FACULTY OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE VACANCY NO.: IRC 3407 The University of Botswana (UB), a premier state-owned tertiary institution dedicated to shaping the future through excellence, research, innovation and meaningful societal impact, invites applications from accomplished and suitably qualified professionals for the position of Senior Technician (Geospatial Science) in the Department of Environmental Science. The Senior Technician (Geospatial Science) plays a vital role in supporting teaching and learning environments by preparing and maintaining laboratory and/or workshop equipment and materials. The position holder ensures that all facilities within the faculty, school or department are in optimal working order, uphold safety and operational standards and provide technical assistance to faculty and students. In addition, they contribute to effective delivery of academic programs through reliable teaching support and seamless coordination of practical sessions.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Information Technology
- Closing Date: 2026-08-10
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development of departmental and school’s strategies, policies, and procedures.
- Provide technical guidance to multidisciplinary teaching, learning, and research activities.
- Plan, coordinate, and schedule geospatial practical sessions, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and effective workload management.
- Demonstrate geospatial (vector and raster) data processing techniques and proper use of equipment to students.
- Ensure the proper functioning of computer workstations and facilitate access to software, data, and required materials for practical sessions.
- Assist academic staff in assessing laboratory and fieldwork reports.
- Respond promptly to user enquiries and undertake geospatial data processing and map production for publication and keep record of services provided.
- Contribute to ongoing research activities, support knowledge creation, intellectual property development, and commercialization.
- Set up, calibrate, operate, and maintain laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Establish and maintain an inventory of technical equipment, tools, and supplies.
- Monitor inventory levels and initiate replenishment as necessary.
- Identify faulty or obsolete equipment and recommend repair, replacement, or decommissioning.
- Ensure laboratories are clean, organized, and safe and maintain records of loaned equipment.
- Prepare budget estimates and support procurement tasks for consumables and equipment.
- Develop and implement data quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) protocols.
- Maintain structured geospatial data repositories, including metadata standards and backup systems.
- Support the development and maintenance of enterprise spatial data management systems.
- Collaborate with relevant units to enhance geospatial data management and service delivery across the university.
- Conduct geospatial data collection, processing, analysis, and curation, including digitization of analog data such, physical maps, slides and aerial photographs.
- Develop, schedule, and/or deliver training programmes for staff and students.
- Identify and mitigate operational risks.
- Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental protocols.
- Meet assigned performance targets.
- Stay up to date with emerging geospatial technologies and innovations and pursue continuous professional development in geospatial sciences to support the University’s mission.
- Perform any other duties as assigned by the Chief Technician or Departmental Chair.
Requirements
- Applicants should have a Bachelor’s Degree in GIS, Remote Sensing or a related field (e.g., Geography, Environmental Science, Information Technology) with a strong GIS and Remote Sensing background.
- An MSc or higher qualification with a geospatial focus will be an added advantage.
- The individual must have a minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience, including at least three (3) years at a lower (technician/professional/officer) level, preferably in an academic or research environment.
- Higher education experience will be an added advantage.
- Registered or eligible for registration as a professional by an appropriate and recognised professional body.
- Demonstrate advanced proficiency in geospatial data processing with both desktop and web-based GIS and digital imagery processing suites, including statistical software and programming language platforms (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, ENVI, ERDAS Imagine, Google Earth Engine, R, and Python) .
- Have proven experience in processing and analyzing satellite imagery from various sources.
- Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong record of service.
- Demonstrate strong practical, technical, and supervisory skills.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: ub.bw
REF Code: IRC 3407 | Vacancy Circular No: IRC 3407
About the Company
The University of Botswana (UB) was established in 1982, as the first institution of higher education in Botswana. The university currently has three campuses: one in the capital city Gaborone, one in Francistown, and another in Maun. The University of Botswana is divided into six faculties: Business, Education, Engineering, Humanities, Health Sciences, Science and Social Sciences and the Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital. UB is ranked 1201–1500 in the world and 21st in sub-Saharan Africa in the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical qualifications and experience required for a Senior Technician (Geospatial Science) role at the University of Botswana?
Candidates typically need a diploma or degree in Geomatics, Geography, Computer Science with GIS specialisation, or a related field. Significant practical experience (often 3-5+ years) in GIS software, remote sensing, data management, and spatial analysis is crucial, demonstrating the ability to work independently.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities for a Senior Technician in Geospatial Science at the University of Botswana?
Daily tasks often include managing and maintaining GIS databases, providing technical support for research projects and teaching labs, and developing custom geospatial applications. The role involves data acquisition, processing, analysis, and map production using various GIS and remote sensing tools.
What is the typical work culture and professional expectation for technical staff at the University of Botswana?
The work culture at the University of Botswana emphasizes professionalism, collaboration with academic staff and students, and adherence to institutional procedures. Punctuality, reliability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are highly valued in technical support roles.
What are the realistic career progression opportunities for a Senior Technician (Geospatial Science) within the University of Botswana?
Career progression often involves moving into more specialised technical lead roles, or potentially into research assistant positions with further academic qualifications. Opportunities for professional development through workshops and certifications related to new geospatial technologies are often available.
What typical benefits package can a Senior Technician expect at the University of Botswana, such as medical aid or pension?
The University of Botswana generally offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a contributory pension scheme, medical aid coverage for employees and their dependents, and annual leave days. Specifics like leave duration and medical aid options are detailed in the employment contract.
When applying for this role, what specific qualities or skills do employers in Botswana, particularly the University of Botswana, look for?
Employers seek strong technical proficiency in GIS software and data analysis, excellent problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated ability to support academic and research activities. Experience in a university setting and clear communication skills are also highly regarded.