UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA
OKAVANGO RESEARCH INSTITUTE
VACANCY NO: IRC 3066
Applications are invited for the position of Senior Technician, Geographic Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing and Data Management at the Okavango Research Institute (ORI). The Institute is based in Maun in the Northwest District of Botswana, and specializes in natural resources management, sustainable natural resource use and conservation in the world-famous Okavango Delta and the Kgalagadi (Kalahari) region. Additional information on ORI including its Strategic Plan can be found on www.ori.ub.bw.
Duties: The successful candidate will be expected to perform the following duties: a) Technical Support to Research Programmers: (i) Provide technical support to multidisciplinary research projects in hydrology, ecology, biodiversity, climate change, environmental chemistry, land-use planning, and socio-ecological systems; ii) Assist researchers in data collection planning, spatial sampling strategies, and geospatial analysis iii) Oversee GIS/ Remote Sensing laboratory operations and stay abreast of emerging technologies and innovations in GIS and remote sensing, including machine learning, artificial intelligence, cloud computing (e.g., Google Earth Engine), and advanced LiDAR applications; iv) Provide technical guidance to students and staff in the use of GIS and remote sensing; (iv) Demonstrate the use of GIS/Remote Sensing (vector and raster) manipulation and analysis techniques; (v) Facilitate the production of maps for publication; b) Data Management: i) Develop and implement data quality assurance and quality control protocols for spatial datasets ii) Maintain structured geospatial data repositories, metadata standards, backup systems, and data-sharing platforms, iii) participate in and contribute to the development of the Institute Data Management policies; (iv) Contribute to database management, including collection, processing, curation and analysis; (v) Develop and maintain spatial data management platforms; c) Training: i) Train staff, students, interns, external clients and research collaborators in GIS, remote sensing, LiDAR processing, UAV data handling, and spatial analysis techniques ii) Develop training programmes, training manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and GIS and Remote Sensing user guides d) Equipment Maintance and Laboratory Management: i) Facilitate routine maintenance, calibration, and repair of all equipment and materials to ensure optimal functionality and accuracy; ii) Advise on the procurement of GIS/ Remote Sensing equipment (hardware, service acquisition and software); iii) Monitor inventory levels of consumables and equipment components and assist in procurement as needed; iv) Provide commercial GIS/ Remote Sensing services in demand; v) Manage software licenses and ensure proper functioning of GIS and remote sensing workstations; e) General: carry out any other duties as directed by the Manager, Research Support Service.
Requirements: Candidates should; (i) have at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing or bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Systems with strong background in Remote Sensing and/or relevant technical field such as Geography, Environmental Science, Earth Observation, Surveying is required. The possession of an MSc or higher degree would be an added advantage; (ii) have a minimum of four (4) years of experience, three (3) of which should have been at lower professional level; (iii) advanced proficiency in GIS and remote sensing software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, ENVI, ERDAS Imagine, SNAP) and demonstrable ability and experience in processing and analysing satellite imagery (e.g., Landsat, Sentinel, MODIS, PlanetScope, WorldView); (iv) a record of outstanding service and strong interpersonal and communication skills; (iv) demonstrate competency in practical and supervisory skills; vi) expertise in LiDAR processing tools (e.g., LAStools, Terrasolid, CloudCompare) would be an added advantage.
Remuneration: The University offers competitive salaries and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications. For more information on the University, please visit our website; www.ub.bw
How to Apply: Letters of application are to address the stated qualifications and provide any other information to assist the University to determine your suitability for the position. You should quote the vacancy number of the post applied for; provide current CVs (including telephone, telex and telefax number and e-mail), certified true copies of educational certificates, transcripts and names and addresses of three referees. Applicants should inform their referees to (i) quote the Vacancy Number(s) and Position(s) applied for and and (ii) submit their references directly to the below address before the stipulated closing date. Send your application to: The Human Resources Officer, Okavango Research Institute, Private Bag 285 Maun, Botswana, Tel. 681 7228; Fax. 6861835: e-mail, ori_recruitment@ub.ac.bw/ basiangy@ub.ac.bw. Hand delivered applications should be submitted to Human Resource Officer (Admin Building ORI).
Please note that applications with incomplete information shall not be acknowledged.
NB: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
Closing Date: 25th March 2026