I am 37 years old and currently qualified with my Btech in Biotechnology from the Durban University of Technology, I graduated in April 2013. I am currently registered with the Durban University of Technology and undertaking a Master’s degree in Biotechnology. I am currently registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professionals in Biological Science as a professional scientist, registration, 012788. I am a registered assessor, moderator, and facilitator in water quality of seawater. I have attended courses on labour relations, emotional intelligence, and basic management. I have attended conferences such as the African Marine Waste Conference and presented at various conferences such as the Water Institute of South Africa online presentation. I am currently working at SAAMBR (South African Association for Marine Biological Research) Ushaka Seaworld as the Water Quality Laboratory Manager for the past 6 years in the Curatorial Department. I was the water quality laboratory technologist for the past 6 years prior. I have been with Saambr from September 2010. Prior to this, I was employed as an in-service trainee at the eThekwini Municipality Food Safety Laboratory in 2009. My duty was to complete bacteriological testing of food, water, milk, agar, and oil samples. The work that I am currently undertaking at SAAMBR is the monitoring and testing of seawater daily. Chemical tests such as ammonia, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, copper, free chlorine, total residual oxidant, and bromines are performed on seawater samples daily. Nutrient tests are also carried out on freshwater tanks. Temperature, pH, and saturation readings are also taken daily. I also carry out microbiological testing on seawater to test for E. coli and coliforms which is a clear indication that the sterilization methods in use are efficient enough for animal health to be maintained. I have also performed inoculation of plates with the four-way streak method in which bacterial counts were observed on different media and pure cultures were used for PCR. I also gather data required for monthly reports which are submitted to curators. As a Water Quality Laboratory Manager, I oversee the chemical and microbiology laboratories and ensure that staff are rostered, and that all water quality results are the most accurate. I ensure laboratories are fully stocked and running efficiently in line with protocols. I am responsible for budgets on a year-to-year end basis ensuring that laboratories are fully stocked and within budget time frames, monthly financial statements reported to curator. I have developed procedures and standards /work methods in the procurement of all consumables and chemicals to ensure that value for money is achieved when purchasing the required products via requesting quotations from various suppliers and ensuring that the quoted price is within allocated budgets for each month. I roster, train, and assist staff with various equipment and testing. I have developed work manuals which have replaced SOPs for various departments. I am the supervisor for all interns that are employed by SAAMBR in the Water Quality laboratory. I have made a relationship with the Durban University of Technology Wastewater Treatment Department via my part time master’s studies. I have knowledge and experience of all equipment and chemicals within the laboratories and ensure that all equipment is serviced to ensure that data obtained, and testing is accurate, and that chemicals are up to date and disposed of, in the required manner, if need be. The training/work experience I have received over the years is excellent and would enable me to function within a broad framework. Not only do I have a wealth of knowledge and experience, but I have also over 12 years of experience in the water quality chemistry and microbiology laboratories with six years of experience as a manager. However, I wish to explore and pursue new avenues/ challenges. I am self-motivated, well-organized, and diligent. I can work under pressure, independently, and meet deadlines. I would appreciate the opportunity of an interview for this position in order to elaborate further. Kind Regards Keshia Naidoo