the sewage treatment works, andother networks discharge purified water tostreams or rivers, or into the sea.

Managing pipe networks needs designknowledge for new pipelines, refurbishment ofexisting pipelines, and analysis of the network todetermine effects of age and demand thatcould lead to bursts, or inadequate waterquality or pressure. Pipeline engineers andtechnicians work to ensure that pipes arecorrectly laid, used, maintained, inspected, andrepaired.

Large-scale plants and systems transportand treat huge quantities of water and waste-water to ensure continuous clean water fordrinking, irrigation, industry, and household use.

12

Skilled operators control the processes, monitoroperations, conduct maintenance and repairwork, and report results. They are trained inmechanics, hydraulics, computer science,biology, and chemistry, amongst others.

Supplying water also involves storing,purifying, and distributing water, by pipeline orcarrier to wherever it is needed. It needs peoplewho operate dams, pumping stations, andreservoirs, and, in general, in a variety of auxiliarycareers, people who manage and takeresponsibility for supplying all kinds of water inbulk. It also needs people to construct, operate,and maintain the systems that supply anddistribute water.

WWWWWater useater useater useater useater useAll people need access to water for domesticuse, for drinking and for washing, for instance.In addition, the country as a whole has large-scale commercial users of water. To provide for allof these needs, there are people who provide avariety of essential services.

Water use refers to activities that have animpact on a water resource, that is, activitiesthat affect the amount of water in a waterresource, the quality of that water, and theenvironment of that resource. Examples includereducing streamflow (which occurs throughcommercial forestry, for instance), dischargingwaste into a water resource, or removing

underground water. Water is used mainly inagriculture, forestry, industry, mining, powergeneration, bulk storage, recreation, and theprovision of urban and rural water services.

In agriculture, for instance, water is neededto produce food, fibre, fuel-wood, and timber.Such use can help to reduce poverty andincrease the earnings of people who depend onwater-based agriculture, including subsistence,emergent, and commercial farmers. People withwater-related careers in agriculture are respon-sible for creating and applying water-efficientproduction technologies, for example, forfinding practical solutions to problems, and forprotecting water resources. They may suggestways for farmers to produce more crops usingthe same amount of water or to produce thesame amount of crops using less water. Theyencourage efficient use of water and theymanage water quality for irrigation of crops,livestock watering, and aquaculture in rivers,ponds, and dams.

Woodlands and forestry plantations can stoprivers from flowing and reduce the amount ofwater that percolates into underground aquifers.Farming and forestry can pollute surface andgroundwater with chemicals from fertilizers, pesti-cides, and herbicides. Drawing water from rivers,dams, and boreholes affects the natural environ-ment. So people are needed in careers that pro-tect our terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

13

Mines and industries produce high concen-trations of wastes and effluents that arepumped into rivers and sewers or seep intounderground water and degrade the quality ofwater. People with careers in water related tomines and industries are concerned withtreating and disposing of wastes (includingsewage, effluents, polluted drainage, and solidwastes) and with developing and promotingmanagement systems, technologies, andprocesses that allow water to be used moreefficiently and that reduce pollution. Somepeople’s work involves investigating thepossibilities of recovering waste and reusing it asan energy source or selling it.

Water use of national and strategicimportance also offers careers of various kinds,such as work in the use of water to generateelectricity, or in the service of inter-catchmentwater transfers (where water in a managementarea that has surplus water is transferred toanother management area that has too littlewater for its needs).

The National Water Act provides for theestablishment of water user associations, whichare groupings of water users working togetherat the local level to prevent water wastage, or toprotect water resources, or to regulate the flowof watercourses. Water user associations may beformer irrigation boards, or be established forstreamflow activities such as afforestation, or forthe treatment and disposal of effluent andwaste, or to control water use for recreationalpurposes. In another context, a group offarmers, for instance, might form a water userassociation to build a common dam or canal, ora group of emerging farmers might form a wateruser association to pool their resources formutual benefit. Managing and advising suchassociations provides work opportunities formany different areas of expertise.

WWWWWater treatment (overater treatment (overater treatment (overater treatment (overater treatment (overview)view)view)view)view)People with careers in water treatment, as wehave said, may work either in the area of thetreatment of ‘raw’ water or in the area ofwastewater treatment and sanitation.

Those who treat ‘raw’ water make sure, forinstance, that our water is healthy (does nothave harmful bacteria or chemicals in it) and thatdrinking water is drinkable (is clear, not salty, anddoes not smell). Those who work in wastewatertreatment and sanitation (that is, in the treat-ment of water after it has already been used),treat wastewater to remove or neutralize harmful

organic and inorganic matter, for example hu-man excreta or chemicals used in agricultural,mining and industrial processes. The basictraining for both types of water treatment workis very similar, but that training is applied at twodistinct parts of the water cycle.

Natural processes as well as human activitiesadd different pollutants and contaminants towater. Surface water found in nature, forinstance, alters chemically as it contacts soil andother materials; use of water in municipal,industrial, and agricultural activities adds organicand inorganic pollutants to water. As water isrecycled its quality continually changes.

We consider water quality only in the contextof the use to which it is to be put. We needdistilled water for our motorcar batteries, forexample. Water high in plant nutrients, such astreated domestic sewage, can provide excellentwater for irrigation, but could cause seriousproblems if it were discharged into a source ofdrinking water. The challenge is to provide theright quality of water for the right use and at theright price.

Safe treatment and distribution of drinkingwater to the country’s people, as well as thecollection, treatment, and safe disposal ofwastewater make vital contributions to publichealth everywhere.

Sewerage and drainage services needpeople who operate sewerage or drainagesystems, or sewage treatment plants. Early inthe water cycle, ‘raw’ water is pumped fromwells, rivers, and streams to water treatmentplants. There it is treated and then distributedto customers. After it has been used by thesecustomers it becomes wastewater: liquid wastetravels through customers’ sewer pipes to liquidwaste treatment plants. In those plants it istreated, and then may be returned to streams,rivers, and oceans, or reused for irrigation andlandscaping. Operators in both types of watertreatment plant take control of the processesand equipment that remove or destroy harmfulmaterials, chemicals, and micro-organisms fromthe water.

Work opportunities are wide-ranging in ‘raw’water treatment and in wastewater treatmentand sanitation. There is work, for instance, for‘raw’ water treatment and wastewater treat-ment plant operation staff at all levels; fornetwork engineers who design sewage andwater distribution networks; for analyticalchemists and other specialist laboratory-basedscientists; for laboratory and field technicians

14

who sample and analyse ‘raw’ water andwastewater samples; for desalination andfiltration plant operators; and for regulatorsresponsible for monitoring the quality ofwastewater that is discharged into rivers or thesea, for example.

WWWWWastewater treatment and sanitationastewater treatment and sanitationastewater treatment and sanitationastewater treatment and sanitationastewater treatment and sanitationPeople working in this area of water treatmentspecialize in treating water that has been used— by people at home and at work, for example,as well as by industrial users.

Used water is often polluted and it needs tobe made safe. We have to be sure that water-borne diseases such as typhoid and cholera donot have a chance to spread. We also have tobe sure that water that has been used byindustry has been cleansed of dangerouschemicals and mineral deposits (such as leadand iron). In addition, wastewater also needs tobe treated in such a way that it can be recycledand made ready for further use. (For more de-tails, see the Water Treatment overview above.)

The water services authority (municipality) isthe body responsible for collecting and treatingsewage, wastewater, and effluent, and forreturning the treated water back into the river orthe sea.

AAAAAuxiliaruxiliaruxiliaruxiliaruxiliar y sery sery sery sery servicesvicesvicesvicesvicesPeople providing auxiliary services look after thevarious service needs of different communities ofwater users. They include meter-readers andthose responsible for billing clients. They alsoinclude those who educate customers inresponsible water use, and those who make thearrangements necessary for making sure thatsafe water reaches everyone who needs it. Insome cases it means providing lorry loads ofwater to communities living in informal settle-ments, for instance, or water tokens for thosewith easier access to water.

SupporSupporSupporSupporSupport sert sert sert sert servicesvicesvicesvicesvicesSurrounding every area of water-related workpeople are needed to offer support services.Large water facilities, for instance, have largebudgets and large numbers of staff. They needmanagers, accounting personnel, adminis-trators, clerks, legal expertise, and people whocan provide training and IT support, and manyother functions. Support staff are essential forenabling such facilities to operate reliably orcost-effectively.

15

C .C .C .C .C . JOBS INTERACTING FORJOBS INTERACTING FORJOBS INTERACTING FORJOBS INTERACTING FORJOBS INTERACTING FORWWWWWAAAAATER FOR ALLTER FOR ALLTER FOR ALLTER FOR ALLTER FOR ALL

In this guide, Section I gives a picture of therange of careers in different areas of the watercycle, and in Section II careers are listedaccording to fields of expertise. But in real life, itis the ways in which jobs and careers interactthat create conditions for making wateraccessible to all who need it.

Here, therefore, we outline an example of atype of organization, its divisions, and thecontext in which it operates, whose activitiesand responsibilities offer opportunities for avariety of people, with different qualifications at

different levels, to work together with commonwater-related purpose.

The work of a water and sanitationThe work of a water and sanitationThe work of a water and sanitationThe work of a water and sanitationThe work of a water and sanitationserserserserservices authorityvices authorityvices authorityvices authorityvices authorityA typical water and sanitation services authorityin a municipal area is responsible for serving theneeds of large numbers of domestic, commer-cial, and industrial customers. It might, forexample, operate an extensive water mainsnetwork for distribution; dams, water reservoirs,or water towers for collection and storage;sludge plants, filter plants, and biological reac-tors for water treatment; and waste treatmentworks for raw sewage (that is, for domestic andindustrial effluent), before high quality effluent isdischarged, contributing to a river’s regene-

16

17

18

ration and the protection of the environment.Looking after the country’s water resource, theDepartment of Water Affairs and Forestry(DWAF), with its own national infrastructure,provides policy and feeds into the infrastructureof local water provision as regulator and dis-penser of licences where necessary. Catchmentmanagement agencies have the task of mana-ging water resources in their area, includingindustrial compliance, for instance, andmonitoring allocations of water at regional level.

Many careers and positions combine andinteract at each stage, to make these processeswork smoothly and to deliver the services thatare needed. Here is a summary of anoverarching context and organization structurethat brings them together in various ways.

The actual work of water and sanitationprovision may be done internally, within theservices authority’s own organization and by itsown employees, or, depending on local con-ditions and size, some of the work may beoutsourced to a water services provider. Theexamples below outline the types of respons-ibility that a service authority or provider mayhave and the work that its staff or subcontrac-tors might need to do.

• The Municipal Manager or the ChiefExecutive Officer of a water and sanitationservices provider and her or his team act asmanagers, responsible for the work of theutility and its divisions, and for compliancewith all relevant laws and regulations.

• Laboratory services staff and resourcecentres conduct routine analyses andmonitor water quality, at pump stations, forexample, and across the supply chain. Theyreport on any problems they may encounter.

• Scientific services staff act as experts andadvisers, whose role is to solve problems asthey arise (with regard to water quality oreffluent, for instance, or, more broadly, assurveyors or cartographers) and torecommend ways to optimize the work ofthe utility.

• Research and development is the contribu-tion made by scientists, researchers, andtechnologists. More advanced research anddevelopment support is often provided byuniversities or science councils. There are jobopportunities for a variety of different kinds of

researchers specializing in the world of water,including aquatic scientists, hydrologists,geohydrologists, and many others.

• Operations staff make sure that the proc-esses and plants work in practice. They in-clude managers (such as superintendents,works managers, district managers, andregional managers) and process controllerswho run the various plants. It is in the op-erations area that the practical day-to-dayjob gets done, and operational skills areurgently needed across the country forpeople with technical diplomas or degreesfrom technikons or universities.

• Technical services provide mechanicaland engineering maintenance expertise in allareas of water provision. In this area, too,South Africa is short of skilled people andoffers many job opportunities.

• Planning has to do with assessing theneed for current and future capital infra-structure and equipment, based on popu-lations, economics, customer requirements,and water availability, as well as on the workof regional and town planners who decideon new developments that in turn requiresewers and delivery of water services. Thisinvolves planning for expenditure and forproject management (e.g. for all that isrequired where a new dam needs to bebuilt).

• Information technology, humanresources, legal services, finance, andcorporate communication staff, bothwithin and from outside the organization,also play a crucial part in making sure thatthe service provider’s work is done efficientlyand in a responsible way. Careers in thesefields are core to any business, and they areneeded in water and sanitation provision —and in the world of water in general — justas much as in any other organization thatprovides a service to the public.

• Consultants are used and contracted todo work that the staff of a services authorityor provider do not have the specialistexpertise, knowledge, and skills to carry outthemselves. They offer expertise that may berequired for particular projects, and couldinclude IT specialists, design, projectmanagement or consulting engineers, forexample.

19

23) that represent areas of the water cycle arerepeated next to each career listed in this sec-tion, and these colour codes tell you in whichparts of the water cycle you will make a contribu-tion if you choose any one of these careers. (Fordescriptions of the eight areas, see the Intro-duction, Section IB, “People who work in theworld of water”.)

Water as a resourcePreparing water for distributionTreatment of ‘raw’ waterWater supplyWater useWastewater treatment and sanitationAuxiliary servicesSupport services

KEKEKEKEKEY TO SKILLS, INTERESTS,Y TO SKILLS, INTERESTS,Y TO SKILLS, INTERESTS,Y TO SKILLS, INTERESTS,Y TO SKILLS, INTERESTS,AND APTITUDES TERMSAND APTITUDES TERMSAND APTITUDES TERMSAND APTITUDES TERMSAND APTITUDES TERMS

The shorthand terms on the next page areabbreviations that you will find in the careerdescriptions under the heading “What skills,interests, and aptitudes do I need?” Specificinterests, skills, and aptitudes relating to eachcareer that are not covered by these symbols aredescribed in full.

SECTION IICAREERS ACROSS THE WCAREERS ACROSS THE WCAREERS ACROSS THE WCAREERS ACROSS THE WCAREERS ACROSS THE WAAAAATER CYTER CYTER CYTER CYTER CYCLECLECLECLECLE

No matter what you are good at or enjoy doing,or what kind of education or training you have,there is a job for you in the world of water that isinteresting and worth doing.

Here is a list of the careers that you can readabout in this section of Water@Work.

In each career description listed in the pagesthat follow you will find:• a definition of the career and related

specializations and occupations*, withexamples of positions, possible workingconditions, and surroundings

• tasks and responsibilities• skills, interests, and aptitudes• training and qualifications• selected employers• useful contacts.* An asterisk after the name of a career listed as aspecialization or related occupation indicates that thiscareer is described more fully elsewhere in this guide.(For a list of careers, consult the Index.)

KEY TO WKEY TO WKEY TO WKEY TO WKEY TO WAAAAATER CYTER CYTER CYTER CYTER CYCLECLECLECLECLECOLCOLCOLCOLCOLOUR CODESOUR CODESOUR CODESOUR CODESOUR CODES

Where in the water cycle each careerWhere in the water cycle each careerWhere in the water cycle each careerWhere in the water cycle each careerWhere in the water cycle each careerplays a partplays a partplays a partplays a partplays a partThe colours of the columns in the table (pp 21 -

20

SHORTHAND WHAT YOU WILL RELATED SKILLS, INTERESTS, AND APTITUDESTERM WORK WITH

School subjects This lists some recommended school subjects if you areinterested in this career.

Specific These are additional interests, skills, and aptitudespecific to this career.

Independent on your own, taking Independence means you are good at working withoutresponsibility for supervision, making decisions, and being personallyyourself responsible for achieving results.

Group people Group and teamwork skills mean that you are good atgetting on with others, negotiating, tolerating differentviewpoints; and that you like working with other peoplein a team.

Information data Being good at working with information means that youare good at some of the following activities: researching,displaying, cataloguing, interpreting, classifying, selecting,and organising information. It involves using computers;being logical, analytical, investigative, and precise; payingattention to detail; and being able to develop and applytheories.

Communication words Communication skills mean talking fluently and clearly,and being good at listening, writing, reading, inter-preting, analysing, criticizing constructively, debating,negotiating, and explaining. It means being articulate,and, in some careers, it means being good at languages.

Number numbers Number skills involve counting, measuring, estimating,and calculating. It means being precise, accurate, logical,and methodical.

Problem ideas Problem solving skills involve the ability to think logicallyas well as laterally, planning, assessing, analysing, strate-gizing, evaluating and judging issues. Solving problemsmeans reasoning things out and also being imaginative.

Practical things People with practical skills are good at making thingswork. They are able to design, to make and producethings where necessary, to work with tools andmachinery, and to implement. This often means beingmechanically and technically minded, manually dextrous(good with your hands) with good hand-eye coordi-nation for working with tools, and able to visualize inthree dimensions. Practical people are methodical andorganized, systematic, and accurate.

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WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Examine financial information and give ad-

vice about running a business and protect-ing investments

• Record debits and credits• Compare past and present balance sheets• Prepare reports for managers

and bank officials• Help to draw up budgets and

accounting policies• Examine the costs of operat-

ing a business or institution ororganization, as well as itsincome and expenditure

• Liaise with banks and brokers.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, andaptitudes do I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, ac-counting, economics, busi-ness economics

• Specific: professionalism andethics; integrity and discretion

• Information• Communication• Number• Problem

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Cert. — Cost and Management Account-ing

• N.Dip. — Accounting; Internal Auditing;Taxation; Cost and Management Account-

ACCOUNTACCOUNTACCOUNTACCOUNTACCOUNTANTANTANTANTANT

As an accountant, you will prepare financial statements, budgets, accounting systems, and cashflows so that managers can make sensible business decisions and improve profits. Here are someaccounting careers:

• Chartered accountant — analyses and evaluates financial information• Cost accountant — calculates what products, manufacturing, and other processes cost• Financial accountant — gives advice about planning and arranging finance (e.g. for mergers

and acquisitions, buying assets, and managing investments)• Accounting management consultant — advises businesses about procedures to follow when

administering finances and secretarial matters• Financial manager — prepares company accounts and financial reports and gives information

about the money needed to run a business• Auditor — examines the accounting records of a business, certifies them as being correct, and

gives financial advice• Credit controller — opens new accounts for clients, monitors their payment, and checks the

credit worthiness of those who apply to open accounts• Bookkeeper — keeps financial records, and computes, classifies, and verifies the information.

If you are interested in accounting or working with numbers, you could also consider the careers ofan actuary, financial analyst, valuer/appraiser, taxation specialist, banker, economist*, company secre-tary, investment analyst, bursar, and treasurer.

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ing; Financial Information Systems; Account-ing and Finance; Applied Cost and Manage-ment Accounting; Commercial Administra-tion; Commercial Practice; Local GovernmentFinance

• B.Tech. — Accounting; Cost and Manage-ment Accounting; Taxation; Internal Audit-ing; Finance and Accounting (Public); Finan-cial Information Systems

• B.Com. — Accounting; Accounting Sciences;Applied Cost and Management Accounting;Management Accounting

• B.Com. (CTA) — a certificate in theory ofaccounting is equal to an honours degree

• B.Acc. — Accounting; LLB• B.Bus.Sc. — Commerce, Finance and Eco-

nomics.

Note: To practise as a chartered accountant — aCA(SA) — you need: a bachelor’s degree plus anhonours degree or a CTA; to enter into articles ofclerkship for three years while working for a firm ofaccountants in public practice; to pass the PublicAccountants and Auditors Board final qualifyingexamination; to apply to the South African Instituteof Chartered Accountants for membership; and toregister with the Public Accountants and AuditorsBoard.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Everybody needs people with accountingskills.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? SA Institute of Chartered Accountants;Public Accountants’ and Auditors’ Board; Finan-cial and Accounting Services Sector Educationand Training Authority (FASSET).

ADMINISTRAADMINISTRAADMINISTRAADMINISTRAADMINISTRATORTORTORTORTOR

Administrators and clerks do all the general office work that helps other professional staff and man-agers to do their jobs. If you work in administration you will have a range of tasks such as keepingrecords, writing up accounts, preparing and typing reports and letters, and filing. You will spendmost of your time in the office.

Depending on your level of training, you could be in charge of a company’s administration, oryou could become an office manager, bookkeeper, cashier, personal assistant, typist or secretary, orreceptionist.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Company secretary — carries out the legal

duties of a business, such as keepingrecords and providing any information thatthe law requires, and taking charge of thecompany’s administration

• Financial clerk — makes entries in cashbooks, journals, and ledgers for the financialrecords

• Personnel clerk — helps the personnel orhuman resources manager* by keeping staffrecords, reports, regulations, and manualsup to date

• Registry clerk — opens, sorts, records, anddistributes all incoming mail

• Stores clerk — helps with the purchase andcontrol of stock such as stationery, furniture,and other company equipment.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudes do I need?

• Subjects: accounting, mathematics, typing• Specific: work neatly and accurately; enjoy

detailed routine work; responsible and de-pendable

• Independent• Information• Communication• Number

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• In-service training• Diplomas and certificates from private

colleges — Typing, Accounting, OfficeRoutine, Communication

• N.Dip. — Public Management andAdministration; Government Finance;Inventory and Stores Management; Publicand Development Management; BusinessStudies; Credit Control

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• B.Admin. — Public Management and Ad-ministration

• B.Com./LL.B.• MBA.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? All organizations employ administrative

officers and clerks, including businesses, govern-

ment departments, local authorities, and educa-tional institutions.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Institute of Business Studies (IBS); Institu-

tion of Administration and Commerce (IAC);Financial and Accounting Services Sector Educa-tion and Training Authority (FASSET); ServicesSETA (SSETA).

AGRICULAGRICULAGRICULAGRICULAGRICULTURETURETURETURETURE

There are many different careers in the agricultural industry, from farm workers to scientists. Here aresome of them:

• Agriculturist — is a scientist who specializes in improving agricultural production, and may alsobe involved in agricultural research. An agriculturist may specialize in irrigation, crop production,animals, or weed and pest control. If you are working in irrigation, for instance, you wouldinvestigate and solve irrigation problems and develop new and better ways to supply water

• Agricultural advisor — helps and advises farmers, agricultural businesses, rural industries, andgovernment to produce, process, and distribute farm products. You may specialize in areas suchas water use, cattle and sheep, crops, dairy, fruit production, farm economics, or landmanagement

• Agricultural biotechnologist — uses techniques, such as genetic engineering, to improvethe quality and diversity of plant and animal products

• Agricultural/resource economist — studies the economic aspects of the efficient use ofagricultural, pastoral, fishing, and forest resources. You could apply economic principles tomanaging farms, marketing, and natural resource policies

• Agricultural entomologist — investigates the reasons for insect outbreaks and researchesways to control them using integrated pest management, biological control, and chemicals

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WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Study the effects of agriculture on the envi-

ronment by collecting and analysing sam-ples of groundwater, soil, and plants

• Conduct experiments in controlledenvironments to develop better farmingmethods

• Give technical and scientific information tofarmers and commercial firms that trade inagricultural goods and produce

• Help farmers to plan and monitoragricultural activities, and diagnose, treat,and manage problems that arise (e.g.nutrient disorders in plants and animals;weeds and plant diseases)

• Develop scientific methods for breeding,caring for, and managing farm animals

• Train and coordinate the work of techniciansand fieldworkers

• At senior levels, supervise and coordinateresearch teams, prepare applications forfunding, communicate research results,prepare policy advice, and help put govern-ment policy into practice.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudes do I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science,biology, economics

• Specific: scientific interest in water, soil,plants, and animals

• Information• Communication• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip. — Agriculture; Agricultural Research• N.H.Dip. (Agriculture) — Poultry Production

Management; Pig Production Management• B.Tech. (Agriculture) — Animal Production;

Crop Production; Mixed Farming; AgriculturalManagement; Rural Development and Ex-tension

• B.Sc. — Agriculture; Agricultural Economics;Agricultural Economic Analysis.

Note: Study at an agricultural college does not leadto registration as an agriculturist.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Department of Agriculture; commercial

organizations (e.g. manufacturers of agriculturalremedies, food companies); industrial compa-nies; government and private research institutes;further and higher education institutions; SABS;agricultural unions; co-operatives; large farmingoperations; self-employment (e.g. as an agricul-tural consultant); parastatals (e.g. CSIR, SouthAfrican National Parks).

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Agricultural Research Council; Institute for

Soil, Climate, and Water; Primary AgricultureEducation and Training Authority (PAETA).

AGRICULAGRICULAGRICULAGRICULAGRICULTURAL ENGINEERTURAL ENGINEERTURAL ENGINEERTURAL ENGINEERTURAL ENGINEER

An agricultural engineer knows about engineering science and technology (mechanical, civil, andelectronic) as well as agriculture, and helps to solve problems to do with farming and managingnatural resources. In this career, you could work indoors in a design office or laboratory, or outdoorson farms, in forests, or on a research station. Some similar careers include agricultural scientist, civilengineer*, aquaculturist*, soil scientist*, environment engineer*, mechanical engineer*, and irriga-tion engineer.

• Agricultural microbiologist — identifies and controls organisms responsible for disease, andoften works in specialized areas such as food technology and environment management

• Agronomist — studies the influence of climate, soil, and different means of production on theway in which crops grow and develop

• Agricultural technician — is concerned with the practical side of agriculture such as designingfarming implements, promoting good scientific farming practices, and research

• Other — agricultural engineer*; agricultural engineering technologist or technician; agriculturalresearcher; botanist*; farmer; nature conservationist; poultry scientist; veterinary technologist; soilscientist*; viticulturist; agricultural extension officer.

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WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Manage water resources by planning,

supervising, and building systems to controlirrigation, drainage, floods, and waterresources

• Design and manufacture agriculturalmachinery, equipment, and instruments

• Plan and construct agricultural buildings,such as greenhouses, nurseries, fishhatcheries, housing for animals, grain silosand dryers

• Carry out environmental impactassessments

• Research the work done on farms, researchstations, and forests

• Analyse and develop methods for soilconservation

• Control water logging and soil salinity• Supervise the preparation of soil, seeding,

harvesting, spraying, processing, packaging,and transporting agricultural products.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, computer studies,physical science, chemistry, agriculturalscience, biology

• Specific interest in conservation, handlinganimals, and raising livestock or crops

• Independent• Information• Number• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip.• B.Tech. — Engineering• B.Sc. — Agriculture; Engineering.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? DWAF; forestry industry; Agricultural

Research Council.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? SA Institute of Agricultural Engineers;

Institute of Professional EngineeringTechnologists; Manufacturing, Engineering andrelated Service Education and Training Authority(MERSETA); Primary Agriculture Education andTraining Authority (PEATA).

AQUAQUAQUAQUAQUACULACULACULACULACULTURISTTURISTTURISTTURISTTURIST

Aquaculture is the cultivation of plants and animals that live in water, including fish, shellfish,waterblommetjies, crustaceans, and even crocodiles. These creatures are harvested for food, pets,aquariums, and for restocking wild populations. Aquaculturists usually work as farmers or technicians.They work mostly outdoors, and their work often means that they get wet or dirty. Mostaquaculturists are expected to work overtime, particularly in the harvesting months. Like farming,

29

stock needs to be cared for all the time, evenover weekends and public holidays.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Plan and manage the operation of

hatcheries• Check and maintain water quality using

oxygen meters, salinity meters, pH (acidity)meters, thermometers, and water chemistryanalysis kits

• Care for stock• Identify and control poisons and diseases• Assist with experiments on nutrition or

methods to control predators, parasites,and other disease causing organisms

• Buy, sell, and transport fish and otheraquatic stock

• Keep records of farming activities.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: biology, chemistry, and mathematics

• Specific good at planning; a liking for work-ing outdoors in all types of weather; physi-cally fit and able to swim

• Independent• Problem• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• On-the-job training• B.Sc. — Aquatic Science; Ichthyology;

Zoology; Agriculture.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Private farms, government fish hatcheries,

experimental aquatic farms, food industry.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Agricultural Research Council; nature

conservation departments.

AQUAQUAQUAQUAQUAAAAATIC SCIENTISTTIC SCIENTISTTIC SCIENTISTTIC SCIENTISTTIC SCIENTIST

As an aquatic scientist, you will study various aspects of inland and marine water environments:• Physical — such as temperatures, water currents and rates at which water flows, water clarity,

erosion and sedimentation• Biological — plants, animals, and microbes that live in water• Chemical — organic and inorganic composition of water, water cleansing (sewage disposal), the

availability of nutrients, water quality• Ecological (the study of limnology)— the ways in which organisms interact with their

environments, how all these are affected by pollution, and their distribution patterns;conservation; and whatever affects the way food is produced and used.

In this career, you could also be involved in managing water resources, such as water storage andsupply and the allocation of water for use in agriculture, in people’s homes, and in industries. Your

30

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Monitor and collect water samples to deter-

mine water quality, organisms, levels of silt,and pollution

• Record data and perform experiments in thefield or in a laboratory

• Analyse samples in a laboratory and/or us-ing computers and write up the results

• Develop methods for cleaning water ofsewage and pollutants

• Manage and allocate water resources• Develop plans to make sure that an aquatic

ecosystem stays healthy• Carry out environmental impact assess-

ments.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science, orbiology

• Specific love of outdoors• Practical and well organized• Information• Communication

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip. — Analytical Chemistry• B.Tech. — Hydrology, Water Care, Analytical

Chemistry• B.Sc. — Natural Sciences• B.Sc.(Hons.) — Limnology and Ecology.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Universities, research institutes (such as

Institute for Water Research; Institute of NaturalResources); local municipalities; science councils(e. g. CSIR); government departments (e. g.Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, De-partment. of Environmental Affairs and Tourism)provincial departments for Nature Conservation;water utilities.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Universities, South African Society of

Aquatic Scientists, Local Government, Water, andrelated Services Sector Education and TrainingAuthority (LGWSETA); Primary Agriculture Educa-tion and Training Authority (PAETA).

BIOCHEMISTBIOCHEMISTBIOCHEMISTBIOCHEMISTBIOCHEMIST

Biochemistry is the basis of all the life sciences. As a biochemist, you study the cells of living thingssuch as animals, plants, and micro-organisms, their chemical composition and their metabolic proc-esses. You apply your knowledge in fields such as medicine, veterinary science, agriculture, forestry,horticulture, environmental science, and manufacturing. You may also be involved in genetics orforensic science. You would spend most of your time working indoors in laboratories.

Other life science careers that may interest you include those of: biotechnologist (i.e. a biochemistwho develops methods to control biological processes in manufacturing food, drugs, or other prod-ucts and waste cleanup), clinical biochemist (i.e. a specialist biochemist who works in hospital labora-tories, studying the chemistry of body tissues and fluids to help diagnose and treat diseases), biolo-gist*, botanist*, chemist*, entomologist, horticulturist, microbiologist*, pharmacist, zoologist*, andwork in agriculture*.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Carry out detailed chemical analysis using

sophisticated instruments and techniques

• Observe, research, analyse, and interpretresults

• Study the processes, such as digestion andgrowth, of organisms

time is divided between being in a laboratory and being out in the water environment carrying outresearch and monitoring.

If you like working in and around water, you may be interested in these careers: aquaculturist*;biologist*; ecologist*; zoologist*; microbiologist*; aquatic science technician (assists scientists andresearchers in laboratory and fieldwork); aquatic science researcher; hydrologist*; marine biologist;limnologist (studies inland freshwater systems, such as rivers, dams, vleis, and estuaries; the interac-tions between these environments and the organisms that live in them; and the effect of pollutionand the over-exploitation of these resources).

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• Develop ways topurify water

• Find ways to reusewaste materials

• Do research onnew products

• Develop antibiot-ics and test thereactions of thehuman body tomedicines

• Manufactureproducts throughchemical proc-esses and reac-tions (biotechnol-ogy)

• Prepare or super-vise scientific re-ports based onobservations andexperiments.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: biology, mathematics, and chem-istry

• Specific investigating and finding solutionsto scientific and technical issues, ability towork accurately

• Independent• Communication• Problem

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip. — Biotechnology• B.Tech. — Biotechnology• B.Sc.— Natural Science, Biodiversity and

Ecology, Biological and Life Sciences, Natural

Sciences, Human Life Sciences, Molecularand Cellular Biology, Agriculture.

Note: Postgraduate study, up to doctoral level, isneeded for high-level research and for many manage-ment and administrative positions.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Science councils; hospitals or government

departments (e.g. departments of Health andAgriculture); SABS; SA Medical Research Council;industries that manufacture food, beverages,drugs, or insecticides; municipalities; water utili-ties, universities.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Chemical and Allied Industries Association;

Chemical Industries Education and TrainingAuthority (CHIETA), Institute of Waste Manage-ment; Water Institute of Southern Africa.

BIOLBIOLBIOLBIOLBIOLOGISTOGISTOGISTOGISTOGIST

In general, biologists study living organisms (i.e. their structure, functions, evolution, distribution, andthe way they relate to each another). As a biologist, you research the life cycles of living things (e.g.humans, animals, plants) and how these cycles relate to their environments. In the water field, yourwork includes studying natural systems and how they are affected by human activities.

You could specialize in biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, botany, zoology, medicine, agri-culture or biotechnology.

Where you work will depend on your specialization. Some biologists work mainly in laboratories oroffices; others work mostly outdoors doing field research (e.g. collecting water samples) and spendmuch time away from home. Good health is important if you work in conditions where the environ-ment can pose problems (e.g. if you study bacteria that pass on diseases).

32

If you are interested in biology, you couldalso consider the careers of: biological technolo-gist, microbiologist*, biochemist*, botanist*,aquatic scientist*, physiologist, zoologist*, andecologist*.

Some biology specializations (each includesboth research and implementation):

• Biotechnologists — apply techniques ofusing living organisms, such as bacteria, toperform chemical processes (e.g. in thewaste water treatment industry), to makeproducts such as animal feed, or to modifymicro-organisms, plants, and animals. Youcould be involved in a wide range of activi-ties, from pure research to industrial applica-tions

• Geneticists — study ways in which biologi-cal characteristics, such as colour, size, ordisease resistance, pass from one genera-tion to the next; work out what the environ-ment contributes to the origin, transmission,and development of inherited characteristics;and, perhaps, alter or produce new charac-teristics in a species. You could be a molecu-lar, human, animal, or plant geneticist

• Limnologists – the study of inland waters,including aspects such as ecosystem healthand the sustainable exploitation of re-sources

• Marine biologists — study the biologyof life in the sea, such as salt-water fishand algae

• Molecular and cell biologists —examine the processes of life (e.g.where organisms synthesize essen-tial chemicals from food, store andgenerate energy, or pass on charac-teristics genetically). In this careeryou can work in research institutionsor in the medical, agricultural, orfood industries, for example

• Pathologists and parasitologists —are biologists who study the causes,effects, and treatment of diseases

• Biological technicians — collect andanalyse samples (e.g. water, seeds, food,drugs); operate and maintain laboratoryand field equipment (e.g. microscopes,sample kits); depending on the area ofwork, you may: e.g. grow culturesunder controlled conditions; iden-tify and compare materials likeblood, body fluids, and hair tocatch criminals (for forensic pur-poses).

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Study organisms in their environment• Study the genetic, chemical, physical, and

structural composition of cells, tissues, andorganisms

• Identify and classify species or specimens• Find out how internal and external

environments influence life processes inanimals (including humans), plants, andother organisms

• Study organisms in controlled environmentsto understand how they survive and growin real environments

• Study, predict, and learn to manage theeffects of humans and other influences onnatural ecosystems (e.g. the effect of asewage plant that opens close to a naturalriver)

• Advise and report on your research to scien-tists, managers, politicians, health care work-ers, and the general public

33

• Supervise biological technologists, techni-cians, and other scientists.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudes do I need?

• Subjects: biology, physical science, math-ematics

• Specific: interest in nature and livingorganisms; close powers of observation;patience and perseverance; physical stamina(if you engage in fieldwork in rough condi-tions)

• Independent• Group• Information• Communication

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip. — Biotechnology; Forestry;

Horticulture; Nature Conservation• B.Tech. — Biotechnology• B.Sc. — Natural Sciences; Biological Sciences;

Life Sciences; Molecular and Cellular Biology;Agriculture.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Research institutions and Higher edu-

cation institutions; government departments;science councils; water utilities; R&D divisions oflarge corporations; Oceanographic ResearchInstitute.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? SA Institute for Ecologists and Environ-

mental Scientists; Zoological Society of SouthernAfrica; Society of Aquatic Scientists; South AfricanCouncil for Natural Scientific Professions; Healthand Welfare SETA (HWSETA).

BOILERMAKERBOILERMAKERBOILERMAKERBOILERMAKERBOILERMAKER

A boilermaker cuts, shapes, and assembles metal sheets to make containers that have to withstandpressure, such as boilers for steam engines, pressure vessels for power stations, and storage tanks. Inthis career, you could also be involved in constructing and repairing towers, bridges, girders, andships. With similar qualifications, you can also follow the careers of fitter and turner*, sheet metalworker, and welder*.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Draw plans for containers and make calcu-

lations about what materials (e.g. steelplates and pipes) and equipment will beneeded

• Cut, roll, bend, mould, hammer, and shapemetal sections and pipes, using hand andmachine tools, welding equipment, andcomputers

• Assemble the parts by welding, riveting, andbolting them together

• Fit pressure gauges, valves, and other parts• Finish, clean, polish, file, or bath the prod-

ucts in acid solutions and paint them• Maintain, repair, clean, and inspect contain-

ers and structures.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudes do I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, technical• Specific good eye for detail; physical

strength to handle materials, tools, andmachines; safety conscious; able to workand concentrate under noisy conditionsinside workshops and factories andoutdoors on construction sites

• Independent• Group• Number• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• Theoretical training — N2 qualificationat a technical college or through acorrespondence course

• Practical training — apprenticeship withan employer that offers in-service trainingunder a qualified tradesman or artisan

• Compulsory trade test — to qualify as anartisan (set by the Department of Labour).

Note: To become a boilermaker, you should be atleast 16 years old and have a Grade 9 certificate.

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WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Engineering factories, railways, shipyards,

mines, Sasol, Iscor, construction companies, ironand steel plants, power plants, petroleum refine-ries, water treatment plants, self-employment.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Manufacturing, Engineering and related

Service Education and Training Authority(MERSETA); Construction Education and TrainingAuthority (CETA); Steel and Engineering Indus-tries Federation (SEIFSA).

BOTBOTBOTBOTBOTANISTANISTANISTANISTANIST

Botanists study the biology and ecology of all types of plants. As a botanist, you could use yourknowledge in areas such as conservation, management of natural resources, agriculture, forestry,horticulture, medicine, and biotechnology. You may work in laboratories and conduct research out-doors. Fieldwork involves collecting and documenting plant species and numbers of plants in par-ticular areas, so that, for example, the natural environment can be rehabilitated after mining opera-tions.

As a botanist, you may wish to specialize:• Plant taxonomists — identify and classify

plants, and study plant systematics, chemis-try, structure, genetics, and reproduction

• Ethnobotanists — study the traditionaluses of plants for food and medicine

• Palynologists — study pollen grains andplant spores found in geological andarchaeological deposits, and often shedlight on the history of a region

• Palaeobotanists — study plant fossils• Plant physiologists — study the ways

that plants function (i.e. their growth,development, nutrient intake, andbiochemical processes)

• Mycologists — study fungi• Plant pathologists — study diseases in

plants• Plant geneticists — deal mainly with crop

cultivation and population or withevolutionary genetics

• Weed scientists — study different typesof weed and implement the mechanical,chemical, and biological ways to controlthem.

If you are interested in botany, you may alsoconsider the following careers: agricultural scien-tist; aquatic scientist*, biologist*, ecologist*,zoologist*, microbiologist*, botanist*, foodscientist; forester; groundskeeper; horticulturist;nature conservationist; parasitologist;silviculturist; tree surgeon.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Investigate the effects of environmental

quality (e.g. rainfall, temperature, sunlight,flow, water quality, disease) on plant growth,specifically aquatic weeds

• Grow plants under controlled conditions tofind out how different environmental factorsaffect them

• Study plant chromosomes, cells, and tissues• Prepare scientific articles/reports, handbooks

for plant identification, etc.• Supervise and coordinate the work of

technical support staff• Collaborate with other scientists to develop

products from plants (e.g. drugs, medicines)• Identify plant specimens• Use computers for storing and analysing

data• Give advice about managing the

environment and the conservation of wildplants used by people.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudes do I need?

• Subjects: biology, physical science, math-ematics

• Specific: interest in nature and living organ-isms; close powers of observation; patienceand perseverance; physical stamina (if en-gaged in fieldwork in rough conditions)

• Independent• Group• Information• Communication

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WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip. — Horticulture; Nature Conservation;Forestry

• B.Sc. — Natural Sciences; Biological and LifeSciences.

Note: With an N.Dip., you would not work as aprofessional botanist, but you would work togetherwith professional botanists in a large number ofcareers.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Higher education institutions; schools;

Department of Agriculture; DWAF; DEAT; Sciencecouncils; Plant Protection Research Institute;conservation agencies; industry (e.g. breweries);consulting (e.g. to fertilizer companies,government); botanical gardens.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? SA Institute for Ecologists and Environ-

mental Scientists; Primary Agriculture Educationand Training Authority (PAETA); SETA for Second-ary Agriculture (SETASA); Botanical Society ofsouthern Africa; South African Society of AquaticScientists.

CARTOGRAPHERCARTOGRAPHERCARTOGRAPHERCARTOGRAPHERCARTOGRAPHER

Cartography is the science of making maps, as well as their study as scientific documents and worksof art. In particular, it concerns all stages of evaluation, compilation, design and graphic represen-tation required to produce new or revised maps from different forms of basic data, such as aerialphotographs, field records, historical manuscripts, other maps, and statistical reports. A map may beseen as a generalized graphic representation of the natural and made-made features of a portion ofthe earth’s curved surface, according to a specific scale. Map projections are used to translate thecurved surface of the earth onto a flat sheet of paper.

The introduction of GIS (geographic information systems) and other computer assisted mappingsystems; wireless applications and GPS (global positioning systems) have added new dimensions tocartographic techniques and the use of digital spatial information. Conventional map productiontechniques, such as draughting, scribing, colour separation, type layout and reprographic, and

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WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Collect, digitally capture, and edit

information from various sources to producemaps

• Select, classify, simplify, and symbolize com-plex data to fulfil scale and functional re-quirements

• Analyse, process, interpret, and manipulatedata to facilitate spatially relatedmanagement decisions

• Apply specialized computer assistedmapping and GIS software to processinformation and compile maps

• Set technical specifications, especially forthematic map series, so that all maps in theseries are produced according to the samespecifications

• Set mapping standards, such as symbolsets, to ensure standardized mapproduction

• Develop procedures to streamline workflowand facilitate the optimal use of availableresources

• Research matters related to the effectiveadvancement of technology and itsapplication to the field

• Counsel and advise clients, users, andmanagers to provide the best mappingsolution for a specific theme or problem.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudes do I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science,

geography (recommended but not compul-sory)

• Specific: prospective cartographers shouldhave an aptitude for drawing, be creative,have good spatial perception, be able towork with detail, and have an interest ingeography

• Independent• Group• Information• Communication• Number• Problem• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualifications will I find useful?

• N.Dip. — Surveying and Cartography• B.Tech. — Surveying and Cartography.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? DWAF; other government departments

(Chief Directorate: Surveys and Mapping,Department of Land Affairs); parastatalorganizations (Council for Geoscience, CSIR,Telkom); municipalities; provincial planningdepartments; and organizations/companiesinvolved in GIS or spatial management of assets/resources.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? DWAF; Chief Directorate: Surveys and

Mapping; Cape Technikon.

printing procedures are giving way to the application of computer technology.Cartographers must communicate information about the earth in an easily understandable form

that is scientifically accurate and aesthetically pleasing. They work closely with surveyors*, geologists*,GIS specialists, and other professionals involved in planning and development related to spatial infor-mation.

The types of maps produced depend on the employer and the purpose for which the map isrequired. Thematic maps, such as geological and meteorological maps, are produced within specificorganizations and represent data relating to specific themes (geology, weather). Maps produced bythe Department of Water Affairs and Forestry will relate mainly to the management of South Africa’swater and forestry resources.

As a cartographer you can also train in surveying and photogrammetry (the science of compilingmaps and plans from aerial photographs or satellite images). Although cartography is regarded as aspecialist field in itself, you can consider specific types of mapping such as geological mapping orremote sensing (mapping involving satellite and other remotely sensed imagery).

Some related occupations are: GIS, information technology*, surveying*, land surveying, andphotogrammetry.

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Here are some other similar occupations andspecializations that may interest you:• Process design engineer — designs

chemical and waste treatment plants tomake them work efficiently

• Process control engineer — specializesin the control systems, instruments,computer applications, and measurementtechniques that are used to operate a plantsmoothly, safely, and efficiently

• Biochemical engineer — uses chemistry,biology, and processing techniques toimprove the workings of processes that useliving organisms in producing beer or phar-maceuticals, for instance, and in treatingeffluent

• Petrochemical engineer — converts oiland gas into plastics, synthetic rubber, andother similar products

• Other — agricultural engineer*, biomedicalengineer, ceramics technologist, metallur-gical engineer, petroleum engineer, environ-ment engineer*, and quality assurancetechnologist.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Test and fix equipment used in chemical

procedures• Analyse chemicals to produce new products• Design and operate processes that treat

water and effluent• Research and develop new chemical

processes• Design plant and equipment, such as

reactors, heating and cooling systems, filters,and pipelines

• Analyse possible safety hazards• Test and commission plants

• Train operating staff• Build and test experimental or pilot plants• Solve technical problems• Perform calculations and write reports• Analyse samples and take measurements• In more senior positions, manage people• See if the methods you use for making

products work well and are cost efficient andenvironmentally friendly.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudes do I need?

• Subjects: chemistry, mathematics, physicalscience

• Specific: understand equipment and ma-chinery

• Communication• Number• Problem• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip. — Engineering; Chemical Engineering• B.Tech. — Chemical Engineering;

Engineering; Quality Assurance

CHEMICAL ENGINEERCHEMICAL ENGINEERCHEMICAL ENGINEERCHEMICAL ENGINEERCHEMICAL ENGINEER

If you work in chemical engineering, you will design and operate processes that turn raw materials(through physical, chemical, and thermal changes) into useful everyday products such as petrol,pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, sugar, plastics, synthetic fibres, chemicals, explosives, paper, fertilizers,and cement. You could also protect the environment by controlling the pollution of water and air.

Chemical engineers work mostly indoors in engineering design offices, research institutions,laboratories, and processing plants. Chemical technicians act as a link between chemical engineersand plant operators, solving technical problems and testing engineers’ theories. They work inproduction plants, laboratories, and offices. Chemical technologists spend most of their workday inthe production area of a factory, operating and maintaining chemical production processes. If youfollow any of these careers in a continuous process plant, you may be on call 24 hours a day; youmay work shifts when new plants are commissioned.

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• B.Sc. (Engineering); B.Engineering — Chemi-cal; Chemical: Mineral Processing; ChemicalEngineering.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Water processing and effluent treatment

industries; Eskom; Sasol; municipalities; waterauthorities; chemical manufacturing companies;chemical equipment manufacturers andsuppliers; food and beverage, textile, fertilizer,explosives, coal and gas, and metallurgical

industries; pharmaceutical companies; crude oilrefineries; Mintek; NECSA; government depart-ments; paper and pulp manufacturers; NECSA;universities and technikons.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Society for Professional Engineers (SPE);

Engineering Council of SA (ECSA); Institute ofProfessional Engineering Technologists;Chemical Industries Education and TrainingAuthority (CHIETA).

CHEMISTCHEMISTCHEMISTCHEMISTCHEMIST

A chemist studies and applies the chemistry and physics of substances to find out what they are, todevelop new substances and processes, and to increase scientific knowledge. As a chemist, you canwork in research and development as well as production and inspection. You would spend most ofyour working days indoors in an office, factory, or laboratory, but you may spend time outdoorsmonitoring and collecting samples. If you are interested in chemistry, you might also be interested in,for example, the careers of agricultural scientist*, biologist*, chemical engineer*, geologist*,pharmacist, physicist, or laboratory worker*.

Some of the areas in which you can specialize asa chemist include:• Analytical chemist — carries out tests

and analyses the composition, structure andcharacteristics of substances and materialsand the changes they undergo. In thiscareer, you find out what substances arepresent and in what quantities. You identifypollutants in soil, water, and air

• Aquatic chemist — is interested inorganic, inorganic, and trace metals found inwater and sediments, and in the way thatliving organisms transform chemicals.Aquatic or water chemists often work inteams that include scientists who specializein soil, geology, biology, statistics,hydrogeology, and mathematical modelling.The teams monitor and study ecosystemsand industrial processes to discover howthese affect water quality and each other.Many teams are studying how globalwarming might affect the carbon and watercycles

• Geochemist — studies the chemistry ofearth materials such as rocks and soil

• Research chemist — finds solutions tochemical problems through research andapplication. In this work you use yourknowledge and research findings to helpcreate and improve products.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Conduct experiments to identify chemical

compositions and study the chemicalchanges that occur in natural and processedsubstances

• Research, analyse and develop theories,techniques, and processes

• Apply experiment and research findings tocreate new compounds and processes forindustrial, agricultural, and medical use, forexample

• Test products and materials to make surethat they comply with quality standards andgovernment health and environmental laws

• Supervise and coordinate the work oftechnical support staff.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudes do I need?

• Subjects: physical science, mathematics• Specific: interest in laboratory or fieldwork,

and research; an enquiring mind• Communication• Problem

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Cert., N. Higher Cert. and N.Dip. —Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry

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• B.Tech. and M.Tech. — Chemistry, AnalyticalChemistry

• B.Sc. — Natural Sciences; Applied EarthSciences; Bio-Organic Chemistry; with asecond major in mathematics, physics,geology, one of the biological sciences, orhydrogeology, for example

• B.Sc. (Hons.) — Chemistry, Bio-OrganicChemistry, Applied Chemistry.

Note: You would need an M.Sc. or Ph.D. for higherpositions in lecturing, research, and administration.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Water treatment plants, chemical and other

manufacturing industries, research institutes,SABS, CSIR, government departments, NationalEnergy Commission of South Africa, educationalinstitutions, chemical laboratories, environ-mental management companies, water utilities.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Chemical and Allied Industries Association;

Chemical Industries Education and TrainingAuthority (CHIETA).

CIVIL ENGINEERCIVIL ENGINEERCIVIL ENGINEERCIVIL ENGINEERCIVIL ENGINEER

Civil engineering is probably the broadest of the engineering fields. Civil engineers create, improve,and provide facilities for living, industry, and transportation. As a civil engineer in the world of water,you could work on water supply systems, dams, irrigation, water purification plants, storm watersystems, flood control structures, sewerage systems, sewage works, harbours, docks, tunnels, canals,bridges, roads, motorways, large buildings, sport stadiums, railways, and airports. In a civilengineering career you need to know about construction materials, soils, hydraulics, and fluidmechanics. You will also be concerned with protecting and conserving the environment.

Civil engineers are helped by civil engineering technicians, who do much of the practicaland functional work, and civil engineering technologists, who do the more theoretical worksuch as planning, design, or research. You may work in offices but spend much of your time on site.If you work on new major engineering sites you may have to move home every so often.

If you are interested in civil engineering, you could also consider the careers of, for example, townand regional planner*, aeronautical engineer, agricultural engineer*, quantity surveyor, mechanicalengineer*, land surveyor*, and architect.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?In general, civil engineering is divided into twotypes of activity:• Planning and design — surveying;

costing; estimating; draughting; computeranalyses; generating computer-aideddesigns; investigation and testing materials;investigating sites; analysing risks associated

with natural disasters such as wind, earth-quakes, fires, and floods; helping govern-ment bodies to prepare public works pro-grammes with set budgets, e.g. buildingairports, drainage, roads, and seweragesystems

• Construction and maintenance —day-to-day planning, controlling, inspecting,managing, coordinating, and supervising

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civil engineering works; organizing thedelivery of materials, plant, and equipmentthat are needed for construction.

Specific tasks and responsibilities of civil engi-neers, technicians, and technologists dependon what area of specialization you choose.

Hydraulics/water resources engineerHydraulics/water resources engineerHydraulics/water resources engineerHydraulics/water resources engineerHydraulics/water resources engineer• Designs, builds, monitors, and advises on

how to operate, maintain, and repair waterresource facilities such as dams, reservoirs,hydroelectric plants, water supply systems,drainage systems, sewerage systems, howto design harbours, and how to controlrivers

• Measures water flow in streams and canals,through channels and conduits, and inunderground aquifers

• Gathers and analyses data on the size andfrequency of stream flows and the frequencyand extent of floods

• Studies the behaviour of water in naturalsystems such as rivers, wetlands, andgroundwater aquifers so as to manage theenvironment better

• Manages catchment areas to ensure that allthe activities within them that depend on orhave an effect on the water resource arecarried out in an integrated and sustainableway.

Irrigation/drainage engineerIrrigation/drainage engineerIrrigation/drainage engineerIrrigation/drainage engineerIrrigation/drainage engineer• Determines the characteristics of soil, e.g.

Type, salinity, surface profile, below-normalplant growth, and water table level

• Calculates rates of water flow• Draws plans that show channels, conduits,

and ditches• Constructs laboratory models to study

construction and flow problems.

Municipal engineerMunicipal engineerMunicipal engineerMunicipal engineerMunicipal engineer• Develops cities and towns• Plans, designs, constructs, and maintains all

water, sewerage, roads, and storm waterinfrastructure of homes, businesses, andindustries

• Manages cleansing services and refusedisposal sites.

Geotechnical/soil/geological engineerGeotechnical/soil/geological engineerGeotechnical/soil/geological engineerGeotechnical/soil/geological engineerGeotechnical/soil/geological engineer• Inspects, drills, and samples proposed

construction sites to find out about soil,

rocks, groundwater and other foundationconditions

• Carries out field and laboratory tests on soilsand reports on them

• Makes recommendations for engineeringsolutions to problems

• Ensures that large structures, such as highbuildings, dams, roads, or new townships,are designed correctly according to the soilconditions or the rock strength

• Specifies the mixture of soil to use on roadsand other constructions

• Calculates and advises on the slope andthickness of soil dams and retaining walls

• Constructs and maintains tunnels, dams,and building foundations

• Designs measures to correct landcontamination and salination

• Works out strategies to control landslidesand areas of instability

• Designs mines and the rehabilitation workto be done once mining is finished

• Designs structures in rock such as tunnels,basements, and shafts.

WWWWWater systems/pipeline engineerater systems/pipeline engineerater systems/pipeline engineerater systems/pipeline engineerater systems/pipeline engineer• Plans, designs, constructs, and manages

systems to supply clean drinking water• Determines where a need for water exists

and designs reliable pipe, pump, andreservoir systems to satisfy that need

• Designs pipelines and pipeline equipment,facilities, and structures in consultation withpetroleum and mechanical engineers

• Maps and surveys sites to work out the bestway to lay out the pipelines

• Analyses operations and maintenance costs• Advises on the operation of machinery and

equipment used to transport petroleumproducts through the pipeline system.

WWWWWaste and wastewater treatmentaste and wastewater treatmentaste and wastewater treatmentaste and wastewater treatmentaste and wastewater treatment• Designs treatment plants and works• Plans and designs waste and wastewater

treatment process.

Structural engineerStructural engineerStructural engineerStructural engineerStructural engineer• Designs the framework of e.g. water treat-

ment structures, tunnels, power plants,towers, and bridges

• Studies the development of new materialsand methods for design and construction

• Erects reinforced concrete, structural steel,timber, and masonry structures.

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WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: physical science and mathematics;computer studies, geography, technicaldrawing, technika, civil

• Specific: visualize objects three dimension-ally; enjoy working outdoors, often in re-mote places; knowledge of other engineer-ing disciplines

• Independent• Group• Communication• Problem• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip. — Engineering; Civil Engineering;Materials

• B.Tech.(Engineering) — Civil; Materials: CivilEngineering

• B.Engineering; B.Sc. (Engineering) — CivilEngineering.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Engineering, construction, and

architectural firms; government departments(e.g. DWAF); municipalities; Iscor; Sasol; Eskom;CSIR; technikons and universities; provincialadministrations; SABS.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Society for Professional Engineers (SPE);

Engineering Council of SA (ECSA); SA Institute forCivil Engineers; Institute of ProfessionalEngineering Technologists; SA Association ofConsulting Engineers; SA Institution of CivilEngineering; SA National Council of Tunnelling;Institution of Municipal Engineering of SouthernAfrica; SA Federation of Civil EngineeringContractors; Construction Education andTraining Authority (CETA); Local Government,Water and related Services SETA (LGQSETA).

COMMUNITY WORKERCOMMUNITY WORKERCOMMUNITY WORKERCOMMUNITY WORKERCOMMUNITY WORKER

Community workers encourage and help groups to help themselves and to develop, that is, theyhelp communities to identify their own needs, to take decisions, and to develop ways in which tomeet those needs. Community workers travel within their communities and keep in close personalcontact with them.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Help communities to develop, plan, grow,

maintain, and evaluate their resources,facilities, programmes, and supportnetworks

• Research and help social, environmental,health, and planning officials to developcommunity service policies, and liaise withcommunity groups, welfare organizations,government offices, NGOs, and the privatesector about community services

• Make recommendations about communitydevelopment programmes, policies,practices, budgets

• Play an awareness-raising role on issues ofconcern to those communities (e.g. waterconservation and efficient water use)

• Fulfil administrative or clerical duties.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: languages, life skills• Specific: interest in people, negotiating and

conflict-management skills• Independent• Group• Communication• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

N.Dip. — Social Work, Social Sciences, Commu-nity DevelopmentBA, B.Soc.Sc. — Social Sciences, CommunityDevelopment.

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WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Community organizations, municipalities,

NGOs.WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?

Department of Labour; Health and WelfareSector Education and Training (HWSETA).

DIVERDIVERDIVERDIVERDIVER

As a diver, you spend much of your time working in the sea, in inland rivers, or in dams. You can dovarious types of work underwater. You can do underwater cutting, welding, and rigging, or you candive to gather information or to retrieve things. You may need to use sophisticated electronicinstruments or take underwater photographs. Working underwater can be difficult and potentiallydangerous. It can also be exciting and rewarding.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Pipeline diver — lay, maintain, and repair

underwater cables, and pipes that carrywater, effluent, gas, or oil

• Civil and mechanical works diver —construct and maintain dam and waterworks sluice gates and valves; build andmaintain quay walls in harbours

• Shipping diver — salvage abandoned orsunken ships; survey, clean, and repairshipping vessels

• Oil rig diver — repair and maintain oilplatforms, oil rigs, and other structuresunder the sea

• Scientific diver — carry out scientificsurveys of the seabed, its reefs, sandprofiles, and marine life to gatherinformation about the sea’s archaeology,biology, and minerals; explore the seabed forraw materials and food sources

• Navy diver — help during disaster and

salvage operations at sea; locate and placeunderwater mines

• Police diver — recover murder weaponsand bodies.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science,biology, technical subjects

• Specific: physically very fit; do not sufferfrom claustrophobia (a fear of confinedspaces); good hearing and sight; strongswimmer

• Practical• Independent• Group

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• Diving schools — you can obtain basictraining at diving schools registered with theDepartment of Labour. To register as aprofessional diver, you will have to passpractical, theoretical and legal examinations.The training for commercial and industrialdivers is more extensive than the training forsports divers.

• SA Navy — after completing basic militarytraining you will need further specialisttraining.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? South African Police Service; SA Navy;

minerals explorations companies; commercialdiving companies; freelance; diving schools.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Department of Labour; SO1 Diving, Naval

Headquarters.

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As an ecologist, you could take a special interestin one of these careers:• Ecological consultant — helps to advise

on and solve ecological problems; examinesthe ecological impact of humandevelopment and recommends solutions toreduce the effects on plants and animals, forinstance

• Aquatic environment assessor —assesses aquatic resources; conducts audits;monitors practices that may harm aquaticenvironments; interprets information as aguide to better management

• Conservation officer — helps to protectnatural resources (e.g. wildlife, naturalvegetation, soil, water) and to use them in asustainable way. If plants and soil aremanaged carefully, for instance, it is possibleto maintain the natural drainage of watersfrom the watershed of a region, and tomaintain water quality through pollutioncontrol

• Other — animal scientist; game ranger;aquatic ecologist; water resource manager;water chemist; catchment managementagency officer; oceanographer; aquatic

scientist*; biologist*; botanist*; microbiol-ogist*; zoologist*.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Conduct research (e.g. in academic

institutions, or as a consultant forgovernment, natural resources industries,and developers)

• Advise on long-term environmental policyand on the impact of specific developmentprojects

• Evaluate government or corporate projectsin terms of the way they affect theenvironment

• Advise or campaign against practices thatdamage the environment

• Promote protection of the environment as aservice to society

• Draw together or synthesize informationfrom a wide range of sources and specialistdisciplines, in the life sciences but alsoeconomics, social sciences, and/orengineering

• Work on the broad ecological concerns ofpolicy makers, industry, and the generalpublic.

ECOLECOLECOLECOLECOLOGISTOGISTOGISTOGISTOGIST

Ecologists study the relationships of plants, animals, and their environments, and the ways that allthese interact with each other. The physical environment includes light, temperature, solar radiation,moisture, wind, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nutrients and pollutants in soil, water, and theatmosphere. The biological environment includes living organisms such as plants and animals.

If you are an ecologist working in the world of water (a limnologist), you may, for instance, workat conserving aquatic ecosystems, or designing nature reserves, or checking the condition of riversand wetlands by analysing the plants, animals, and fish that live there, or by testing the water. Youmay study the effects on the ecology of industrial discharges (waste treatment and spills etc.), or youmay study the way toxic substances move through the food chain (e.g. from algae through fish tohumans).

Ecology covers many fields such as climatology, hydrology, limnology, oceanography, physics,chemistry, geology, and soil analysis. It can also involve animal behaviour, taxonomy, physiology,mathematics, statistics, and human settlement patterns. Ecology as a scientific discipline helps us tounderstand and manage ecosystems and environmental problems.

Depending on your speciality, field study can mean long hours of slow work, observing the wayparticular organisms behave, for instance, or recording growth patterns in plants. Some jobs involvemore time in the laboratory, testing specimens gathered in the field. Your work back in the officewould involve working on computers, analysing field information, writing reports, doingadministrative work, and supervising the work of others in a team.

You could use your expertise for environmental impact studies, particularly when building ormining projects are planned in ecologically sensitive areas. You could investigate and advise onhuman influences and pollution on the natural environment, especially where there areoverpopulation, housing, recreational facilities, farming, and industry.

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WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects:: biology, physical science, math-ematics

• Specific:: an appreciation of nature; closepowers of observation; attention to detail;strong background in life sciences (e.g.botany, zoology, biology)

• Independent• Group• Information• Communication• Number

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• BA — Geography and EnvironmentalStudies; Environmental Health;Environmental Management;Environmental Science and Society;Environmental Studies; Geography

• B.Sc. — Conservation; Ecology; LifeSciences.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Provincial conservation authorities;

large organizations that manage andproduce natural resources such as energy(e.g. Eskom), wood, fish; consulting firmsspecializing in environmental impactassessments; NGOs, conservationorganizations (e.g. World Wide Fund for

Nature), and advocacy groups (e.g.Greenpeace); science councils (e.g. CSIR) andparastatals; Department of Agriculture; DWAF;DEAT; SANP; natural history museums; self-employment (as a private, independentconsultant); catchment management agencies;water boards.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? SA Institute for Ecologists and

Environmental Scientists; South African Society ofAquatic Scientists; Health and Welfare SETA(HWSETA).

ECONOMISTECONOMISTECONOMISTECONOMISTECONOMIST

As an economist, you develop and apply theories about how people spend their money; processesinvolving the ways in which goods and services are produced, supplied, and used; and howbusinesses or governments allocate resources (e.g. natural resources, technology, labour, and capitalor finance).

If you are interested in economics, you mightconsider one of these careers:• Environment economist — studies the

environmental impacts of projects and de-velopments; advises industry and govern-ment on regulations for environmental andnatural resource management; advisesgovernment about its responsibilities interms of international agreements and envi-ronment treaties

• Other — accountant*; actuary*; agricultural

economist*; conveyancer; industrial econo-mist; political scientist*; stockbroker.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Forecast and analyse trends and advise

governments and businesses on economicissues and policies (e.g. taxation levels,wages, prices, employment and unemploy-ment, imports and exports, interest ratesand exchange rates)

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• Study effects of government economic andmonetary policies, expenditure, taxation,and other national budgetary controls

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiencyand international competitiveness

• Research, analyse, and record effects oneconomic and industrial growth ofgovernment labour market programmes

• Investigate the types of goods and servicesthat are produced and consumed locallyand abroad

• Analyse industrial relations issues (e.g. wagefixation, the effects of industrial disputes onproductivity).

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, economics, busi-ness economics, accounting

• Specific: interest in business, trade, andindustry

• Information• Communication

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• B.Tech. — Economic Management Analysis

• B.Com. — Economics and ManagementSciences; Transport Economics

• BA — Political, Philosophical, and EconomicStudies (PPE); Social Sciences

• B.Admin.• B. Business Science — Commerce, Finance

and Economics• B. Econ.— Economics; Econometrics;

Agriculture• B.Sc. — Mathematical Sciences;

Mathematical Statistics; AgriculturalEconomic Analysis.

Note: Postgraduate degrees help an economist withpromotion and qualify him or her for higher researchand administrative positions.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Higher education institutions; research

organizations; manufacturing firms; financialinstitutions; consulting firms; governmentdepartments and parastatals; self-employment(as a consultant).

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Financial and Accounting Services

(FASSET).

EDUCAEDUCAEDUCAEDUCAEDUCATION/TRAINING PRACTITIONERTION/TRAINING PRACTITIONERTION/TRAINING PRACTITIONERTION/TRAINING PRACTITIONERTION/TRAINING PRACTITIONER

Education and training are essential throughout the world of water, both within organizations (tohelp, by means of in-service training programmes, to educate and train skilled people for the futureand to improve service delivery) and in communities of all kinds, to raise awareness of water, forexample, and the need to use it and look after it wisely. It is needed at various levels and in numer-ous specialist areas.

In general, the following careers might interest you if you enjoy teaching and helping people togrow and develop their potential.

• Human resources development practitioner — in this field you would plan, prepare, and con-duct training for employees in industry, businesses, and government departments, to help withskills development and raising productivity (including on-the-job training and apprenticeships)

• Training officer — here you plan, develop, implement, and evaluate training and developmentprogrammes in organizations

• Adult educator — this career is practised mainly in the areas of professional development, adultbasic education, skills development, and personal enrichment.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Plan, design, carry out, evaluate training and

education programmes for people withvarious needs (e.g. specialist or non-specialist; short workshops or longer-lastinginterventions)

• Assess training needs and develop trainingresources (e.g. textbooks or manuals,demonstration models, visual aids)

• Prepare reports and training manuals• Co-ordinate training and education

programmes with the world of work and theexperience of those who learn.

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WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: languages, specialist subjects (forfuture expertise)

• Specific: initiative, tact, maturity, flexibility,objectivity, friendliness, good presentationskills, an interest in people

• Group• Information• Communication• Problem• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Cert. – Human Resource Management

• N.Dip. — Personnel Management; AdultBasic Education

• B.Tech. — Human Resource Development;Adult Basic Education; Education

• BA — Human Sciences; Social Sciences• B.Ed.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Medium and large organizations (e.g.

mining companies); education and trainingproviders; government departments;municipalities.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Department of Labour; Education, Training

and Development Practices Sector Educationand Training Authority (ETDP SETA).

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERELECTRICAL ENGINEERELECTRICAL ENGINEERELECTRICAL ENGINEERELECTRICAL ENGINEER

As an electrical engineer, you can work in one of two major areas:• Electrical power generation and transmission — here you are involved with hydroelectric

power stations, coal power stations, solar cells, wind turbines (which are used to generateelectrical energy), and high voltage transmission lines and substations (used to distribute electri-cal energy)

• Electronic engineering — in this area you design and use electronic equipment e.g. computers,telecommunications, antennae, robotics, lighting, control and automation, medical (clinical)equipment, radar, and missile guidance.

Electrical engineers design, develop, and supervise the manufacture, installation, operation, andmaintenance of electrical or electronic systems. In the world of water, you would also design pumpsand plants. The electrical engineering technologist and electrical engineering technicianare part of the electrical engineering team. As a member of that team you work in offices, designcentres, laboratories, large constructions, and power stations.

Similar careers and specializations that may interest you include: automotive engineeringtechnician, broadcasting and sound technician, chemical engineer*, civil engineer*, computerconsultant, electrician*, lighting technician, telecommunications electrician, mechanical engineer*,network technician, telemetrics technician, systems technician, satellite communication technician,aeronautical engineering technician, radar technician, microwave engineering technician, televisiontechnician, and systems analyst.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Design, install, test, and maintain electrical

motors, generators, alternators,transformers, cables, and switchgear

• Design, install, test, and maintain lightingand electrical systems

• Research ways in which energy resourcescan be better used

• Manage projects and supervise operatingand maintenance staff

• Optimize existing processes and systems• Design and produce drawings of electrical

systems, using computer-aided design(CAD)

• Calculate and specify the arrangements ofe.g. circuits, transformers, circuit-breakers,and transmission lines

• Design and install controls and signals forroad, rail, and air traffic

• Prepare and interpret specifications,drawings, and regulations for using electric

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power equipment• Diagnose and repair faults• Install and service appliances, refrigeration,

and airconditioning.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science;computer studies, technical drawing,technika, electrical

• Specific: visualize abstract concepts;manual dexterity; an eye for detail

• Group• Information• Communication• Number• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip. (Electrical Engineering) — LightCurrent, Power

• B.Tech. — Engineering• B.Tech. (Eng.) — Electrical; Digital

Technology; Power Engineering; Mechanical;

Telecommunication Technology; High-Fre-quency Technology; Computer; Clinical;Electronics; Electromechanical; ProcessInstrumentation

• B.Eng. — Electrical and Electronic:Engineering

• B.Sc. — Engineering.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Eskom; Iscor; CSIR; municipalities;

engineering consultants; manufacturers ofradios, televisions sets, and electrical appliances;television companies.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? SA Society for Professional Engineers (SPE);

Engineering Council of SA (ECSA); Institute ofProfessional Engineering Technologists; ElectricalEngineering and Allied Industries Association;Institution of Certificated Mechanical andElectrical Engineers SA; SA Institute of ElectricalTechnician Engineers; Institution of CertificatedMechanical and Electrical Engineers SA; EnergySector Education and Training Authority (ESETA).

ELECTRICIANELECTRICIANELECTRICIANELECTRICIANELECTRICIAN

If you become an electrician you will install, maintain, repair, and test electrical equipment andsystems for industrial, commercial, and domestic uses. You could also work on electrical anddistribution equipment such as high-tension cables, pylons, switchboards, and transformers. Youmight work in workshops, private homes, or factories. You may have to work in confined spaces,stand for long periods, or work at heights on roofs, towers, and masts. You could specialize inarmature winding, cable-splicing, or maintaining high-tension cables. Other, related careers includeautomotive electrician, refrigeration mechanic, radio and television mechanic, and constructionelectrician.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Read and interpret electrical, architectural,

and mechanical drawings• Plan the layout of wiring systems in homes

and buildings• Install, repair, and maintain electrically

operated equipment such as water pumps,generators, stoves, refrigerators, and geysers

• Connect electrical equipment (such as circuitbreakers, transformers, motors, and heaters)to power supplies

• Make and assemble electrical and electroniccomponents and appliances

• Test for, locate, and repair electricalmalfunctions

• Service electricity meters and transformers• Maintain machines in factories and in waste

and wastewater treatment plants• Erect and insulate pylons and connect high-

tension cables.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science,trade theory, electrical, technika

• Specific: good eyesight and normal colourvision; physically fit; responsible, alert, andsafety conscious; manual dexterity for usingprecision tools or instruments

• Independent• Group

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• Communication• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Cert. (Electrical Studies) — theoreticaltraining at a technical college

• Practical in-service training — as anapprentice to a qualified tradesman

• Compulsory trade test — set by theDepartment of Labour, to qualify as anartisan.

Note: To become an electrician, you need to be atleast 16 years old, with a Grade 10 certificate.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? DWAF; factories; mines; private companies;

government departments; municipalities;Eskom; Iscor; Telkom; self-employed as acontractor.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Electrical Contractors Association (SA); SA

Institute of Electrical Technician Engineers;Construction Education and Training Authority(CETA); Energy Sector Education and TrainingAuthority (ESETA).

ENVIRONMENT ENGINEERENVIRONMENT ENGINEERENVIRONMENT ENGINEERENVIRONMENT ENGINEERENVIRONMENT ENGINEER

Environment engineers belong to a relatively new field that involves, among others, civil engi-neering*, chemical engineering*, and environment sciences. As an environment engineer, you assessand manage the effects of human and other activity on the natural and built-up environment; youconduct environmental impact assessments, manage natural resources, and control pollution. Youmay specialize in the minerals or chemical industries or in civil engineering projects. Environmentengineers work outdoors on site as well as indoors in offices, laboratories, and in front of computers.You may have to work long hours, particularly if there is an environmental crisis.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Design, construct, maintain, and operate

water filtration plants and sewage treatmentfacilities

• Make sure that business and industrycomply with environment regulations

• Measure and monitor pollution in theatmosphere, soil, and water

• Control floods and soil erosion• Conduct environmental impact assessments

to show the possible consequences ofindustrial or commercial activity on theenvironment

• Develop safe methods to dispose of waste• Use computer modelling to determine the

ways in which contaminants from wastedisposal sites may spread

• Design clean-up programmes (e.g. wherethere are oil spills or toxic chemical leaks)

• Manage the treatment and storage of toxicor radioactive materials

• Design and operate waste treatmentprocesses to acceptable standards fordischarge or recycling

• Work with occupational health experts toensure hazard-free working environments.

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WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science,chemistry, computer studies

• Specific: engineering and technical interests• Information• Communication• Problem

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

See: civil engineer; chemical engineer;environmental scientist.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Government departments; civil

engineering consultants; National Energy Coun-cil of South Africa (NECSA); water utilities; Eskom.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Engineering Council of SA (ECSA); Institute

of Professional Engineering Technologists; SAAssociation of Consulting Engineers; SA Insti-tution of Civil Engineering; SA Institute forChemical Engineers; SA Institute for Ecologistsand Environmental Scientists: Society for Pro-fessional Engineers; Construction Education andTraining Authority (CETA); Local Government,Water, and related Services Sector Education andTraining Authority (LGWSETA).

ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTAL HEALAL HEALAL HEALAL HEALAL HEALTH OFFICERTH OFFICERTH OFFICERTH OFFICERTH OFFICER

Environmental health officers are concerned with the effects that the environment has on the healthof human communities. In this career, you develop, regulate, enforce, and monitor laws andregulations that deal with public health, building, and environment management, so as to promotegood health, hygiene, and safety. You may be responsible for different types of public places,including hotels, eating places, schools, and childcare centres. You may work in wastewater treat-ment and disposal.

You can specialize in areas of air, water, and food water quality; controlling the carriers of disease(e.g. mosquito control); removal and disposal of wastes, including sewage, surface water and solidwaste; environment protection; health education; noise control; and physical, chemical andbiological hazards in the workplace.

If you are interested in becoming an environmental health officer, you may also consider theserelated careers: occupational health and safety officer; healthcare worker; health advisor; air-pollutioncontrol officer; meat inspector; occupational hygienist.

Other related careers include those of a: community nurse, primary health care nurse, healtheducator*, auxiliary health worker.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Assess water treatment systems; check solid-

waste disposal sites; look for signs ofcontamination in the water and soil

• Investigate health-related complaints andinspect facilities (e. g. restaurants, abattoirs,dairies) to check that people are followinghealth regulations

• Inspect sanitation and drinking water in ruralareas to prevent the spread of diseases (e.g.cholera and typhoid)

• Inspect public places: e.g. restaurants,shops, or food manufacturers, for standardsof hygiene; industries for problems such asasbestos and other dusts, heat or cold

stress, noise, and chemicals; high and lowpressure in the case of divers and pilots;ports to control entry of travellers from shipsand aircraft and prevent contagious diseasesfrom entering the country

• Investigate, issue warnings, and putcontrols in place (e.g. in cases of malaria orrabies or outbreaks of infectious orcommunicable diseases)

• Monitor pollution, and collect and testsamples of water, food, and other products

• Assess building and developmentapplications for compliance withenvironment and health standards, or forsuitable wastewater disposal

• Check air quality and take responsibility for

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insect and rodent control• Advise and educate communities on health

and environmental matters• Maintain records, prepare statistics, write

reports, and prepare policy documents,guidelines, pamphlets, and brochures

• Give evidence in court when health orenvironmental regulations have beenbroken

• Conduct environmental health impactassessments.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: physical science, mathematics,biology, chemistry

• Specific: interest in the health and well-being of communities; Initiative and tact;sense of responsibility

• Information• Communication

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N. Dip. — Environmental Health

• B.Tech. — Environmental Management;Environmental Engineering

• BA — Geography and Environment Studies;Environmental Health; EnvironmentalManagement; Environmental Science andSociety; Environmental Studies

• B.Sc.— Environmental Science;Environmental Management.

Note: Environment health officers are registered withthe Medical and Dental Council.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Local, provincial, and national government

departments (e.g. Health, Labour, Agriculture);large food manufacturers; industries; mines;hotel groups; metropolitan councils, SA MedicalServices, mines and several other private insti-tutions such as food manufacturers and civiland chemical engineering practices.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? SA Institute for Ecologists and Environ-

mental Scientists; Local Government, Water, andrelated Services Sector Education and TrainingAuthority (LGWSETA); Health and Welfare SETA(HWSETA).

ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CONTROLAL PROTECTION AND CONTROLAL PROTECTION AND CONTROLAL PROTECTION AND CONTROLAL PROTECTION AND CONTROL

If you become an environmental protection officer, you will look after the environment by monitor-ing the quality of effluents being discharged from individual plants/processes or larger industrial ormanufacturing sites. Environment technologists and technicians (sometimes called pollutioncontrol technicians) work with other environment professionals such as scientists and engineers tocontrol and prevent pollution.

Officers, technologists, and technicians may be concerned with pollution in streams and riversnear industrial sites, for instance, or problems with managing hazardous waste. They may also beinvolved in developing new technology that helps to reduce such problems. Their jobs involve workin the field, office work, or laboratory work. The hours can be long, and the work may require travel.Depending on your field of expertise, you might need to know how to deal with dangerouschemicals or polluted air, soil, and water.

Careers that are similar include: government inspector; hazardous waste technician; airmonitoring technologist; chemical technologist; ecologist*; soil scientist*; environmental scientist*.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Collect and analyse samples to determine

the extent of pollution in the water, soil, orair of a particular area

• Communicate with polluters to make surethat they comply with acceptable standards

and with the terms of their licences• Operate and maintain field and laboratory

equipment• Use computers to prepare spreadsheets and

graphs and write reports• Write reports• Make recommendations for change.

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WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: physical science, mathematics,biology

• Specific: love of the outdoors• Communication• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• B. Tech. — Environmental Sciences;Environmental Health

• B.Sc. — Science; Environment Management.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? DWAF; large industries; metro councils;

water boards; government agencies; wastemanagement companies; water utilities;engineering firms; research laboratories;environment consultancies; oil and gascompanies.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Department of Water Utilisation (Chemical

Engineering, University of Pretoria); Sasol Centrefor Innovative Environmental Management;Pollution Research Group (Department ofChemical Engineering, University of Natal,Durban); SA Institute for Ecologists andEnvironmental Scientists; Health and WelfareSETA (HWSETA).

ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTISTAL SCIENTISTAL SCIENTISTAL SCIENTISTAL SCIENTIST

There are many different kinds of work in environmental science. You can deal with the conservationand management of natural ecosystems in water and on land, habitats, rare or endangered faunaand flora, or nature reserves. The amount of indoor and outdoor work you do depends on yourparticular position.

• Environmental scientists research, observe, measure, record, analyse, and interpret featuresof the environment. They find ways to control or minimize the harmful effects of human activityon the environment.

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WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Research the physical and biological nature

of the environment (including the condi-tions of plants, animals, and humans)

• Study and assess production processes,environment laws, and physical, biological,and social conditions, and how they affectthe environment

• Investigate, report on, and respond to acci-dents that affect the environment (e.g.chemical and oil spills)

• Analyse pollutants, identify their sources,assess their effects on the environment, andrecommend methods of prevention andcontrol

• Rehabilitate water, land, and air that hasbeen affected by mining, logging, construc-tion, agriculture, and pollution

• Research matters of immediate and long-term importance to governments andcommunities (e.g. the impact of landclearing on native animals and the impact ofwaste products on waterways)

• Negotiate with and advise governmentdepartments, industry, and the public onenvironment matters (e.g. the manage-ment, re-use, and disposal of hazardousmaterials)

• Help to develop policies, strategies, andcodes of practice in environmentmanagement.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: biology, chemistry, geography,mathematics, physical science

• Specific: appreciation of nature; patienceand attention to detail, ability to work withpeople

• Group• Information• Communication• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• B. Tech. — Environmental Sciences; Environ-mental Health

• B.Sc. — Life Sciences; Natural Sciences; Envi-ronment Management

• Specialist and short courses at some highereducation institutions.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? DWAF; conservation authorities; science

councils; local authorities; higher educationinstitutions; large industries (e.g. Eskom); con-sulting firms specializing in environmental impactassessments.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Science councils; SA Institute for Ecologists

and Environmental Scientists; Health and Wel-fare SETA (HWSETA); Local Government, Water,and related Services Sector Education and Train-ing Authority (LGWSETA); South African Councilfor Natural Scientific Professions.

• Environmental officers ensure that sound management practices are in place to support plantand animal life (on land and in water).

• Quality assurance officers (e.g. in river health) influence and carry out decision-making andstrategies for managing rivers. You liaise with international, national, regional, and local river fo-rums, committees, and work groups, and take part in river-related research projects.

• Ecologists, water research officers, and conservation officers work to conserve aquatic eco-systems and biodiversity. You assess the ‘health’ of rivers and wetlands; conduct tests on water,and use aquatic plants, invertebrates, and fish as biomonitors or indicators of conditions in thewater. You advise water authorities about water management and catchment issues.

• Environment planners are geographers who use studies of the environment to prepare plansfor solving problems in the environment (e.g. desertification, nature conservation, landscapeevaluation, environmental impact, resource ecology).

Some other related occupations and specializations are: agricultural scientist*; botanist*; chemist*;environment engineer*; environmental technologist; geologist*; hydrographer*; landcare worker; lifescientist*, natural resource manager.

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WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, or

models• Select and measure exactly the metal mate-

rial that is needed for the component orapparatus

• Use power tools, such as lathes, drills, mills,or planes, to shape the rough piece of metal

• Fit machine parts• Inspect, test, repair, and maintain compo-

nents and machinery• Construct and maintain waste and

wastewater treatment works.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, metalwork, technicaldrawing, trade theory

• Specific: concentrate in noisy conditions; bepatient and responsible

• Communication• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Cert. (Engineering) — theoretical training

at a technical college up to N6 level• Practical training — at an accredited training

centre• In-service apprenticeship training — super-

vised by a qualified tradesman• Compulsory trade test — set by the Depart-

ment of Labour, to qualify as an artisan.Note: To be a fitter and turned you need to be atleast 16 years old, and have a Grade 9 certificate.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Water utilities; large engineering works or

industrial plants; factories; iron and steel plants;Iscor; shipyards; Transnet; mines; garages;government departments; municipalities; aircraftmanufacturers.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Steel and Engineering Industries Federa-

tion (SEIFSA.); Construction Education and Train-ing Authority (CETA); Manufacturing, Engineer-ing and related Service Education and TrainingAuthority (MERSETA).

FITTER AND TURNERFITTER AND TURNERFITTER AND TURNERFITTER AND TURNERFITTER AND TURNER

A fitter and turner manufactures, constructs, assembles, fits, maintains, and repairs components forvehicles, machinery, and other apparatus. This highly skilled trade is essential to most industries. Inthis career, you spend most of your day working indoors, often in noisy conditions. If this kind ofwork interests you, you could also consider becoming a boilermaker*, motor mechanic, aircraft as-sembler, armature winder, aircraft engine mechanic, or airframe fitter.

GEOGRAPHERGEOGRAPHERGEOGRAPHERGEOGRAPHERGEOGRAPHER

As a geographer you study the Earth’s surface, its land features, climate, vegetation, and physicalconditions. You also study and analyse the relationships between human activities and the naturaland built environment. A climatologist is a geographer who studies climates, their phenomena, andcauses. A geomorphologist is concerned with the geological aspect of the Earth’s land and seafloorsurfaces. A fluvial geomorphologist studies the science of river formation. Depending on your areasof interest and specialization, you could work indoors or outdoors.

Some related occupations are meteorologist*, ecologist*, environmental scientist*, hydrologist*,sociologist*, hydrographic surveyor, anthropologist, agriculturist*, political scientist*, town and re-gional planner*, cartographer*, and geologist*.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Observe, measure, and collect data and

compile or edit maps, charts, and atlases of

land surface features, soils, populations,land use, climate, vegetation, and animals

• Analyse and interpret statistical informationand satellite imagery to assess and map

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natural resources, land use, and humanactivities

• Analyse population data and forecast popu-lation trends

• Use remote sensing equipment andcomputers to generate maps

• Write and present reports and scientificpapers

• Help plan human settlement and the builtenvironment

• Analyse and advise on military intelligence• Consult to governments and organizations

on resource management, urban and ruralland use, regional economic development,tourism, boundaries, and the environment

• Advise on the location of industrial andcommercial sites and public facilities andservices.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science;geography, economics, biology

• Specific: an interest in the natural and socialsciences and in the environment in general;good psycho-motor coordination for

cartographic work• Information• Communication• Problem

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• BA, B.Sc., and B.Com. (all with geography asa major)

• BA — Human Sciences; Geography andEnvironmental Studies; EnvironmentalScience & Society

• B.Sc. — Natural Sciences; Geo-informationSciences.

Note: To become a practising geographer you willneed advanced postgraduate study.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Urban and rural planning firms;

government departments; city councils; touristagencies; environment consultants; parksboards; universities and technikons; CSIR;SANDF.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Society of South African Geographers;

Chief Directorate: Surveys and Mapping.

GEOLGEOLGEOLGEOLGEOLOGISTOGISTOGISTOGISTOGIST

Geologists study the materials, structure, and history of the Earth’s crust by examining rocks, miner-als, fossil remains, and the ocean floor. In this career, you can help to predict the sequence of pro-cesses (e.g. earthquakes, glaciers, erosion, sedimentation, and volcanoes) that affect the developingstructure of the Earth’s surface. Geology is an earth science, or geoscience, and includes knowledgefrom fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, and palaeontology. Geotechnologists and geo-technicians work closely with geologists.

As a geologist, you gather data in the field and then analyse it in an office and in a laboratory.You may spend time in remote areas such as deserts and the Antarctic. Your hours of work can beirregular.

Similar occupations that may interest you are: hydrologist*, geophysicist, mineralogist, engi-neering geologist, environmental geologist, cartographer*, geochemist, geotechnologist*, palaeon-tologist, hydrographic surveyor, petrochemical engineer, geomorphologist, meteorologist*, ocea-nographer, and geographer*.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Investigate groundwater contamination and

land salinity.• Locate and manage groundwater resources• Examine, measure, and classify the elements

of the Earth’s crust• Prepare geological reports, maps, charts,

and diagrams

• Record and analyse data on computer• Use aerial and satellite photographs,

research data, and survey results to locateand estimate groundwater as well as gasand oil deposits

• Analyse engineering problems to do withbuilding (e.g. large buildings, dams, watersupply schemes, and tunnels) by usingtesting equipment and drilling machinery

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• Use optical, X-ray,heat, acid, andprecisioninstruments totest rocks and soil

• Measure thecharacteristics ofthe Earth usingseismographs,gravimeters,magnetometers,and pendulumdevices

• Advise on theeconomics ofextractingminerals,environmentalprotection, andrehabilitation of land after mining

• Contribute to environmental impactassessments

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science,chemistry; geography, economics, biology

• Specific: be prepared to work outdoors indifferent environments; flexible and able toadapt to new situations; enjoy travelling andbe prepared to spend long periods awayfrom home; good health and stamina

• Group• Information• Communication• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip. — Geology• N.H. Dip. — Economic Geology

• B.Tech. — Exploration and Mining Geology;Geology

• B.Sc. — Natural Sciences; Earth Sciences;Geology; Applied Earth Sciences

• B.Sc. (Hons.)—Geoinformatics for Geologists.Note: To register as a professional scientist with theSouth African Council for Natural Scientists, you needa minimum qualification of B.Sc. (Hons). A master’sdegree, however, is a geologist’s ‘working’ degree.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? DWAF; mining and exploration

companies; research laboratories; civilengineering companies; environmentalmanagement companies; Council forGeoscience; Geological Survey; Chamber ofMines; CSIR; Mintek; self-employment as aconsultant.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Geological Society of South Africa; Council

for Geoscience; Chief Directorate: Surveys andMapping.

GEOPHYSICISTGEOPHYSICISTGEOPHYSICISTGEOPHYSICISTGEOPHYSICIST

As a geophysicist, you use physics, mathematics, and chemistry to understand and explain thephysical features of solid earth, fluid earth, and the upper atmosphere (i.e. the Earth’s surface andinterior, and its atmosphere and hydrosphere). You often work as part of a team of geoscientists.You could carry out fieldwork, which may involve a lot of travel, often to remote areas.

You could specialize or have a career in:• Specialist fields — such as environmental or groundwater geophysics, borehole geophysics,

seismology and seismic interpretation, mineral exploration, engineering geophysics, andcomputer processing and software development

• Exploration geophysics — involves the search for the Earth’s resources

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WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Compute the Earth’s shape and estimate its

composition and the structure of its interior• Study winds, tides, glaciers, earthquakes,

volcanoes, and their effects• Set up water supply and flood-control

programmes• Analyse the flow patterns of ocean tides and

currents• Prepare navigational charts and maps• Predict atmospheric conditions• Prepare environmental reports• Examine and measure seismic, gravitational,

electrical, thermal, and magnetic forces• Help to locate petroleum and mineral

deposits• Design, develop and operate computer

systems and software for processing andinterpreting geophysical data sets

• Develop instrumentation for taking physicalmeasurements (e.g. in surveys)

• Develop mathematical models to helpinterpret geophysical survey results.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science,and geography

• Specific: curiosity; enjoy working outside;willingness to work away from home, oftenin remote areas; good health

• Independent• Group• Information• Number• Communication• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• B.Sc. — Natural Sciences; Earth Sciences;Physical Sciences; Applied Earth Sciences.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Mining, exploration, and petroleum com-

panies; civil engineering firms; government de-partments (e.g. DWAF); Geological Survey; in-dustry; Chamber of Mines; research institutesand science councils (e.g. CGS, CSIR, MINTEK);higher education institutions; consulting com-panies; self-employment (i.e. as a consultant).

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Geological Society of South Africa; Council

for Geoscience; SA Association of Geotech-nology; Construction Education and TrainingAuthority (CETA).

GEOTECHNOLGEOTECHNOLGEOTECHNOLGEOTECHNOLGEOTECHNOLOGISTOGISTOGISTOGISTOGIST

As a geotechnologist, you work in a very complex area, studying the crust of the Earth to help locateand extract natural resources such as water, minerals, and metals, and to determine conditions be-low the surface. A geotechnologist normally specializes in a particular field. Geotechnologists areassisted by geotechnicians, and in these careers you work mostly outdoors, in all weather condi-tions.

Other occupations that might interest you include: soil scientist*, geophysicist*, engineeringgeologist, geologist*, civil engineering technologist*, surveyor*, extraction metallurgist, mining engi-neer, environment engineer*, and cartographer*.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Locate and establish the quality of under-

ground water resources (geohydrology)

• Use sophisticated instruments to find waterand mineral resources underground andstudy conditions below the surface (geo-physics and exploration geotechnology)

• Global geophysics — deals with the study of the Earth as a whole (including earthquakes,magnetic fields, etc.)

• Other — agricultural chemist; agricultural scientist*; agronomist; algologist; astronomer; bio-physicist; chemist*; ecologist*; geochemist; geographer*; geohydrologist; geologist*;geotechnologist*; metallurgist; meteorologist*; mineralogist; oceanographer; palaeontologist;physicist.

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• Analyse rocks, soil, and water using electronmicroscopes, X-ray diffractometers, andspectographs (geochemistry)

• Locate ores and minerals, and investigateunderground conditions regularly to make

sure that they are safe for mining (mininggeotechnology)

• Investigate the geology of the Earth’s sub-surface so that large construction projects(e.g. dams, tunnels, bridges) can be builtsafely, on firm foundations (engineeringgeology)

• Find building material (e.g. rocks, granite,marble, limestone) for building projects(geology).

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science,geography

• Specific: good eyesight; interest in thenatural physical environment

• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip. — Geology• B.Tech. — Geology; Exploration and Mining

Geology• B.Sc. — Earth Sciences; Applied Earth Sci-

ences• B.Sc.(Eng.) — Environmental Engineering.Note: to work as a geotechnician, an N.H. Dip.(Geology) is recommended.Note: M.Tech. and D. Tech. degrees are recom-mended for geotechnologists.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Mining companies; DWAF; civil engineer-

ing practices; universities; government depart-ments; laboratories and research institutes; self-employment as a consultant.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Geological Society; Council for Geoscience;

SA Association of Geotechnology; Local Govern-ment, Water and related Services Sector Educa-tion and Training Authority (LGWSETA).

HUMAN RESOURCES/PERSONNEL MANAGERHUMAN RESOURCES/PERSONNEL MANAGERHUMAN RESOURCES/PERSONNEL MANAGERHUMAN RESOURCES/PERSONNEL MANAGERHUMAN RESOURCES/PERSONNEL MANAGER

As a human resources (or personnel) manager, you would be concerned with people at work andtheir relationships with each other and with the organization. Your job description depends on thetype and size of the organization for which you work: bigger companies normally have a departmentin which different staff members manage particular sections (e.g. staffing, training or human resourcedevelopment, organization planning and development, labour relations, remuneration, research,and administration).

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If you are interested in human resource man-agement, you could also consider careers suchas:• Industrial relations manager — ensures

smooth relations and negotiations betweenthe employer and trade unions and employ-ees’ associations

• Other — administrator*; counsellor; eco-nomic adviser; human resources/personnelconsultant or officer; psychologist; socialworker*; sociologist*; vocational guidanceofficer; training officer.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Recruit, select, evaluate, appoint, and place

staff in suitable posts• Keep employee records• Coordinate promotions, transfers, dismissals,

retirements, salary increases, andreinstatements, make forecasts aboutemployment needs, and help to planpersonnel policies to meet the needs ofemployers and employees

• Coordinate the company’s performancemanagement, productivity, and motivationprocedures

• Arrange staff training and development• Solve personnel problems• Advise about health and safety in the

workplace and promote employee welfare(e.g. through benefits, leave, housingschemes, medical aid)

• Keep up to date on labour laws, advise staffabout their obligations and rights, andmake sure that the organization followslabour laws, wage agreements, andconditions of service

• Represent management in negotiationswith trade unions and employees.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, economics, ac-counting, languages

• Specific: persuasive; see the points of viewof both company and employees; respectfor confidentiality and privacy; emotionalstability and an even temper

• Group• Communication• Problem

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• Human Resource Management diplomas —SA Institute of Management (SAIM), incollaboration with private colleges

• N.Dip. — Human Resources Management• B.Tech. — Human Resources Development;

Labour Relations; Labour Studies• BA — Human Sciences; Social Sciences;

Human Resource Management; Psychology• B.Admin• B.Bus.Sc. — Commerce, Finance, and

Economics• B.Com. — Economic and Management

Sciences; Human Resources Management;Applied Human Resources Management.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Large and medium-sized organizations

and companies; government departments;provincial administrations and utilities; localgovernment.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? South African Institute of Management;

Institute of People Management; Services SETA(SSETA).

HYDROLHYDROLHYDROLHYDROLHYDROLOGISTOGISTOGISTOGISTOGIST

Hydrologists study water in streams, rivers, and underground. In this career, you evaluate differentprocesses in the water cycle, such as rainfall, evaporation, groundwater, and river flows so as to findout how much water is available and how reliable is the supply. You could be involved in environ-ment management, controlling soil erosion, and developing water resources. You might also advisecivil engineers on the flow of rivers, where to build dams and reservoirs, and how to minimize andcontrol the risk of floods. Like most hydrologists, you would spend some of your time in an office andsome doing fieldwork.

If you are interested in hydrology, you might also consider these careers:• Hydrometry technician — supports and assists engineers and hydrologists; designs and plans

storage dams, canals, tunnels, pipelines, and pumping and irrigation schemes

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• Hydrogeologists— (also known asgeohydrologists)scientificallyinvestigate andevaluateunderground waterresources; work withgroundwater andmoisture variation inthe soil; locate theposition of waste-disposal dumps;evaluate ground-water pollution

• Geohydrologicaltechnician —gathers data aboutboreholes,measures ground-water levels, andprovides information for the geohydrologist

• Other — chemist*; ecologist*; hydro-biologist; civil engineer*.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Select, install, and maintain instruments that

measure and monitor flow, water levels,rainfall, and water quality

• Measure water levels in rivers, lakes, andunderground

• Help design and plan dams, weirs, bridges,irrigation projects, water supply schemes,and flood protection

• Collect and analyse water and sedimentsamples

• Use underwater acoustic equipment tosearch for obstacles in lakes and dams

• Prepare reports on sites and data collectionthat can be used by other professionals

• Gather data on boreholes• Identify potential drilling sites• Develop ways to bring fresh water to rural

and urban areas and to irrigate very dry landfor growing better crops

• Create awareness of groundwater inschools, communities, local authorities, andamong the general public.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: physics, mathematics, and statis-tics

• Specific: swim well and be physicallyhealthy; enjoy working outdoors

• Independent• Group• Information• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N. Dip., B.Tech. — Engineering, CivilEngineering

• B.Sc.— Hydrology, Geohydrology, AppliedGeophysics, Geology.Note: An honours degree is the minimumrequirement for working as a hydrologist.

• DWAF in-service training programmes.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? DWAF; CSIR; municipalities; engineering

companies; town and city councils; waterutilities.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? DWAF; Council for Geoscience;

Engineering Council of SA; Institute for Soil,Climate and Water; SA Association ofGeotechnology; Local Government, Water, andrelated Services Sector Education and TrainingAuthority (LGWSETA); Construction Educationand Training Authority (CETA); School ofBioresources, Engineering and EnvironmentalHydrology (University of KwaZulu-Natal).

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WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Computer programmer — designs

detailed lists of instructions for the computerto perform tasks and handle information in alogical order; writes computer programs incomputer languages such as Visual Basic,Delphi, C and C+; prepares documentationand reports for other programmers, end-users, and support services

• Systems analyst — writes technical reports;collects information about the way in whichan organization controls its work and plansand implements procedures carried out by acomputer

• Software developer — develops andadapts computer programs

• Computer operator — feeds thecomputer with information (input); cleansthe computer, printer, and other equipmentto ensure that the computer system isfunctioning efficiently; checks that thesystem is operating correctly; correctsmalfunctions

• Computer engineer — designs andimplements large computer systems to solveproblems for large organizations; integratesvarious technologies such as computersystems, telecommunications, and softwareengineering; establishes data, voice, andimage communicating systems; designscomputer systems for hi-fi systems, cellularphones, manufacturing robots, videocameras, and vehicle control systems, forexample.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, computer science• Specific: cope with pressure and meet

deadlines; persevere until all problems aresolved; concentrate; work long hours

• Information

• Communication• Number

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• Aptitude tests — you normally have to takeaptitude tests before any type of IT training

• Short courses — there are many shortcourses that you can take to obtain andupdate your qualifications

• In-service training — (computer operator);after a year’s experience, you can write theComputer Users Council of South Africa’sComputer Operator Proficiency Examination(COPE)

• N.Cert. — Computer Studies; InformationTechnology; End-User Computing

• N.Dip. — Computer Studies; ComputerSystems Engineering; Datametrics; Infor-mation Systems; Information Technology;Electrical Engineering; Engineering (Com-puter Systems); Information Technology(Software Development)

• B.Tech. — Information Technology;Engineering (Computer Systems)

• B. Business Systems — Computer andInformation Systems; Computer andInformation Technology; ComputerInformation Systems and Technology;Computer Management; ComputerProgramming; Computer Science andInformation Systems; Computer Systems;Computerised Accounting; Computingand Administration; Knowledge Manage-ment

• B.Bus.Sc. — Commerce; Finance andEconomics; Information Technology/Information Systems

• B.Com. — Information Technology/Information Systems; Commerce; Financeand Economics; Informatics

• B.Sc. — Natural Sciences; Information Tech-nology/Information Systems; Computer

INFORMAINFORMAINFORMAINFORMAINFORMATION TECHNOLTION TECHNOLTION TECHNOLTION TECHNOLTION TECHNOLOGOGOGOGOGY SPECIALISTY SPECIALISTY SPECIALISTY SPECIALISTY SPECIALIST

People who work in information technology (IT) are concerned with giving computers instructions tocarry out tasks (computer programming), designing and analysing computer programmes (systemsanalysis), administering databases and networks, operating computer systems, and designinghardware. If you have a career in IT, you have to keep up to date with rapid developments. IT-relatedoccupations (not covered below) include website designer, network controller, computer consultant,electronics engineer, personal computer (PC) support technician, and Internet services and supporttechnician.

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Science; Actuarial Science; MathematicalSciences; Applied Information Science; Ap-plied Information Technology

• B.Sc. (Engineering) — InformationEngineering; Computer Engineering;Computer Science; Electrical and Electronic;Computer Studies/Information Technology.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Finance and banking sectors; Internet

service providers; government; education insti-tutions; mining; businesses; provincial adminis-trations; computer bureaux; Telkom; self-employment as a consultant.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Computer Users Council of South Africa;

SA Society for Professional Engineers (SPE);Engineering Council of SA (ECSA); InformationTechnology Association; Institute of ProfessionalEngineering Technologists; Information Systems,Electronics and TelecommunicationsTechnologies (ISETT).

INSTRUMENT MAKERINSTRUMENT MAKERINSTRUMENT MAKERINSTRUMENT MAKERINSTRUMENT MAKER

An instrument maker designs, manufactures, installs, and repairs instruments. An instrumentmechanician manufactures, repairs, and recalibrates instruments. In this career, you also ensure thatautomatic processes and plant systems operate efficiently. Instrument makers and mechanicians canspecialize in different types of instruments:• Hydraulic — flow meters, pressure gauges• Meteorological — automatic weather stations, electronic airport systems, radar• Chemical — thermometers• Mechanical — pressure gauges, odometers, thermometers, watches• Electrical — voltmeters, kilowatt gauges, ammeters• Optical — telescopes, spectacles, cameras• Medical and dental — pincers, scalpels, scissors• Avionics — instruments used in aeroplanes• Telecommunications — telephones, antennae.

With similar levels of training, you could also consider the careers of, for example, biomedical tech-nologist, scientific glassblower, laboratory technician, and electrical engineering technician.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Design and manufacture instruments• Work according to sketches and instructions

from scientists and engineers• Install and diagnose faults in electronic

instruments and control systems• Calibrate and make sure that

instrumentation equipment is workingcorrectly

• Repair and maintain instruments andsystems.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science;technical drawing, metalwork, trade theory,technika (electronics/electrical)

• Specific: good eyesight and normal colour

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vision; manual dexterity for using precisiontools

• Communication• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• Theoretical training — at a technical collegeor technikon

• Practical training — at an accredited trainingcentre

• In-service training — as an apprentice underthe supervision of a qualified instrumentmaker

• Compulsory trade test — set by the Depart-

ment of Labour, to qualify as an artisan.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? CSIR; Eskom; Sasol; municipalities; chemi-

cal engineering businesses; electrical precisiontool manufacturers; opticians; South AfricanAirways; Telkom; DEAT.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? SA Institute of Measurement and Control;

Steel and Engineering Industries Federation(SEIFSA); Manufacturing, Engineering and Re-lated Services Education and Training Authority(MERSETA); Information Systems, Electronics andTelecommunications Technologies (ISETT).

LLLLL ABORAABORAABORAABORAABORATORY WORKER/ANALTORY WORKER/ANALTORY WORKER/ANALTORY WORKER/ANALTORY WORKER/ANALYSTYSTYSTYSTYST

As a laboratory technician or technologist, you help scientists (in the physical, chemical, biological,and life sciences) by collecting samples, carrying out experiments, taking measurements, and record-ing results .If you become a chemical laboratory technician or technologist, you will help to de-velop, produce, and use chemicals and related products. You may also help to design and installequipment and train or supervise production line operators in a chemical factory. You may have tolearn how to handle hazardous materials.

Some occupations that may also interest you are chemist*, chemical engineer*, food technolo-gist, medical laboratory technician, physicist, electronic engineer, and analytical chemist.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Test materials, production processes, and

final products• Set up, clean, and maintain equipment for

use in experiments• Collect, classify, and preserve specimens and

samples, such as animal and plant tissues,food, soil, and water

• Test specimens for chemical composition,bacterial content, and chemical contamina-tion, and use scientific equipment to analyseresults

• Inspect and test plants and animals fordiseases

• Carry out calculations and prepare graphsand reports, often using computers

• Conduct quality control checks on produc-tion line samples and materials.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science,biology, technical drawing

• Specific: safety conscious; good eyesightand normal colour vision

• Group• Communication• Practical

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WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip. — Chemistry; Analytical Chemistry• B.Tech. — Chemistry; Analytical Chemistry• B.Sc. — Chemical Sciences; Chemistry.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? CSIR; DWAF; government departments;

Iscor; Council for Mineral Technology; chemical

manufacturing industries; educational institu-tions.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Chemical and Allied Industries Association;

Chemical Industries Education and TrainingAuthority (CHIETA); Health and Welfare SectorEducation and Training Authority (HWSETA);Local Government, Water and related ServicesSector Education and Training Authority(LGWSETA).

LLLLL AAAAAWYERWYERWYERWYERWYER

As a lawyer, you provide legal advice, write documents, conduct negotiations on legal matters, andyou may represent clients in courts of law. Not all lawyers practise as legal professionals; you can alsouse your knowledge in business-related matters such as industrial relations, taxation, commercialtransactions, and the incorporation of new companies.

Some lawyers are known as attorneys. As an attorney, you offer services to your clients services inall aspects of law, including company law, criminal law, taxation, contracts, leases, wills, and trusts.You can represent your clients in a magistrate’s court, although you would spend less time in courtthan an advocate. Part of your job is to prepare cases for presentation in court by an advocate.

Advocates conduct criminal cases (instigated by the state when someone has committed acrime against the law of the country) and civil cases (disputes between two parties or people) in theHigh Court. You also give clients written legal opinions. Clients may only be referred to an advocateby an attorney. You practise alone and may not be a partner in a law firm.

Legal advisers give advice on legal matters to individuals, organizations, and businesses. You donot act on their behalf, but you brief an attorney to do so.

Paralegals or legal assistants help lawyers in solving legal problems and in preparing cases forcourt. They also liaise with the public and carry out legal research.

Much of a lawyer’s time is spent in offices and law libraries reading, researching and writing, andmeeting with clients and colleagues. You often work long hours, especially during trials and negotia-tions. If you are interested in a career in law, you may also like to consider state prosecutor, stateattorney, conveyancer, notary, magistrate, clerk of the court, registrar of deeds, legal researcher, legalsecretary, and patent attorney.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Advise clients on their legal rights, responsi-

bilities, and problems that may arise• Represent clients in negotiations and in

front of courts and tribunals• Research rules, regulations, laws, and previ-

ous cases• Prepare legal documents such as contracts

and wills• Interpret law and apply it to specific situa-

tions• Collect money from people who do not pay

their debts (‘collection work’)• Register deeds for the transfer of land.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: English; languages• Specific: integrity and honesty; ability to

work under pressure• Information• Communication• Problem

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip. — Paralegal Studies• B.Tech. — Labour Relations; Labour Studies;

Law and Humanities• LLB• B.Sos.Sc. — Labour Studies

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• BA LLB• B.Com. — Law.Note:• Before being allowed to practise, an attorney

with an LLB serves two years under articles ofclerkship with a South African firm of attorneys,performs community service for at least one yearat an approved office of the Legal Aid Board or anaccredited law clinic, or serves articles of clerkshipof a year and attends a four-month trainingcourse. He or she also writes the attorneys’ ad-mission examination administered by the LawSociety.

• To become a member of the Bar (the professionalassociation of advocates), an advocate mustcomplete four months of pupillage (practicalexperience) under the supervision of a practisingadvocate, and pass the Bar examination adminis-tered by General Council of the Bar.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Law firms; the state; in-house counsel for

large companies; government agencies; non-government organizations; public interestgroups; provincial and local government; legal-aid societies; law schools; private practice; legaldepartments of banking institutions and insur-ance companies; Deeds Office; Receiver of Rev-enue; South African Police Services.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? General Council of the Bar of SA; Law

Society of Transvaal; Law Society of the Cape;Natal Law Society; Department of Justice; Police,Private Security, Legal and Correctional ServicesSector Education and Training Authority(POSLECSETA).

LEISURE AND RECREALEISURE AND RECREALEISURE AND RECREALEISURE AND RECREALEISURE AND RECREATION PROTION PROTION PROTION PROTION PROVIDERVIDERVIDERVIDERVIDER

Tourism, leisure, and recreation are the fastest growing industry in South Africa, and offer an excitingfuture — in the area of water-related leisure activities as well as ecotourism and many others. Watersports are popular in South Africa, with its warm climate, long summers, dams, rivers, and coastline,and there are job opportunities in the hospitality industry for entrepreneurs as well as in medium orlarge national and international leisure and recreation businesses. The hours can be long and irregu-lar, particularly during busy times of year (e.g. during school holidays).

If leisure, sport, and recreation interest you as a career, there are many to choose from, such asworking as a: tourist manager, tour operator tour guide, tourist information officer, travel agent, orrecreation manager/officer.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Escort and look after people on holiday or

during their time away from work• Manage groups of holidaymakers and plan

tours and entertainment• Inform clients and visitors about the places

they are visiting and deal with their problemsand enquiries

• Deal with the finances and administration oftourism and leisure activities.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: English; languages; sport (asrelevant); geography

• Specific: friendliness; outgoing personality;ability to work under pressure; good health

• Group• Information• Communication• Problem• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• South African Tourism Board (Satour) regis-tration (for tour guides)

• N.Cert. — Tour Guides; Travel and Tourism;Ecotourism Management; Human Move-ment Science; Sport and Recreation

• N.Dip. — Tourism Management; Tour Guid-ing

• B.Tech. — Adventure Tourism Management;Ecotourism Management; Game RanchManagement; Hospitality Management;Sport and Recreation.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Game farms; guest houses; holiday re-

sorts; hotels; South African National Parks; touroperators; self-employment/freelance work.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? SA Tourism Board (Satour); higher educa-

tion institutions.

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MANAGERMANAGERMANAGERMANAGERMANAGER

As a manager, you provide leadership for organizations to achieve their objectives. Managing a busi-ness includes organizing, researching, planning, controlling, and directing all or part of the work ofother employees. You would need to manage and motivate people so that they do their jobs well,and you might also need to manage resources, such as finances. Different types of managers per-form different tasks:• Top management — includes the chairman, board of directors, managing director or chief execu-

tive officer, and other high-ranking managers• Functional managers — manage specific functions or divisions within a company, such as ad-

ministration, marketing, finances, or buying• Operational managers — are responsible for the way a business works, for example, credit and

cost control, or production managers• General manager — is the chief manager, responsible for the work of a number of managers

with specific responsibilities. She or he will have a broad background and does not work as aspecialist in any particular field; this work combines functional and operational management

• Management consultant — works independently as an adviser to businesses on managementmatters; investigates problems and provides solutions; helps with strategic planning.

As a manager, you would work in an office, but may need to travel locally and abroad. Related occu-pations include accountant*, banker, and human resources or personnel manager*.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Set standards and targets for your team• Decide on policies and standards• Assess the performance of the organization• Direct the way your division or organization

uses resources, including personnel,finances, technology, and physical assetssuch as buildings and equipment

• Help with preparing budgets, forecasts, andreports

• Select staff• Authorize the use of funds.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, business econom-ics, economics, accountancy

• Specific: good organizational and time-management skills; leadership; ability towork well under pressure

• Group• Communication• Problem

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WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• In-service training• Short courses and diploma courses —

offered by universities, technikons, andprivate colleges

• N.Dip. — Management• B.Tech. — Management; Management

Services• B.Com. — Financial Management; Business

Management; Human ResourcesManagement; Accounting

• B.Bus.Sci.• MBA.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Every organization needs managers.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? SA Institute of Management (Manage-

ment Development Institute); Institute ofBusiness Management; Institute of CharteredBusiness Management; Institute of BusinessStudies; Services Sector Education and TrainingAuthority (SSETA).

MARKETING SPECIALISTMARKETING SPECIALISTMARKETING SPECIALISTMARKETING SPECIALISTMARKETING SPECIALIST

If you work in marketing, you will have to find out what consumers want to buy and how to supplythem with these products or services as cheaply and efficiently as possible. In this job you willsometimes need to create a consumer demand for products and services and help to develop them.Marketing covers a range of activities. You may have to work weekends and evenings and you mayneed to travel.

Other careers that involve marketing include public relations*, copywriter, product developer,purchase manager, creative director, media director, and sales manager.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Marketing management — coordinate

and manage the total marketing function(see below); plan marketing campaigns;carry out research; create marketing aidssuch as brochures; formulate marketingpolicies; evaluate the effectiveness ofmarketing strategies

• Product and brand management —control product branding, packaging,labelling, pricing, advertising, promotions,and distribution

• New product development — researchand provide ideas and facts about aconsumer need for a product or service;collect information about competitors’products and services

• Promotions — manage promotionscampaigns to increase sales that may involvedirect mail, mass media advertising,catalogues, exhibitions, in-store displays,and special events; develop purchaseincentives such as samples, gifts, coupons,discounts, and competitions

• Sales promotion — develop promotions,competitions, and special offers to convinceconsumers to buy

• Advertising — promote a product or serviceby using newspapers, magazines, directmail, radio, television, and cinema to tell thepublic about it

• Public relations — keep the publicinformed about new products, policychanges, and staff changes, for example;keep management informed about publicattitudes and reactions to the company andits products or services

• Selling — as a sales clerk, sales represen-tative, telemarketer, or door-to-doorsalesperson, you would give informationand try to persuade consumers to buy

• Sales management — prepare forecastsand budgets; organize, supervise, recruit,and train sales staff; evaluate salesperformance; communicate with dealers anddistributors; monitor the preferences ofcustomers

• Distribution — make the product availableto the consumer at the right time and place;manage distribution channels such aswarehouses, transport, shops, andwholesalers

• Market research — establish facts aboutthe consumer, the effectiveness ofadvertising, and the consumers’ awareness

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of an organization’s products or services;analyse and interpret marketing information;design questionnaires; write reports;conduct detailed studies of sales records todetermine trends and to help plancampaigns and set goals

• Marketing service (customer service)— support the sales staff; take orders; advisecustomers; help with exhibitions.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics; business econom-ics, economics, accountancy

• Specific: persuasive, creative, good atorganizing

• Independent• Group• Communication• Problem

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• Certificate — Personal Selling; Retail Mar-keting and Sales Management; MarketingCommunication (Institute of MarketingManagement (IMM), via private colleges)

• Graduate Diploma — Marketing; AdvertisingManagement (IMM, via private colleges)

• N.Dip. — Marketing; Marketing and SalesManagement; Marketing Management

• B.Tech. — Marketing

• BA — Economics; Psychology; Social Sci-ences; Communication; Languages; Adver-tising

• B.Bus.Sc. — Marketing• B.Com. — Business; Marketing; Marketing

and Advertising Management; Marketingand Sales Management; MarketingCommunication; Salesmanship; Economicand Management Sciences; Commerce,Finance and Economics; MarketingManagement; Applied MarketingManagement; Quantitative Management;Communication

• Some technikons and universities offer shortcourses in marketing or marketingmanagement.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Any industry or business that sells

products and services; advertising agencies;marketing companies; shops; independentresearch organizations; self-employment as aconsultant.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Institute of Marketing Management

(IMM); SA Institute of Management; SouthernAfrican Marketing Research Association; SAInstitute of Marketing Management (SAIMM);Media, Advertising, Publishing, Printing andPackaging Sector Education and TrainingAuthority (MAPP).

MAMAMAMAMATHEMATHEMATHEMATHEMATHEMATICIAN/STTICIAN/STTICIAN/STTICIAN/STTICIAN/STAAAAATISTICIAN/ACTUTISTICIAN/ACTUTISTICIAN/ACTUTISTICIAN/ACTUTISTICIAN/ACTUARYARYARYARYARY

A mathematician develops mathematical theories and methods (theoretical mathematics). In thiswork, you solve problems by applying mathematical principles and models and by carrying outoperational research and numerical analyses (applied mathematics).

You can apply mathematical and statistical principles in many different areas, including physics,medicine, solid mechanics, astronomy, image processing, computer science, ecology, chemistry,genetics, social sciences, business, industry, and commerce.

A statistician collects, classifies, and analyses numerical information to make decisions and fore-casts, for example, and to evaluate processes.

An actuary is a statistical expert, working on information to do with mortality, illness, unemploy-ment, and retirement. In this career, your specialized functions are useful mainly for the insuranceindustry in developing life insurance policies, for instance, and medical aid and pension schemes.Actuaries also advise life insurance companies how to invest their money and how to manage therisks of policy liabilities.

Other occupations that require above-average mathematical skills include economist*, financialanalyst, accountant*, and, in the field of information technology*, systems analyst, and computerscientist.

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WWWWWhat will I do in different fields ifhat will I do in different fields ifhat will I do in different fields ifhat will I do in different fields ifhat will I do in different fields ifI follow this career?I follow this career?I follow this career?I follow this career?I follow this career?

• Develop mathematical models to describenatural phenomena, e.g. weather, oceancurrents, or soil erosion

• Apply calculus and geometry to designobjects and structures in e.g. computergraphics, robotics, architecture

• Analyse networks for the study ofcommunication systems, airline routes, androad systems, for example

• Use linear programming for town andregional planning

• Process images and signals for radar,astronomy, cartography, and medicalimaging

• Analyse statistics to find models forinsurance risks, clinical trials, market research,or traffic flow

• Develop actuarial models for financial andinsurance markets

• Analyse processes and solve problems inservice, manufacturing, chemical, mining,agricultural, and engineering industries

• Develop information theory andcommunications technology

• Design computer programs that create andbreak very complex security codes.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science• Specific: enjoy solving problems and explor-

ing abstract ideas; computer literate

• Independent• Information• Number

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• B.Sc. — Natural Sciences; Mathematics;Physical and Mathematical Analysis; AppliedMathematics; Mathematical Statistics;Actuarial Science; Financial Mathematics;Information Technology/InformationSystems; Mathematical Sciences

• B.Com. — Quantitative Decision Making;Business Management; Logistics; Statistics;Mathematics; Mathematical Statistics;Actuarial Science

• B.Bus.Sc. — Commerce, Finance, and Eco-nomics.

Note: To qualify as a mathematician, you need aminimum of an honours degree. To teach at a highereducation institution or carry out high-level research,you will need a master’s or doctoral degree inmathematics, statistics, or actuarial science.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? CSIR; Eskom; mining and manufacturing

industries; government departments; insuranceand investment companies; educationalinstitutions; Central Statistical Service; financialinstitutions; insurance and pension brokers.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? SA Mathematical Society; SA Statistical

Association; Actuarial Society of SA.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERMECHANICAL ENGINEERMECHANICAL ENGINEERMECHANICAL ENGINEERMECHANICAL ENGINEER

As a mechanical engineer you design, develop, produce, install, operate, test, and maintain machin-ery and mechanical equipment. Such equipment is used in nearly every type of industry and technol-ogy, from producing chocolate bars to manufacturing jet engines. Mechanical engineers are assistedby mechanical engineering technologists and technicians, and all of them work closely with otherprofessionals (e.g. with architects in designing air-conditioning plants). In this career, you spend mostof your days in offices, in front of computers, and in manufacturing facilities and research laboratories.You might also visit plants and construction sites.

Mechanical engineers, technologists, and technicians normally specialize in a particular field andthe mechanical equipment associated with it. Here are some examples:

• Water — design and construct waterworks and waste and wastewater treatment plants• Power generation — steam, water, gas, and nuclear turbines used for driving power

generators• Agriculture — tractors, threshing machines, harvesters, milking machines, and packing

machines

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WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Design machines, equipment, or systems,

normally on computer• Calculate costs, availability of materials, and

strength and maintenance requirements• Research different types of fuel and energy,

materials handling, heating and coolingprocesses, storing and pumping liquids andgases, and environmental controls

• Construct, test, and inspect experimentalequipment and machinery

• Record data, plot graphs, analyse results,and write reports

• Develop, make, and assemble mechanicalsystems or parts

• Design and construct resource developmentprojects (e.g. offshore platforms, gas plants,and mining facilities)

• Design and supervise the operation ofmanufacturing process plants (e.g. pumpingstations, vehicle production plants, powerstations, sewerage plants, and water supply)

• Put in quality control systems (to testequipment, for example, to make sure that itis up to standard).

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: physical science, mathematics,computer studies; technical drawing,technika: mechanical, and computer studies

• Specific: visualize objects in three dimen-sions

• Group

• Communication• Number• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip. — Mechanical Engineering;Engineering

• B.Tech. (Engineering) — MechanicalManufacturing; Mechanical Engineering;Electrical: Power Engineering; MechanicalEngineering (double degree)

• B.Engineering — Mechanical; MechanicalEngineering

• B.Sc. (Engineering).

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Government departments; municipalities;

Eksom; Iscor; Sasol; aircraft and navigation com-panies; mines; car manufacturers; Transnet;Spoornet; SA National Defence Force; consultingengineering firms; universities; technikons.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? South African Society for Professional Engi-

neers (SPE); Engineering Council of SA (ECSA); SAInstitution of Mechanical Engineering; Instituteof Professional Engineering Technologists; Insti-tution of Certificated Mechanical and ElectricalEngineers SA; Construction Education and Train-ing Authority (CETA); Energy Sector Educationand Training Authority (ESETA); Manufacturing,Engineering and Related Services Education andTraining Authority (MERSETA).

METEOROLMETEOROLMETEOROLMETEOROLMETEOROLOGISTOGISTOGISTOGISTOGIST

Meteorologists study the Earth’s atmosphere and the changes in it that affect day-to-day weather,long-term climate, and extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes and tornadoes. You forecastthe weather by examining trends in the atmosphere such as wind currents, precipitation, and airpressure.

• Mining — pumping plants, conveyor belts, ventilation fans, drilling machines• Biomedical — heart-lung machines, artificial limbs, heart valves, kidney machines• Industry and manufacturing — production processes and quality control• Petrochemical — compressors, pumps, boilers, material-handling equipment• Air conditioning and refrigeration — air conditioning units and fridges• Transportation — turbines and engines for aeroplanes, ships, automobiles, and trains• Materials — creating products that are strong and will last from plastics, metals, composite ma-

terials, and ceramics.

You may also be interested in other engineering careers, such as electrical engineer*, civil engineer*,and engineering consultant.

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WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Analyse and interpret satellite cloud images,

remote sensing data, and other informationabout atmospheric conditions

• Develop and use scientific techniques toforecast and interpret climatic conditions

• Prepare weather forecasts, including specialforecasts for airports, agriculture, fishing, andshipping

• Organize, update, and apply informationfrom satellite, radar, and powerful computers

• Install and maintain the apparatus used togather meteorological information

• Supply weather forecasts via radio, television,and newspapers

• Conduct meteorological research to controlair pollution

• Keep records of all observations (e.g. oftemperature, atmospheric pressure, visibility,and clouds)

• Predict rainfall and runoff.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science,and geography

• Specific: flexible and resourceful• Independent• Information• Communication• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.H.Dip. — Meteorology• B.Sc. — Atmospheric Sciences; Natural

Sciences• B.Sc.(Hons.) — Applied Mathematics;

Mathematics; Physics; Mathematical Statis-tics.

Note: The meteorological technician (N.H.Dip.) isemployed by the Department of EnvironmentalAffairs and Tourism, which pays him or her a salaryduring training. The technician must work for theDepartment for four years after completing training.Note: A meteorologist (B.Sc.) must undergo practicaltraining (on weather observation, operating meteoro-logical instruments, and weather forecasting) underthe supervision of senior officers at the Weather Bu-reau. To become a professional meteorologist, youneed a course in statistics.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? DEAT; Weather Bureau; DWAF; airports;

weather ships; weather stations on MarionIsland and Gough Island; CSIR; universities;airforce stations.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Weather Bureau; DEAT; Institute for Soil,

Climate, and Water (ARC-ISCW); Society of SouthAfrican Geographers.

As a meteorological technician, you would be responsible for collecting meteorological informa-tion and for operating and maintaining weather observation networks. Technicians provide almost allthe services of the South African Weather Bureau. Meteorologists and technicians normally work inshifts and may be based at remote field stations. They often work at night and during weekendsbecause weather information is needed 24 hours a day.

If you are interested in a career in meteorology, you may also be interested in the careers of as-tronomer, electronics engineering technician, geographer*, meteorological instrument technician,oceanographer, climatologist, and weather broadcaster.

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WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Take meter readings and record them in a

route book or on an electronic device• Calculate averages if a meter reading cannot

be taken• Give advice to the public about water leaks

or sewerage blockages, for example• Turn water and electricity services off and on,

if necessary.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, English• Specific: accurate and observant; physically

healthy and fit• Independent• Number

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• In-service training supervised by a seniormeter inspector

• The minimum of a Grade 8 Certificate and avalid driver’s licence. You need a Grade 10Certificate to be promoted to assistant chiefinspector and chief inspector.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Eskom; municipalities; private meter-read-

ing companies.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?` Your local municipality; Local Government,

Water and related Services Sector Education andTraining Authority (LGWSETA).

METERMETERMETERMETERMETER-READER-READER-READER-READER-READER

Meter-readers record monthly data from electricity and water meters to determine how much con-sumers use. As a meter-reader, you would perform some administrative tasks, but most of your daywould be spent outdoors walking, cycling, or driving along particular meter-reading routes.

MICROBIOLMICROBIOLMICROBIOLMICROBIOLMICROBIOLOGISTOGISTOGISTOGISTOGIST

Microbiologists study the anatomy, genetics, and physiology of micro-organisms such as bacteria,fungi, and viruses, and the ways in which these micro-organisms interact with their environment. Inthis kind of work, you use your knowledge to improve quality of life for humans and help to managethe environment. Research in microbiology is mainly concerned with the interactions between micro-

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WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?Depending on your particular interests, as amicrobiologists you would:• Diagnose and control the microbes that

infect humans, animals, plants, and food• Conduct controls on products and

processes• Deal with freshwater pollution• Study the appearance and activities of

harmful organisms in water or foods todetermine their fitness for human or animaluse

• Isolate organisms that cause disease and,after research, develop the means to preventor treat it

• Assist in the manufacture of chemicals andcertain industrial processes

• Assist in controlling unwanted microbialactivities that cause loss or damage (e.g.degradation of fuel, corrosion of iron tubing,breakdown of textiles)

• Develop environmental, medical, veterinary,industrial, and other practical applications (e.g.development of vaccines and antibiotics).

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science,biology

• Specific: be imaginative and curious; bepatient; have perseverance

• Independent• Group• Information

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip. — Biotechnology• B.Tech — Biotechnology• B.Sc. — Natural Sciences; Biological Sciences;

Biological and Life Sciences; Molecular andCellular Biology; Agriculture.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Agricultural research organizations; science

councils; government departments (e.g. Agricul-ture, Health, DWAF, DTI); waste treatment (e.g.local government and industry); higher educa-tion institutions; hospitals, clinics, and other

organisms and humans, animals, plants or the environment, medical and veterinary microbiology,food and industrial biology, and molecular biology. Microbiology is central to the science of molecularbiology, including DNA technology/genetic engineering, which is the basis of biotechnology.

As a microbiologist, you could consider specializing in careers such as:• Bacteriologist — a microbiologist specializing in the study of bacteria• Virologist — a microbiologist specializing in the study of viruses• Mycologist — specializes in fungi• Other — agricultural scientist*; aquatic scientist*; biologist*; botanist*; ecologist*; entomolo-

gist; horticulturist; medical technologist; microbiologist*; pharmacist; zoologist*.

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health care facilities; medical research councilsand institutes; industries concerned with foodand fermentation; pharmaceutical industries;pathology practices.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Agricultural Research Council (ARC); sci-

ence councils; universities; SA Institute for Ecolo-gists and Environmental Scientists; Education,Training and Development Practices SETA (ETDPSETA); utilities.

PLPLPLPLPLUMBERUMBERUMBERUMBERUMBER

A plumber installs, maintains, and repairs pipes, plumbing systems, and plumbing fixtures in houses,factories, plants, and construction sites. Plumbers are needed wherever fresh water must be suppliedand wastewater removed. As a plumber, you work indoors and outdoors, in all sorts of weather. Youhave to work overtime if there are emergencies.

You can specialize in installing irrigation systems (e.g. for parks and golf courses) or sprinklers(used in fire protection systems). With similar levels of training, you could also become a boilermaker*,pipe-fitter, blacksmith, fitter and turner*, or welder*.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Take measurements and make drawings to

show where fixtures, such as taps, must beplaced and pipes connected

• Measure, bend, cut, and thread pipes• Join pipes by bolting, gluing, blazing,

screwing, and soldering• Find and replace broken valves• Clear drains and pipes• Find and mark positions for connections• Cut holes through walls, floors, and ceilings

to accommodate pipes• Install equipment such as boilers, pumps,

heating and cooling systems, geysers, andsolar water heating systems

• Install fixtures such as wash-basins, baths,toilets, taps, and industrial processing units

• Maintain and repair plumbing systems• Hook up water and drainage pipes to mu-

nicipal sewer systems.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: trade theory, mathematics• Specific: physically fit and strong; good

spatial perception• Independent• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• Theoretical training — at a technical college• Competency-based modular training — at a

Building Industries Federation of SA (BIFSA)training college or other accredited trainingcentre

• Practical training — as an apprentice to anemployer

• Compulsory Department of Labour tradetest — to qualify as an artisan.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Government departments; municipalities;

public utilities; shipbuilders; plumbing contrac-tors; self-employment.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Building Industries Federation of SA

(BIFSA); Institute of Plumbing (SA); ConstructionEducation and Training Authority (CETA).

POLITICAL SCIENTISTPOLITICAL SCIENTISTPOLITICAL SCIENTISTPOLITICAL SCIENTISTPOLITICAL SCIENTIST

As a political scientist, you study the way people behave politically as individuals, groups, and as alarge mass and their relationship to society and the economy. You also study the origin, develop-ment, functioning, and interactions of political institutions and movements such as governments,political parties, and international laws. You develop theories, analyse studies, and write reports thathelp others make decisions, determine policy, and initiate change. Some related occupations arediplomat, attorney*, journalist, economist*, and social scientist*.

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WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Research (e.g. political philosophy, political

party systems, and international relations)• Develop and carry out public opinion sur-

veys• Present research and survey results for use

by government, NGOs, political parties, andinternational institutions

• Write articles for newspapers and magazinesto inform the public

• Present political information on televisionand radio.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: history, languages, foreign lan-guages

• Specific: interest in politics and currentaffairs; good general knowledge

• Communication

• Problem• Information

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• BA — Human Sciences; Social Sciences;Political, Philosophical and Economic Studies(PPE); Political Sciences; InternationalRelations

• B.Admin. — International Relations.Note: For research positions, you will need at least anhonours, but preferably a master’s degree.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Research units attached to universities;

HSRC; government departments; marketresearch companies.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? HSRC; Diplomacy, Intelligence, Defence,

and Trade Education and Training Authority(DIDTETA).

PROCESS CONTROLLERPROCESS CONTROLLERPROCESS CONTROLLERPROCESS CONTROLLERPROCESS CONTROLLER(HYDROELECTRIC POWER PL(HYDROELECTRIC POWER PL(HYDROELECTRIC POWER PL(HYDROELECTRIC POWER PL(HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT)ANT)ANT)ANT)ANT)

As a hydroelectric power plant process controller, you operate and control instruments and machin-ery used for generating electric power, and you would work mainly indoors. (In a hydroelectric powerplant, water falling from a higher to a lower level turns turbines that spin the generators that produceelectricity.) Coal-fired or nuclear power plants also need process controllers.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Control the flow of water by operating

control instruments• Start up or shut down turbines to change

power output• Make sure that the machinery, control

instruments, switchboards, and othersystems are working properly

• Compile records and reports on equipmentperformance, switching operations, andinstrument readings

• Clean, maintain, and repair equipment• Control and supervise power plant

operations• Respond to emergencies such as fire and

floods.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science• Specific: good eyesight; good hand-eye

coordination for working with precision tools• Independent• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

N3 certificate and practical experience.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Eskom.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? UNISA Water Care Division; Construction

Education and Training Authority (CETA); LocalGovernment, Water and related Services SectorEducation and Training Authority (LGWSETA).

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WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Collect, test, and analyse water samples for

their chemical and bacterial content• Regulate the treatment and distribution of

water by operating computerized controlsystems

• Read, interpret, and adjust meters andgauges

• Inspect, monitor, and make minor repairs toequipment such as pumps, motors, filters,and chlorinators

• Maintain logs and write reports

• Service and clean water storage facilities,plants, and pipes

• Control the addition of purifying chemicalsand the aeration of wastewater

• Supervise staff and train new operators.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science• Specific: physically fit; organized and sys-

tematic• Independent• Practical

PROCESS CONTROLLERPROCESS CONTROLLERPROCESS CONTROLLERPROCESS CONTROLLERPROCESS CONTROLLER(W(W(W(W(WAAAAATER AND WTER AND WTER AND WTER AND WTER AND WAAAAASTEWSTEWSTEWSTEWSTEWAAAAATER)TER)TER)TER)TER)

As a water and wastewater process controller, you control the supply and storage of water, and treatwater to purify it and remove waste so that it becomes safe to drink, use, and discharge into theenvironment. In general, water process controllers treat water coming from the environment (e.g.streams, rivers, boreholes), while wastewater process controllers remove harmful household andindustrial substances from liquid waste so that the water can be reused or discharged safely into theenvironment. In smaller plants, you may handle both water and wastewater treatment; in largerplants you may specialize in a particular process. Process controllers can also work in the chemical,power generation, and some food and beverage industries.

Process controllers are assisted by water services works technicians and water care technolo-gists.

You may work indoors, in noisy plants and in offices, though most of South Africa’s plants areoutdoors. Water plants operate 24 hours a day, so you may need to work shifts. During emergencies,such as after a heavy rainstorm, which may cause large amounts of liquid waste to flow into sewers,you may need to work overtime.

You may also be interested in the related careers of: process operator, process control technician,sewage plant operator, microfiltration specialist, separation technologist, biotechnologist, chemist,*laboratory technician*, mechanic, water treatment researcher, chemical engineer*, and civil engi-neer*.

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WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• In-service training and various short courses— offered by technikons and universities

• N.Dip. — Water Care• N.Cert. — Water Care• B.Tech. — Water Care• B.Sc.Note: For more details, see also the notes for civilengineer, chemical engineer, biochemist, chemist,laboratory worker, and mechanical engineer.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Sasol; municipalities; water boards; DWAF;

mining companies; Eskom; Iscor.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? National Community Water and Sanitation

Training Institute; Local Government, Water andrelated Services Sector Education and TrainingAuthority (LGWSETA); WISA Water Care Division.

PUBLIC RELPUBLIC RELPUBLIC RELPUBLIC RELPUBLIC RELAAAAATIONS PROFESSIONALTIONS PROFESSIONALTIONS PROFESSIONALTIONS PROFESSIONALTIONS PROFESSIONAL

In the field of public relations, you work at creating and maintaining a good image of your organiza-tion and showing the public what is attractive or appealing about it. You establish two-way commu-nication between an organization and its audiences or publics (e.g. clients, other businesses, gov-ernment, shareholders, special interest groups, employees, and communities). You could work longhours, especially if there is an emergency or a crisis, and you may need to travel extensively.

If you are interested in public relations, you may also be interested in a career in advertising,marketing*, journalism, and human resources* or personnel consulting.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Build and maintain a favourable image of

the organization• Communicate with employees via, for

example, internal newsletters• Get involved in the activities of the

community• Write press releases and articles for

newspapers, magazines, radio, or televisionso that the public can become aware of theorganization’s projects and achievements

• Use advertisements to tell the public whatthe organization’s attitude is towards certainissues such as the environment or health

• Organize special events such as displays,exhibitions, seminars, conferences, golftournaments

• Crisis communication about, for example,accidents or industrial strikes at theorganization

• Write and deliver speeches• Advise management on strategies and

policies• Keep management aware of public attitudes

and concerns• Help prepare annual reports and proposals

for various projects.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: languages• Specific: good business sense to plan and

implement campaigns; self-confident andfriendly; able to work under pressure

• Group• Communication• Problem

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• Certificate — Basic Principles of PublicRelations (through the Public RelationsInstitute of Southern Africa (PRISA) via privatecolleges)

• Diploma — Public Relations (through PRISAor the Institute of Administration andCommerce (DAC) via private colleges)

• N.Dip. — Journalism; Public Relations; PublicRelations Management

• B.Tech. — Journalism; Public Management& Administration; Public Relations; PublicRelations Management

• B.Com. — Business; Marketing; Marketingand Advertising Management; Marketingand Sales Management; MarketingCommunication; Salesmanship;

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Communication Management• BA — Human Sciences, Social Sciences;

Journalism and Communication;Communication and Media Studies; AppliedJournalism; Applied Public Relations;Communication Science

• B.Admin. — Public Management andAdministration

• B.Journalism• B.Soc.Sc. — Journalism and

Communication.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Government departments; municipalities;

mining houses; welfare and communityorganizations; business and industrialorganizations; colleges and universities; self-employment as a consultant.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Public Relations Institute of Southern

Africa (PRISA); Media, Advertising, Publishing,Printing and Packaging Sector Education andTraining Authority (MAPP).

RESEARCHERRESEARCHERRESEARCHERRESEARCHERRESEARCHER

Researchers add to the knowledge in their particular field. As a researcher, you look at what we knowin your specialist area, and you test theories to see how true they are. You collect information andorganize it in ways that make us look at it in a new way. You also are encouraged to develop newtechnologies where possible.

If you are a researcher involved in the natural sciences in ‘basic’ or ‘fundamental’ research,you study and try to uncover underlying principles and laws that govern the bio-physical world. Ifyou are a researcher involved in ‘applied’ research, you look for practical ways to apply basicresearch. Both kinds of research are necessary. The more we know and learn, the more applicationsare possible.

‘Innovation’ is an end product of both kinds of research. This term refers to the process of turn-ing an idea that has been generated through research, into a new or improved product, process, orapproach that addresses the real needs of society and involves scientific, technological, organiza-tional, or commercial activities. The innovation process has three stages:• Theoretical conception — developing new knowledge or a new idea• Technical invention — converting an idea into a practical application or object or process• Commercialization — making inventions into products that improve performance, have

economic value, create wealth, and improve quality of life.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?As a researcher, you could work in almost everyfield of study, performing different tasks in each(e.g. fieldwork, laboratory work, archival investi-gation, case studies, and surveys). You wouldalways need specialist knowledge in a particularresearch area.

In the field of water quality, for instance, weneed to understand basic principles, generatenew ideas, and keep updating our information.We need to solve water quality problems. Wealso need to create new and efficient ways tofind water, transport and use it, conserve it, andkeep it clean. Researchers in the many fields anddisciplines connected with the water cyclegather and analyse data from dams, rivers,oceans, aquifers, and the atmosphere. Thesespecialists have a key role to play in higher edu-

cation and government projects, as they keepimproving water supply and water quality man-agement practices. They also help private indus-try to design better processes for cleaning waterand reusing waste.

Research in chemistry, for example,includes analysis (what compounds are madeup of), synthesis (building compounds up fromtheir components), and mixture (bringingsubstances together without changing theirmolecular structure). You may work in labora-tories or in the field or in chemical processingplants, alone or as part of a team of profession-als and technicians. You may also work in officesand educational institutions. Depending on thetype of research you conduct, you may have tohandle dangerous or hazardous materials.

Research biochemists work in laboratoriesin universities and technikons, biotechnology

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companies, science councils, and agricultural,medical, veterinary, and industrial institutes. Inthis field, you try to understand better thanbefore the metabolism, growth, and repro-duction of fungi, bacteria, plants, and animals,as well as the organization of viruses. You oftenuse techniques of genetic engineering andmolecular biology.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: subjects related to your specialresearch interest

• Specific: The ability to maintain focus onthe research topic, to question existingviewpoints, and to design studies that willprovide objective answers to these ques-

tions; open to new ideas, especially whenwork is not going as expected.

• Independent• Group• Information• Communication• Number (depending on research field)• Problem

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• Ph.D.— in research field.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Higher education institutions; science

councils; government departments; researchand development divisions and laboratorieswithin large companies.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Higher education institutions

(departments associated with your researchinterests); science councils; National AdvisoryCouncil on Innovation (NACI); Education,Training and Development Practices SETA (ETDPSETA); Chemical Industries Education andTraining Authority (CHIETA); Health and WelfareSETA (HWSETA); subject-related societies,institutes, and associations (e.g. GeologicalSociety of South Africa; SA Institute for Ecologistsand Environmental Scientists; South AfricanCouncil for Natural Scientific Professions).

SOCIAL SCIENTISTSOCIAL SCIENTISTSOCIAL SCIENTISTSOCIAL SCIENTISTSOCIAL SCIENTIST

Social scientists are concerned with the origin and development of human society, and the institu-tions, relationships, and ideas in life in society. If you are interested in a career in the social sciences,you could consider the following:

• Sociologist — examines the ways in which social groups (e.g. families, tribes, and communities)and institutions (e.g. religious, political, and business institutions) interact and influence eachother and the behaviour of individuals. Sociologists are also concerned with socio-economicdevelopments. Researchers in this field help lawmakers, educators, administrators, and others tosolve social problems and formulate public policy. In this career, you can specialize, for instance, inracial and ethnic relations, social psychology, sex roles and relations, or criminology

• Industrial sociologist — applies the principles of sociology to the organization of workers and tothe relationship between workers and employers, and is concerned with labour relations in com-plex industrial societies

• Anthropologist — studies the origin, development, and functioning of human societies andcultures, now and in the past, by looking, fir example, at religion, family and kinship systems,languages, art, music, and economic and political systems. As an anthropologist, you mayspecialize as an applied anthropologist (who could work in social policy and planning,community development, and land claims); a physical anthropologist (concerned with the

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WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Collect information and analyse and

interpret data, using computers• Conduct surveys and in-depth interviews• Live in the community being studied• Write reports and advise government

departments and community organizations.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: languages• Specific: mathematical and statistical ability;

interest in social issues; open minded• Independent• Group• Information• Communication

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• BA — Social Sciences; Human Sciences;Geography and Environmental Studies;Environmental Health

• B.Soc.Sc. — Social Sciences; CommunityDevelopment

• M.Soc.Sc., Ph.D. (to qualify for a researchposition).

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Research units attached to universities;

HSRC; market research companies; communityorganizations; municipalities.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? HSRC; Health and Welfare Sector Educa-

tion and Training (HWSETA).

SOCIAL WORKERSOCIAL WORKERSOCIAL WORKERSOCIAL WORKERSOCIAL WORKER

Social work is concerned with the well-being of people and helping them to cope with problemscaused by poor social conditions, unemployment, and poverty. As a social worker, you would identifythe problems and needs in a community such as, for instance, housing, day-care for pre-schoolchildren, rehabilitation centres, facilities for people with disabilities, and recreation facilities.

You may focus, for example, on medical social work, child and family welfare, care of the elderly,working with people who have mental or physical disabilities, drug and alcohol abuse, offenders, orschool social work. You could work with individuals (case work), organize group activities or facilitiesfor people with similar problems, or work with whole communities.

Some related occupations are: sociologist*, psychologist, anthropologist, nurse, communityworker*, and criminologist.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Research and administration• Interview clients at home or at the office• Write reports about clients for welfare

organizations, schools, and courts of law• Train auxiliary social workers.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: English, history, mathematics• Specific: physical and mental health; can

adjust to changing circumstances;management and research skills; tolerance

• Communication• Group

evolution and variations of the human species and people’s interactions with their environment);a linguistic anthropologist (who studies languages and how they influence, and are influencedby, social life); and a social/cultural anthropologist (who compares different cultures).

As a social scientist you would probably work regular hours in an office, and often as part of amultidisciplinary research team. Travel may be necessary to collect information and to study commu-nities.

If you are interested in the social sciences, you may also be interested in becoming an econo-mist*, political scientist*, psychologist, criminologist, archaeologist, town and regional planner*,human resources or personnel manager*, historian, social worker*, and museum curator.

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WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip. — Social Work• BA — Social Work• Postgraduate specializations — Social Work

in the Workplace; Medical Social Work;Psychiatrical Social Work; Supervision; SocialPlanning and Administration.

Note: Social workers also have to undergo intensivepractical training, usually with various welfareorganizations. To take up a position as a socialworker, you need to register with the South AfricanCouncil for Social Service Professions.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Government departments; SA National

Council for Child and Family Welfare; SA FederalCouncil for Disability; SA National Council regard-ing Alcoholism and Drug Dependence; SA Familyand Marriage Society (FAMSA); provincial hospi-tals; personnel departments of large commercialand industrial organizations; self-employment.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? South African Council for Social Service

Professions (SACSSP); Health and Welfare SectorEducation and Training Authority (HWSETA);Local Government, Water and related ServicesSector Education and Training Authority(LGWSETA).

SOIL SCIENTISTSOIL SCIENTISTSOIL SCIENTISTSOIL SCIENTISTSOIL SCIENTIST

A soil scientist studies soil systems so as to manage them. Soils are important in agriculture becausethey provide the food for plants to grow. Soils also help to lessen the effect of natural phenomena,such as rain, and human activities such as pollution from industry. Knowing about soils and howthey function helps you to understand and manage broader environmental systems. As a soilscientist, you can specialize in different areas, such as the hydrology, chemistry, physics, biology,mineralogy, fertility, or decay of soils. You can expect to spend much of your working day outdoorsand the rest of the time in a laboratory and an office.

Careers related to that of soil scientist include: water quality officer, agricultural scientist*,geotechnical engineer, environmental protection officer*, agricultural economist*, agricultural engi-neer*, and conservation officer.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Analyse soil for its chemical and mineral

composition• Classify soil according to types• Experiment on soils to find out the best type

of soil for different plants• Investigate the effect of farming activities

(e.g. tilling, fertilizing, and crop rotation) ondifferent soil types

• Determine the effects of pollution andenvironmental factors on soils

• Work closely with other agricultural expertsand farmers to improve soil management.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science,geography

• Specific: ability to apply scientific knowledgeto solve problems

• Communication• Independent

• Group• Information

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• B.Sc — Natural Sciences, Biological Sciences,Agriculture

• B.Sc.(Hons.) — Soil Science.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? CSIR; Agricultural Research Council; DWAF;

universities and technikons; fertilizer manufact-urers; government departments; self-employ-ment as a soil surveyor or analyst; constructionindustries; commercial banks; landscapearchitects.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Agricultural Research Council; Institute for

Soil, Climate and Water; Soil Science Society of SA;Fertiliser Society of SA; Primary AgricultureEducation and Training Authority (PAETA);Chemical Industries Education and TrainingAuthority (CHIETA).

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SURVEYORSURVEYORSURVEYORSURVEYORSURVEYOR

Surveying (also called geomatics) is the science of measuring and mapping the layout of the face ofthe Earth, including natural and man-made features and the sea. As a surveyor, you provide informa-tion that is used for physical planning and land development. You may spend a lot of time workingoutdoors, but you also work in offices analysing data and drawing up plans and reports.

After spending some years in the field, you may want to specialize as one of the following:• Hydrographic surveyor — gathers information about rivers, harbours, waterways, and oceans.

This information, such as the location of currents, shore lines, and lighthouses, is used by naviga-tors and engineers

• Land surveyor — (also called a cadastral surveyor) marks the boundaries of properties andshows these on maps and plans

• Engineering surveyor — surveys routes for pipelines, sewers, tunnels, roads, and railways. Youalso carry out surveys on sites for engineering projects (e.g. dams) and construction (e.g. multi-storey buildings), mapping the site, pegging it out, and making sure that construction takesplace within the right boundaries

• Topographic surveyor — measures and takes aerial photographs of the physical features of theEarth such as rivers, hills, and valleys in order to compile maps. In this field you also annotateaerial photographs to show topographical features

• Geodetic surveyor — accurately locates positions on the Earth’s surface using signals fromsatellites (e.g. the global positioning system or ‘GPS’), the positions of stars, and electronicdistance and levelling measurements. This information is used for global mapping and tomonitor movements of the Earth’s crust

• Mine surveyor — establishes the boundaries of mines and measures underground and open-cast mine workings. These measurements allow connections to be made between undergroundpassages and enable new mines to avoid older ones that might have flooded

• Remote sensing surveyor — monitors changes in the surface features of the Earth by usingdigital data from high-resolution satellites and other imagery systems in the sky.

You may also be interested inoccupations that include civilengineer*, quantity surveyor,town and regional planner*, andcartographer*.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• In the world of water, dam

surveying and irrigationdevelopment

• Determine positions andheights throughtriangulation (measuringangles), traversing (pacingdistances between twopoints), levelling (measuringheights), and aerialphotographs

• Establish place names• Interpret codes of practice

and regulations• Use computers to process

information, draw maps and

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plans, and make calculations• Make models using spatial data.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics (especially trigonom-etry), physical science, geography

• Specific: good observation skills; enjoyworking outdoors; normal colour vision

• Information• Number• Independent• Group

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip. — Surveying and Cartography

• B.Tech. — Surveying; Surveying andCartography.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Government departments such as Public

Works, Land Affairs, Transport, and DWAF; civilengineering firms; CSIR; Eskom; buildingcontractors; private land surveying companies;Chief Directorate: Surveys and Mapping.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Chief Directorate: Surveys and Mapping;

DWAF; Council for Surveyors; SA Council forProfessional and Technical Land Surveyors;Construction Education and Training Authority(CETA).

TOWN AND REGIONAL PLTOWN AND REGIONAL PLTOWN AND REGIONAL PLTOWN AND REGIONAL PLTOWN AND REGIONAL PLANNERANNERANNERANNERANNER

Town and regional planners develop plans and policies for the use of resources and land and forimproving people’s living conditions. As a town and regional planner you are involved in large-scaleprojects such as new suburbs; town, commercial, and retail developments; transport links; urbanrenewal projects; and industrial areas. You would be assisted by town and regional planning techni-cians. In any of these careers you spend time outdoors on field visits and indoors in meetings, writ-ing reports, and doing research.

You can specialize as a: community town and regional planner; environmental planner (whoinvestigates how human activities affect the natural environment); development planner (who plansfor disadvantaged communities); urban planner; strategic planner; commercial and industrial planner;and residential planner. Other related occupations include architect, cartographer, surveyor*, civilengineer*, landscape architect, quantity surveyor, and property developer.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Estimate the future needs for housing,

business and industrial sites, public facilities,open spaces, schools, cemeteries, traffic,and transportation

• Keep up with community development legalmatters and changes to housing andbuilding codes

• Survey and inspect sites• Compile and analyse information about the

physical, economic, legal, social, cultural, andenvironmental factors that affect land use

• Advise state or local governmentdepartments on planning issues

• Prepare rural and urban subdivision plans• Prepare and coordinate economic, social,

and environmental impact studies

• Consult with community groups and devel-opers

• Present information in the form of maps,graphs, diagrams, sketches, and scalemodels.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: mathematics, physical science,geography, economics, business economics,biology

• Specific: concern with improving societyand the living standards of communities;wide general knowledge

• Independent• Information• Communication• Problem

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WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip. — Town and Regional Planning• B.Tech. — Town and Regional Planning;

Urban and Regional Planning• B.Art et Sc. (BAS) — Planning; Town and

Regional Planning• B.Com. — Public Development and

Management

• B.Sc. — Town and Regional Planning.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Municipalities; provincial planning

departments; property developers.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? SA Planning Institute; Construction

Education and Training Authority (CETA).

WELDERWELDERWELDERWELDERWELDER

As a welder, you join two or more pieces of metal by applying heat, pressure, or a combination ofboth. The most common types of welding in construction, manufacturing, and repairs are electricarc, resistance, and gas welding. Brazing, soldering, electron beams, and laser beams are othermethods of joining metals. The joined pieces of metal are used in structures and equipment such aspipelines, turbines, nuclear reactors, pressure vessels, bridges, ships, vehicles, and domesticappliances. In a welding job you normally work in hot, smoky, often dirty places such as constructionsites, factories, and shipyards.

With similar levels of qualifications, you could also become a boilermaker*; tool, jig, and die maker;blacksmith; plumber*; sheet metal worker; fitter and turner*; panelbeater.

WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Construct and maintain metal equipment

and structures• Decide on the method of welding, the

welding rod materials, and the treatmentsand tests to use after welding

• Identify welding electrodes and filler wirecompositions

• Know how to store and dry electrodes andfluxes

• Recognize welding defects and fix them.

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: trade theory, welding, metalwork-ing, mathematics, physical science

• Specific: produce work of high quality;physically fit and strong

• Independent• Practical

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• Theoretical training — at a technical collegeor through a correspondence course

• Practical training — apprenticeship with anemployer offering in-service training under aqualified tradesman or artisan

• Compulsory trade test — set by theDepartment of Labour, to qualify as anartisan.

Note: If you want to become a welder, you shouldbe at least 16 years old and have a Grade 9 certificate.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Eskom; gate and fence industry; motor

manufacturing industry; railways; heavy andlight engineering industries.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Steel and Engineering Industries Fede-

ration (SEIFSA); SA Institute of Welding; Con-struction Education and Training Authority(CETA); Manufacturing, Engineering and RelatedService Education and Training Authority(MERSETA).

ZOOLZOOLZOOLZOOLZOOLOGISTOGISTOGISTOGISTOGIST

Zoologists are biologists who study animals. In this career, you study the structures, characteristics,functions, ecology, and environments of animals; the evolution of animal forms; and animalanatomy, physiology, embryology, behaviour, diseases, and geographical distribution. You may work

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WWWWWhat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in thishat will I do in this career? career? career? career? career?• Study the relationships between animals

and their environment (in their natural sur-roundings, in captivity, and in laboratories),animal development, the way in which ani-mals function, and the effect on them ofhuman interference

• Identify species and collect data on growth,nutrition, reproduction, prey and predators

• Design methods of animal population con-trol (e.g. of vermin and pests) and manage-ment (in the wild and in captivity)

• Conduct surveys of fauna• Prepare laboratory reports, scientific papers,

and reports for management agencies andother policy- and decision-makers

• Supervise the work of technical officers andtechnicians

• Give lectures (e.g. to students, to thepublic).

WWWWWhat skills, interests, and aptitudesdo I need?

• Subjects: biology, physical science, math-ematics

• Specific: a keen interest in research and thestudy of living organisms; good observationskills

• Independent• Group• Information• Communication

WWWWWhat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationshat training and qualificationswill I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?will I find useful?

• N.Dip. — Nature Conservation• B.Tech. — Nature Conservation• B.Sc. — Natural Sciences; Biological Sciences;

Biological and Life Sciences.

WWWWWho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me?ho will employ me? Zoos, aquariums, national research

institutes (e.g. example the Tick ResearchInstitute, the Oceanographic Research Institute,Onderstepoort Veterinary Institution, and theNational Collection for Insects); Department ofAgriculture and DWAF; museums; zoos; sciencecouncils, SANP and provincial nature conser-vation departments; private organizations suchas game farms; fertilizer and insecticidemanufacturers.

WWWWWhere can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more?here can I find out more? Zoological Society of Southern Africa;

Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists;South African Institute of Ecologists, LocalGovernment, Water, and related Services SectorEducation and Training Authority (LGWSETA).

as a researcher* at a university or research institute, as a laboratory* or fieldworker, in a museum, ineducation, or in wildlife management, conservation, agriculture, and medicine.

You would normally specialize in one area: e.g. cytology (cells); entomology (insects); parasitology(parasites); ethology (the behaviour of animals in their normal environments); ichthyology (fish);mammalogy (mammals); ornithology (birds); herpetology (reptiles). An ichthyologist, for instance,might examine fish to study the effects of pollution in dams and rivers; a cytologist might work for apharmaceutical company developing ways to fight water-borne diseases. A zoologist has an impor-tant part to play in the world of water because the distribution of aquatic animals are an indication ofthe state of the environment.

You may conduct your research in laboratories, in libraries, and particularly in the habitat of theanimal that you are studying. Your working hours can be irregular, and fieldwork can mean observinganimals at all times of day for long stretches of time, keeping meticulous records, and living outdoorsfor extended periods. As a zoologist, you can also take up administrative positions in zoos or in mu-seums.

85

Universities (2004)Universities (2004)Universities (2004)Universities (2004)Universities (2004)

Medical University of South Africa (MEDUNSA)(merging with the University of the North in2005 and renamed the University of Limpopo)PO Medunsa 0204Tel (012) 521-4111 Fax (012) 560-0086www.medunsa.ac.za

North-West University(formerly Potchefstroom University for ChristianHigher Education, University of North-West, andVista University [Sebokeng Campus])Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520Tel (018) 299-1111 Fax (018) 299-2799enquiries@puknet.puk.ac.za

Rand Afrikaans University(incorporates University of Vista [East Rand andSoweto Campuses] and in 2005 renamed theUniversity of Johannesburg)PO Box 524, Auckland Park 2006Tel (011) 489-2911 Fax (011) 489-2191www.rau.ac.zamyfuture@rau.ac.za

Rhodes UniversityPO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140Tel (046) 603-8111 Fax (046) 622-5049Johannesburg Office: Tel (011) 788-5543/4registrar@ru.ac.zawww.ru.ac.za

University of Cape TownPrivate Bag, Rondebosch 7701Tel (021) 650-9111 Fax (021) 650-2138www.uct.ac.za

University of Fort Hare(incorporates Rhodes University [East LondonCampus])Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700Tel (040) 602-2011 Fax (040) 653-1643www.ufh.ac.za

University of the Free State(incorporates University of the North [Qwa-QwaCampus] and Vista University [BloemfonteinCampus])PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300Tel (051) 401-9111 Fax (051) 401-3579www.uovs.ac.za

University of KwaZulu-Natal(formerly University of Natal and University ofDurban-Westville)Private Bag X10, Dalbridge 4041Tel (031) 260-1111 Fax (031) 260-2214www.nu.ac.za

University of the North(merging with MEDUNSA in 2005 and renamedthe University of Limpopo)Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727Tel (015) 268-9111 Fax (015) 267-0152www.unorth.ac.za

University of Port Elizabeth(incorporating Vista University [Port ElizabethCampus] and renamed in 2005, when joinedwith the Port Elizabeth Technikon, as theNelson Mandela Metropolitan University)PO Box 1600, Port Elizabeth 6000Tel (041) 504-2111 Fax (041) 504-2574www.upe.ac.zainfo@upe.ac.za

University of Pretoria(incorporates University of Vista [Mamelodi Cam-pus])Pretoria 0002Tel (012) 420-4111 Fax (012) 362-5168www.up.ac.zaprospect@up.ac.za

University of South Africa (UNISA)(incorporates Technikon SA and Vista UniversityDistance Education Centre (VUDEC))PO Box 392, Pretoria 0003Tel (012) 429-3111 Fax (012) 429-3221www.unisa.ac.zastudy-info@unisa.ac.za

SECTION III

USEFUL CONTUSEFUL CONTUSEFUL CONTUSEFUL CONTUSEFUL CONTACTSACTSACTSACTSACTS

Note: Details correct at time of going to pressNote: Details correct at time of going to pressNote: Details correct at time of going to pressNote: Details correct at time of going to pressNote: Details correct at time of going to press

86

University of StellenboschPrivate Bag X1, Matieland 7602Tel (021) 808-9111 Fax (021) 808-3664www.sun.ac.za

University of Transkei(merging in 2005 with Border and Eastern CapeTechnikons and renamed the Walter SisuluUniversity for Technology and Science)Private Bag X1, Umtata 5117Tel (047) 502-2111 Fax (047) 532-6820www.utr.ac.za

University of VendaPrivate Bag X2220, Thohoyandou 0950Tel (015) 962-8000 Fax (015) 962-4749www.univen.ac.zaprd@univen.ac.za

University of the Western Cape(incorporates University of Stellenbosch DentalSchool)Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535Tel (021) 959-2911www.uwc.ac.za

University of the WitwatersrandPO Wits 2050Tel (011) 717-1000 Fax (011) 717-1229www.wits.ac.za

University of ZululandPrivate Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886Tel (035) 902-6000 Fax (035) 902-6431Umlazi Campus (merging in 2005 with DurbanInstitute of Technology): Private Bag X10,Isipingo 4110Ulundi Campus: Private Bag X19, Ulundi 3838Tel (035) 902-6616/17/19www.uzulu.ac.za

TTTTTechnikons andechnikons andechnikons andechnikons andechnikons andUniversities of TUniversities of TUniversities of TUniversities of TUniversities of Technologyechnologyechnologyechnologyechnology

Border TechnikonPO Box 1421, East London 5200Tel (043) 708-5200 Fax (043) 708-5331www.bortech.ac.za

Cape Technikon(merging in 2005 with Peninsula Technikon andrenamed the Cape Peninsula University ofTechnology)

PO Box 652, Cape Town 8000Tel (021) 460-3911 Fax (021) 460-3695Main Campus: Tel (027) 460-3911Granger Bay: Tel (021) 440-5700Mowbray Campus: Tel (021) 680-1500Wellington Campus: Tel (021) 864-5200www.ctech.ac.za

Durban Institute of Technology (DIT)PO Box 1334, Durban 4000Tel (031) 308-5111 or (031) 204-2111Fax (031) 308-5194ML Sultan Campus: Tel (031) 308-5111Steve Biko Campus: Tel (031) 204-2111Brickfield Campus: Tel (031) 203-1715City Campus: Tel (031) 204-2111Riverside Campus: Tel (033) 845-8800Indumiso Campus: Tel (033) 398-1741Gamalakhe Campus: Tel (039) 318-1419www.dit.ac.za

Eastern Cape TechnikonPrivate Bag X3182, Butterworth 4960Tel (047) 401-2000 Fax (047) 492-0735www.tktech.ac.za

Mangosuthu Technikon(merging in 2005 with Durban Institute of Tech-nology and University of Zululand [Umlazi Cam-pus])PO Box 12363, Jacobs 4026Tel (031) 907-7111 Fax (031) 907-2892www.mantec.ac.za

Peninsula Technikon(merging in 2005 with Cape Technikon andrenamed the Cape Peninsula University ofTechnology)PO Box 1906, Belville 7535Tel (021) 959-6911 Fax (021) 951-5617www.pentech.ac.za

Port Elizabeth TechnikonPrivate Bag X6011, Port Elizabeth 6000 (mergingin 2005 with the University of Port Elizabeth andrenamed the Nelson Mandela MetropolitanUniversity)Tel (041) 504-3911 Fax (041) 504-3430info@petech.ac.za

Technikon Free State(incorporates Vista University [Welkom Campus]with name change to Central University ofTechnology)

87

Private Bag X20539, Bloemfontein 9300Tel (051) 507-3911 Fax (051) 507-3199www.tofs.ac.za

Tshwane University of Technology(merges Technikons Pretoria, Northern Gauteng,and North-West)Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001Tel (012) 318-5911 Fax (012) 318-5114Nelspruit Campus: Private Bag X11312, Nelspruit1200Polokwane Campus: Private Bag X9496,Polokwane 0700Witbank Campus: PO Box X 3211, Witbank 1035www.tut.ac.za

Technikon WitwatersrandPO Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028Tel (011) 406-2911 Fax (011) 402-0475Doornfontein Campus: 37 Nind Street cnr BeitStreet, DoornfonteinAuckland Park Campus: Bunting Road, CottesloeEloff Street Campus: 111 Eloff Streetwww.twr.ac.za

Vaal University of Technology(incorporates University of Vista [Sebokeng Cam-pus (facilities only)])Private Bag X021, Vanderbijl Park 1900Tel (016) 950-9000 Fax (016) 950-9999www.vut.ac.za

Education and TEducation and TEducation and TEducation and TEducation and TrainingrainingrainingrainingrainingAuthoritiesAuthoritiesAuthoritiesAuthoritiesAuthorities

Chemical Industries Education and TrainingAuthority (CHIETA)PO Box 961, Auckland Park 2006Tel (011) 726-4026 Fax (011) 726-7777info@chieta.org.za

Construction Education and Training Authority(CETA)PO Box 2908, Halfway House 1685Tel (011) 805-3091 Fax (011) 805-3093www.ceta.org.za[includes: construction of civil engineering struc-tures; construction and maintenance of watersupply, sewage, and storm water infrastructure;plant operation; plumbing; construction, main-tenance and repair of bridges, tunnels, drains;consulting engineering activities; town andregional planning]

Financial and Accounting Services (FASSET)PO Box 6801, Cresta 2118Tel (011) 476-8570 Fax (011) 476-5756www.fasset.org.za

Information Systems, Electronics and Telecom-munications Technologies (ISETT)PO Box 5585 Halfway House 1685Tel (011) 805-5115 Fax(011) 805-6833www.isett.org.za

Local Government, Water, and related ServicesSector Education and Training Authority(LGWSETA): PO Box 1964, Bedfordview 2007Tel (011) 456-8579 Fax (011) 450-4948www.lgwseta.co.za[includes: steam and hot water supply; collec-tion, purification, and distribution of water;municipal public works functions; municipalplanning; land use planning; water and sanita-tion services (potable water supply, domesticwaste water and sewage systems)]

Manufacturing, Engineering and related ServiceEducation and Training Authority (MERSETA)c/o SEIFSA and NUMSA, 6th Floor Metal Indus-tries House, Anderson Street, Johannesburg;PO Box 61826 Marshalltown 2107Tel (011) 832-2604 Fax (011) 832-2698www.merseta.org.zainfo@merseta.org.za[includes: steel pipe and tube mills; manufactureof tanks and reservoirs; manufacture of steamgenerators; manufacture of pumps, compres-sors, taps, and valves]

Primary Agriculture Education and Training Au-thority (PAETA): PO Box 26024, Pretoria 0007Tel (012) 325-1655 Fax (012) 325-1677www.paeta.co.zainfo@paeta.co.za[includes: operation of fish hatcheries and fishfarms; agricultural and livestock research]

Associations/Institutes/Associations/Institutes/Associations/Institutes/Associations/Institutes/Associations/Institutes/Societies/FederationsSocieties/FederationsSocieties/FederationsSocieties/FederationsSocieties/Federations

Actuarial Society of SAPO Box 4464, Cape Town 8000Tel (021) 509-5242 Fax (021) 509-0160www.assa.org.zaxy17230@oldmutual.com

88

Agricultural Research Council (ARC)PO Box 8783, Pretoria 0001Tel (012) 427-9700 Fax (012) 430-5814www.arc.agric.za

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants:25 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, JohannesburgTel (011) 537-1760

Building Industries Federation of SA (BIFSA)PO Box 1619, Halfway House 1685Tel (011) 205-9000 Fax (011) 315-1644bifsa@bifsa.org.za

Business Council for Sustainable Development:South Africa: PO Box 1184, Saxonwold 2132Tel (011) 880-0077 Fax (011) 447-0808bcsd@ief.co.za

Cape Law SocietyPO Box 4528, Cape Town 8000Tel (021) 424-8060 Fax (021) 422-1355www.capelawsoc.law.za

Chemical and Allied Industries AssociationPO Box 91415, Auckland Park 2006Tel (011) 482-1671 Fax (011) 726-8310caia@iafrica.com

Chief Directorate: Surveys and MappingPrivate Bag X10, MowbrayTel (021) 685-4070 Fax (021) 689-9725http://w3sli.wcape.gov.za

Computer Users Council of South AfricaPO Box 1688, Halfway House 1685Tel (011) 805-3151www.mbendi.co.za/orgs/ccdp.htm

Council for GeosciencePrivate Bag X112, Pretoria 0001Tel (012) 841-1911 Fax (012) 841-1221www.geoscience.org.za

Council for SurveyorsHeritage Park, Lower Germiston Road, HeriotdaleTel (011) 626-2007 Fax (011) 626-2007

Delta Environmental CentrePrivate Bag X6, Parkview 2122Tel (011) 888-4831 Fax (011) 888-4106delta.enviro@pixie.co.za

Electrical Contractors Association (SA)PO Box 9694, Edenglen 1613Tel (011) 392-0000 Fax (011) 974-9402

Electrical Engineering & Allied IndustriesAssociationTel (011) 833-6033

Engineering Council of SA (ECSA)PO Box 691, Bruma 2026Tel (011) 607-9500 Fax (011) 622-9295www.ecsa.co.zaengineer@ecsa.co.za

General Council of the Bar of SAPO Box 2260, Johannesburg 2000Tel (011) 336-3976 Fax (011) 336-8970

Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA)PO Box 61809, Marshalltown 2107Tel (011) 492-3370 Fax (011) 492-3371www.gssa.org.za

Information Technology AssociationPO Box 3277, Randburg 2125Tel (011) 789-3805 Fax (011) 789-3327

Institute for Agricultural Engineering (ARC-IAE)Private Bag X519, Silverton 0127Tel (012) 842-4000 Fax (012) 804-0753www.arc.agric.za/Fintro.htmelmarie@ing1.agric.za

Institute for Soil, Climate and Water (ARC-ISCW)Private Bag X79, Pretoria 0001Tel (012) 310-2500 Fax (012) 323-1157

Institution of Certificated Mechanical and Electri-cal Engineers SA18 Gill Street, Obervatory 2198Tel (011) 487-1683

Institute of Commercial and Financial Account-ants of Southern AfricaPO Box 1791, Houghton 2198Tel (011) 486-0283 Fax (011) 486-0632

Institute of People Management (SA)PO Box 5911, Rivonia 2128Tel (011) 803-3887 Fax (011) 803-5316

Institute of Plumbing (SA)PO Box 1352, Roosevelt Park 2129Tel (011) 477-4563 Fax (011) 447-4520iopsa@iafrica.comwww.iopsa.org.za

Institute of Professional Engineering TechnologistsPO Box 1824, Randburg 2125Tel (011) 787-9706

89

Institution of Municipal Engineering ofSouthern AfricaPO Box 10011, Meerensee 3901Tel (035) 753-1639 Fax (035) 753-1639www.imesa.org.zaimesa@imesaq.org.za

Institute of Waste Managementwww.jxj.com/suppands/iswa/companies/55511.html

International Water Management Institute(IWMI) Regional Office AfricaPrivate Bag X 813, Silverton 0127Tel 012 845-9100 Fax 012 845-9110www.iwmi.org

Law Society of TransvaalPO Box 1493, Pretoria 0001Tel (012) 323-0400 Fax (012) 323-2606www.northernlaw.co.za

Natal Law SocietyPO Box 1454, Pietermaritzburg 3200Tel (033) 345-1304 Fax (033) 394-9544www.lawsoc.co.za

Public Accountants’ and Auditors’ BoardPO Box 751595, Gardenview 2047Tel (011) 622-8533 Fax (011) 622-1536

South African Association for Botanists, NationalBotanical InstitutePrivate Bag X101, Pretoria 0001

SA Association of Consulting EngineersPO Box 68482, Bryanston 2021Tel (011) 463-2022general@saace.co.zawww.saace.co.za

SA Association of GeotechnologyPO Box 56959, Arcadia 0007Tel (012) 841-1178 Fax (012) 841-1424www.saag.co.zainfo@saag.co.za

SA Council for Natural Scientific Professionswww.sarnap.org.za/general

SA Council for Professional & Technical LandSurveyors:Tel (011) 626-1080

SA Federation of Civil Engineering ContractorsPO Box 644, Bedfordview 2008Tel (011) 455-1700 Fax (011) 455-1153

SA Institute for Business AccountantsPO Box 362, Rand-en-Dal 1751Tel (011) 660-3837 Fax (011) 660-3837

SA Institute for Civil EngineersPostnet Suite 81, Private Bag X65, HalfwayHouse 1685Tel (011) 805-5947 Fax (011) 805-5971www.civils.org.zacivilinfo@saice.org.za

SA Institute for Ecologists and EnvironmentalScientistsPO Box 37618, Valyland, Cape Town 7978www.saie-es.org.za

SA Institute of Agricultural EngineersPrivate Bag X519, Silverton 0127Tel (012) 842-4000 Fax (012) 804-0753www.arc.agric.za

SA Institute of Chartered AccountantsTel (011) 621-6600 Fax (011) 622-3321www.saica.co.zasaica@saica.co.za

SA Institute of Electrical EngineersPO Box 93541, Yeoville 2143Tel (011) 487-3003 Fax (011) 487-3002wippichb@saiee.org.za

SA Institute of Electrical Technician EngineersPrivate Bag X2, Highlands North 2037Tel (011) 887-1433

SA Institute of Management (SAIM)PO Box 31828, Braamfontein 2017Tel (011) 339-2364 Fax (011) 403-1441www.mbendi.co.za/orgs/cddd.htm

SA Institute of Measurement and ControlPO Box 93124, Yeoville 2143Tel (011) 487-3003 Fax (011) 487-3002wippichb@saiee.org.za

SA Institute of WeldingPO Box 527, Crown Mines 2025Tel (011) 836-4121 Fax (011) 836-4132

SA Institution of Civil EngineeringPrivate Bag X65, Halfway House 1685

90

Tel (011) 805-5947 Fax (011) 805-5971civilinfo@saice.co.zawww.civils.org.za

SA Institution of Mechanical Engineers18a Gill Street, Observatory 2198Tel (011) 648-1322saimeche@iafrica.com

SA Mathematical SocietyUniversity of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1,Matieland 7602Tel (021) 808-3282 Fax (021) 808-3828www.sun.ac.za/maths

South African National Committee for the Inter-national Association of Hydrological Sciences(SANCIAHS)Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University,PO Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140Tel (046) 622-4014 Fax (046) 622-9427denis@iwr.ru.ac.za

SA National Council of TunnellingEngineering Society, PO Box 93480, Yeoville 2143Tel (011) 487-1556

SA Planning InstitutePO Box 12381, Benoryn 1504Tel (011) 425-4502 Fax (011) 425-4502www.saplanners.org.zasapi@worldonline.co.za

SA Society of Aquatic Scientistswww.dwaf.gov.za/iwqs/sasaqs

SA Tourism Board (Satour)Private Bag X164, Pretoria 0001Tel (012) 347 0600

Society for Professional Engineers (SPE)PO Box 78433, Sandton 2146Tel (011) 783-0765 Fax (011) 783-9437

Society of AdvocatesInnes Chambers, Pritchard Street, JohannesburgTel (011) 333-8007

Society of South African GeographersPO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300Tel (051) 401-2184 Fax (051) 401-3816brits.sci@mail.uovs.ac.za

Steel and Engineering Industries Federation(SEIFSA)

PO Box 1338, Johannesburg 2000Tel (011) 833-6033

Weather BureauPrivate Bag X097, Pretoria 0001Tel (012) 367-6000 Fax (012) 367-6230www.weathersa.co.za

Wildlife and Environmental Society of SAPO Box 394, Howick 3290Tel (033) 330-3931 Fax (033) 330-4576www.wessa.org.za

Zoological Society of Southern AfricaDepartment of Zoology, University of theWitwatersrand, PO Wits 2050

WWWWWater Councils/Utilities/ater Councils/Utilities/ater Councils/Utilities/ater Councils/Utilities/ater Councils/Utilities/DeparDeparDeparDeparDepartments/Institutes/tments/Institutes/tments/Institutes/tments/Institutes/tments/Institutes/Bureaux/Research units/OtherBureaux/Research units/OtherBureaux/Research units/OtherBureaux/Research units/OtherBureaux/Research units/Other

African Water Issues Research Unit (AWIRU),University of Pretoria: Pretoria 0002

Centre for Environmental Management, North-West UniversityTel (018) 299-2714/25 Fax (018) 299-2726aokml@puknet.puk.ac.zaaokdg@puknet.puk.ac.zawww.puk.ac.za/education/shortcourses/environmental.html

Centre for Environmental Management, Univer-sity of the Free StatePO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300Tel (051) 401-9111watsonm@sci.uovs.ac.zaseamanmt@sci.uovs.ac.za

Centre for Water in the EnvironmentUniversity of the WitwatersrandPO Box 1176, Johannesburg 2000Tel (011) 717-6419wendy@gecko.biol.wits.ac.zawww.wits.ac.za/cwe[interdisciplinary water systems research group;hydrology and hydraulics, geomorphology,ecology]

CSIR, Division of Water, Environment and For-estry TechnologyCSIR, Earth/Marine TechnologyPO Box 395, Pretoria 0001www.csir.co.za

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Department of Environmental Affairs andTourism (DEAT)Private Bag X447, Pretoria 0001Tel (012) 310-3725 Fax (012) 322-2476www.environment.gov.za

Department of Statistics SAPrivate Bag X44, Pretoria 0001Tel (012) 310-8911 Fax (012) 310-8500www.statsa.gov.za

Department of Water Utilisation, ChemicalEngineering, University of Pretoriawww.up.ac.za/academic/water/

Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF)Private Bag X313, Pretoria 0001Tel (012) 336-7500 Fax (012) 336-8295 (+ regionaloffices)bda@dwaf.gov.zawww.dwaf.gov.za

East Rand Water Care Company (ERWAT)PO Box 13106, Norkem Park 1631Tel (011) 929-7000 Fax (011) 929-7031mail@erwat.co.zawww.erwat.co.za

Freshwater Research Unit, Zoology Department,University of Cape TownPrivate Bag, Rondebosch 7701Tel (021) 650-3604 Fax (021) 650-3301ledeboer@botzoo.uct.ac.zawww.zoology.uct.ac.za/docs/fresh/htmlhttp://web.uct.ac.za/depts/zoology/docs/fresh.html

Institute for Water Research, Rhodes UniversityPO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140Tel (046) 622-4014 Fax (046) 622-9427www.rhodes.ac.za/institutes/iwr/

Johannesburg WaterPO Box 61542, Marshalltown 2107Tel (011) 688-1400 Fax (011) 688-1528www.johannesburgwater.co.za

National Community Water and Sanitation Train-ing Institute (NCWSTI)PO Box 3101, Sovenga 0727Tel (015) 268-3228 Fax (015) 268-3263www.ncwsti.co.za

Nature Conservation, Department of Environ-mental Affairs & TourismPrivate Bag X11233, Nelspruit 1200

Pollution Research Group, Department ofChemical Engineering, University of Natal, Dur-banTel (031) 260-3375 Fax (031) 260-1118buckley@nu.ac.za

Rand WaterPO Box 1127, Johannesburg 2000Tel (011) 682-0911www.randwater.co.za

RAU Water Research GroupPO Box 524, Auckland Park 2006Tel (011) 489-2354 Fax (011) 489-2148

SA Association of Water BoardsTel (011) 482-4666

Sasol Centre for Innovative Environmental Man-agement, Department of Civil Engineering, Uni-versity of the WitwatersrandTel (011) 717-4223www.wits.ac.za/foundation/sciemprojects.htm

The Water Page: www.thewaterpage.com

Umgeni WaterPO Box 9, Pietermaritzburg 3200www.umgeni.co.za

Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA)PO Box 6011, Halfway House 1685Tel (011) 805-3537 Fax (011) 315-1258wisa@wisa.org.zawww.wisa.org.za

Water Research CommissionPrivate Bag X03, Gezina 0031Tel (012) 330-0340 Fax (012) 331-2565www.wrc.org.za

CareersCareersCareersCareersCareers

Department of Labour:www.labour.gov.za/docs/mycareer/alphabet/a/index.html

www.careers.co.za

92

AAAAAaccountant 24, 44, 65, 67accounting management consultant 24actuary 24, 44, 67administrator 25, 58adult educator 45advocate 63aeronautical engineer, 39aeronautical engineering technician 46agency officer 43agricultural advisor 26agricultural biotechnologist 26agricultural chemist 56agricultural economist 44, 80agricultural engineer 27, 37, 39, 80agricultural engineering technologist 27agricultural entomologist 26agricultural extension officer 27agricultural microbiologist 26agricultural researcher 27agricultural scientist 34, 38, 50, 56, 72, 80agricultural technician 27agricultural/resource economist 26agriculturist 26, 30, 51agronomist 27, 56air monitoring technologist 50air-pollution control officer 49aircraft assembler 51aircraft engine mechanic 51airframe fitter 51algologist 56analytical chemist 38, 62andcare worker 50animal scientist 43anthropologist 51, 78, 79aquaculturist 27, 28, 30aquatic chemist 38aquatic ecologist 43aquatic environment assessor 43aquatic science researcher; 30aquatic science technician 30aquatic scientist 29, 32, 34, 43, 72archaeologist 79architect 39, 82armature winder 51astronomer 56, 70attorney 63auditor 24automotive electrician 47automotive engineering technician 46auxiliary health worker 49

Index

BBBBBbacteriologist 72banker 24, 65biochemical engineer 37biochemist 30, 32biological technologist 32biologist 30, 31, 34, 38, 43, 72biomedical engineer, 37biomedical technologist 61biophysicist 56biotechnologist 30, 75blacksmith 73, 83boilermaker 33, 51, 73, 83bookkeeper 24botanist 27, 30, 32, 34, 43, 50, 72bursar 24

CCCCCcadastral surveyor 81cartographer 36cartographer 51, 52, 56, 81, 82ceramics technologist 37chartered accountant 24chemical engineer 37, 38, 46, 48, 62, 75chemical laboratory technician 62chemical technologist 50chemist 30, 38, 50, 56, 59, 62, 75civil and mechanical works diver 42civil engineer 27, 39,46, 48, 59, 69, 75, 81, 82civil engineering technician 39civil engineering technologist 39, 56clerk of the court 63climatologist 51, 70clinical biochemist 30commercial and industrial planner 82community nurse 49community worker 41, 79company secretary 24, 25computer consultant 46, 60computer scientist 67conservation officer 43, 50, 80construction electrician 47conveyancer 44, 63copywriter 66cost accountant 24counsellor 58creative director 66credit controller 24criminologist 79

93

DDDDDdevelopment planner 82diver 42

EEEEEecological consultant 43ecologist 30, 32, 34, 43, 50, 51, 56, 59, 72economic adviser 58economist 24, 44, 67, 79education/training practitioner 45electrical engineer 46, 69electrical engineering technician 46, 61electrical engineering technologist 46electrical power generation and transmission 46electrician 46, 47electronic engineer 46, 62electronics engineer 60electronics engineering technician 70engineering consultant 69engineering geologist 52, 56engineering surveyor 81entomologist 30, 72environment economist 44environment engineer 27, 37, 48, 50, 56environment planner 50environment technologist 50environmental geologist 52environmental health officer 49environmental officer 50environmental planner 82environmental protection officer 50, 80environmental scientist 50, 51environmental technologist 50ethnobotanists 34extraction metallurgist 56

FFFFFfarm worker 26farmer 27financial accountant 24financial analyst 24, 67financial clerk 25financial manager 24fitter and turner 33, 51, 73, 83fluvial geomorphologist 51food scientist 34food technologist 62forester 34functional manager 65

GGGGGgame ranger 43general manager 65

geochemist 38, 52, 56geodetic surveyor 81geographer 51, 52, 56, 70geohydrological technician 59geohydrologist 56, 59geologist 38, 50, 51, 52, 56geomorphologist 51, 52geophysicist 52, 53, 56geotechnical engineer 80geotechnical/soil/geological engineer 40geotechnician 52, 56geotechnologist 52, 56government inspector 50groundskeeper 34

HHHHHhazardous waste technician 50health advisor 49health educator 49healthcare worker 49historian 79horticulturist 30, 34, 72human resources development practitioner 45human resources manager 57, 65, 79human resources/personnel consultant 58hydraulics/water resources engineer 40hydrobiologist 59hydroelectric power plant process controller 74hydrogeologist 59hydrographer 50hydrographic surveyor 51, 52, 81hydrologist 30, 51, 52, 58hydrometry technician 58

IIIIIindustrial economist 44Industrial relations manager 58Industrial sociologist 78information technology 36, 60instrument maker 61instrument mechanician 61Internet services and support technician 60investment analyst 24irrigation engineer 27irrigation/drainage engineer 40

JJJJJjournalist 76

LLLLLlaboratory technician 38, 61, 62, 75laboratory technologist 62land surveyor 36, 39, 81

94

landscape architect 82lawyer 63legal adviser 63legal assistant 63legal researcher 63legal secretary 63leisure and recreation provider 64life scientist 50lighting technician 46limnologist 30

MMMMMmagistrate 63management consultant 65manager 65marine biologist 30marketing specialist 66mathematician 67meat inspector 49mechanic 75mechanical engineer 27, 39, 46, 68mechanical engineering technologists 68media director 66medical laboratory technician 62medical technologist 72metallurgical engineer 37metallurgist 56meteorological instrument technician 70meteorological technician 70meteorologist 51, 52, 56, 69meter-reader 71microbiologist 30, 32, 34, 71, 72microfiltration specialist 75microwave engineering technician 46mine surveyor 81mineralogist 52, 56mining engineer 56monitoring technologist 50motor mechanic 51municipal engineer 40museum curator 79mycologist 34, 72

NNNNNnatural resource manager 50nature conservationist 27, 34navy diver 42network controller 60network technician 46notary 63nurse 79

OOOOOoccupational health and safety officer 49occupational hygienist 49oceanographer 43, 52, 56, 70oil rig diver 42operational manager 65

PPPPPpalaeobotanists 34palaeontologist 52, 56palynologist 34panelbeater 83paralegal 63parasitologist 34patent attorney 63personal computer (PC) support technician 60personnel clerk 25personnel consultant 76personnel manager 57, 65, 79petrochemical engineer 37, 52petroleum engineer 37pharmacist 30, 38, 72photogrammetry 36physicist 38, 56, 62physiologist 32pipe-fitter 73pipeline diver 42planning technician 82plant geneticist 34plant physiologist 34plant taxonomist 34plumber 73, 83police diver 42political scientist 44, 51, 79pollution control technician 50poultry scientist 27primary health care nurse 49process control engineer 37process control technician 75process controller 74process design engineer 37process operator 75product developer 66property developer 82psychologist 58, 79public relations professional 76purchase manager 66

QQQQQquality assurance officer 50quality assurance technologist 37quantity surveyor 39, 81, 82

95

RRRRRradar technician 46radio and television mechanic 47recreation manager/officer 64refrigeration mechanic 47registrar of deeds 63registry clerk 25remote sensing surveyor 81research chemist 38researcher 77residential planner 82

SSSSSsales manager 66satellite communication technician 46scientific diver 42scientific glassblower 61separation technologist 75sewage plant operator 75sheet metal worker 33, 83shipping diver 42silviculturist 34social scientist 78social worker 58, 79sociologist 51, 58, 78, 79soil scientist 27, 50, 56, 80state attorney 63state prosecutor 63statistician 67stockbroker 44stores clerk 25strategic planner 82structural engineer 40surveyor 36, 56, 81, 82systems analyst 46, 67systems technician 46

TTTTTtelecommunications electrician 46telemetrics technician 46

television technician 46tool, jig, and die maker 83topographic surveyor 81tour guide 64tour operator 64tourist information officer 64tourist manager 64town and regional planner 39, 51, 79, 81, 82training officer 45, 58travel agent 64treasurer 24tree surgeon 34

UUUUUurban planner 82

VVVVVvaluer/appraiser taxation specialist 24veterinary technologist 27virologist 72viticulturist 27vocational guidance officer 58

WWWWWwastewater process controller 75water process controller 75water quality officer 80water research officer 50water resource manager 43water services works technician 75water systems/pipeline engineer 40water treatment researcher 75water-care technologist 75weather broadcaster 70website designer 60weed scientist 34welder 33, 73, 83

ZZZZZzoologist 30, 32, 34, 72, 83

96

Notes