GRADUATE TECHNICIAN: PLANNING AND DESIGN

The Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) invites applications for a permanent Graduate Technician position within its Planning and Design Division, based in Polokwane. This role is well suited to a recently qualified civil engineering professional with a few years of practical experience who wishes to build a career in road infrastructure planning, design and asset management. As a graduate technician, the successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team and gain exposure to the full lifecycle of road projects, from data collection and condition assessment through to project prioritisation, design review, budgeting and reporting. The position is graded at Paterson B4 and forms part of the agency's technical workforce supporting the planning and delivery of provincial road infrastructure.

To be considered, applicants must hold a BTech, BEng or BSc Engineering qualification in Civil Engineering at NQF level 7 or higher, together with two to three years of working experience in roads and civil infrastructure. Registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) will be an added advantage, and a valid South African driver's licence is required. Computer literacy is essential, with proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and related technical applications.

The core duties of the role revolve around supporting RAL's Road Asset Management System. The technician will assist with collecting, verifying, analysing and maintaining data on roads, pavements, bridges, traffic and related infrastructure, and will contribute to the preparation of the Road Asset Management Plan, maintenance plans and infrastructure programmes. The role also involves supporting the identification and prioritisation of road construction, upgrading, rehabilitation and maintenance projects, as well as assisting with the review of engineering reports, designs, drawings, specifications and cost estimates. The technician will prepare technical inputs for business plans, budgets, project reports, executive reports and funding submissions, and will assist with monitoring consultants, technical service providers, project deliverables, programmes and expenditure. Site inspections form an important part of the work, requiring the technician to verify road conditions and infrastructure requirements on the ground. Additional responsibilities include assisting with the development and implementation of technical standards, policies, procedures and reporting systems, maintaining accurate technical records, project registers and asset-management information, and supporting compliance with applicable legislation, TMH guidelines, engineering standards and organisational policies. The incumbent may also be required to perform other related duties within the Planning and Design Division.

Candidates should possess sound analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret technical data, drawings and engineering reports. Good technical report-writing and communication skills are essential, as is attention to detail and a commitment to data accuracy. Strong planning, organisational and time-management skills are required, along with the ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team. A willingness to travel and undertake site inspections is a key requirement, as is a commitment to professional development and working towards ECSA registration.

This position offers a valuable opportunity for a graduate technician to contribute to the planning and design of provincial roads while developing professionally within a government agency. The emphasis on ECSA registration and ongoing professional development makes it particularly suitable for candidates who are committed to becoming registered professional engineers or technologists. The permanent nature of the post provides job security, and the Polokwane base offers the chance to work on infrastructure projects across Limpopo. Applicants should ensure they meet all the requirements before applying, and should submit their applications through the official channels indicated in the original circular.