Experts in freshwater

CAREER titles which end in "ologist" often sound rather complicated, and "limnologist" sounds particularly obscure.

Limnology can be defined as the study of freshwater ecology, and includes all flowing and standing (inland) waters.

Nadene Slabbert, limnologist and director of resource quality studies in the Department of Water Affairs, explains, "Limnologists are the generalists, rather than specialists, of freshwater ecology.

"They usually know a bit about everything concerning water ecosystems," Slabbert says.

What does a day in the life of a limnologist look like?

This all depends on where you work and what aspect of limnology you choose to focus on.

Slabbert's unit analyses water samples in the department and provides scientific support on a wide range of issues.

However, limnologists could become limnology technicians, ecologists or pollution-control officers.

A background in limnology can also provide a wide range of management opportunities within the water sector or the environmental sector.

Slabbert says: "If your focus is research, which is every scientist's dream, you could spend 24-hours in the field then work non-stop in the laboratory for weeks.

"If you work for a company, you'll do some research, but also have to spend time attending meetings and presenting your findings.

"If you're in a managerial position, both managerial duties and scientific knowledge are important.

"My day normally consists of signing and reviewing documents followed by problem-solving and providing guidance on various issues. And I spend a lot of time in meetings," Slabbert explains.

What can you expect in this job?

"Dirty, wet, hot, cold, indoors, outdoors," are the words that Slabbert uses to describe the conditions. But she quickly adds, "Always fun! Being a manager is less fun and more stressful than field work, but I wouldn't trade it for any other career".

For anyone who has a scientific mind and is passionate about the environment, this truly sounds like a dream job.

Slabbert states: "I think any scientist who works in the field collects a lifetime of fond memories. I remember going out on a boat on the Vaal River at two in the morning after 24 hours without sleep. This was quite scary, especially when huge catfish tried to catch the oxygen probe!

"And it's always funny when people misjudge the depth of the water when stepping out of the boat and their gumboots instantly fill with water," she laughs.

While this sounds exciting, an adventurous spirit will need to be tempered with analytical thinking, curiosity and problem-solving skills.

"Research skills are crucial as limnologists must be able to link fieldwork, laboratory analyses and interpretation of results. You'll also need to be good at writing reports and doing presentations to convey the results of your findings. You need to be able to see the bigger picture, as you can't just look at one aspect of a river or lake.

"You'll work both alone and in a team, so interpersonal skills coupled with the ability to work on your own are crucial.

"Most limnologists I know are very opinionated and can debate for hours about something they feel passionate about," Slabbert adds.

"There are not many true limnologists left in South Africa so we really need passionate young people to fill the gap," she explains.

As there have been concerns about water resources in South Africa, limnologists can play a crucial role in solving water-related problems, providing balanced scientific views and filling in gaps in research.

The application of limnology is thus very practical.

Slabbert states: "When my unit provides sound scientific advice on water issues in South Africa, this is implemented to improve water quality.

"I think the future of limnology holds great possibilities," she says.