GENERAL WORKER CIVIL MAINTENANCE (X5 POSTS)

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the maintenance and operation of vital water infrastructure as part of the Breede/Gouritz unit in Worcester, Western Cape. The role is a general worker post within the civil maintenance function of the Department of Water and Sanitation, supporting the upkeep of canals, dams, pipelines, buildings, and surrounding grounds. The incumbent will join a team responsible for ensuring that departmental infrastructure remains safe, functional, and well-presented, and must be prepared to work across all schemes throughout the Western Cape, including being willing to work away from home when required. Because the work takes place in and around water bodies, the successful candidate must be comfortable working in or near rivers, dams, canals, and confined spaces, and must adhere strictly to health and safety procedures.

The minimum educational requirement is an ABET certificate, with higher qualifications and previous experience in manual work considered as added advantages. The role demands basic practical knowledge across several areas, including handling equipment and appliances, lawn care and garden maintenance, pruning and trimming techniques, the safe use and dilution/mixing of chemicals, daily maintenance of machines and equipment, and supporting water utilisation and water resource strategies. A basic understanding of government legislation is also required, along with familiarity with health and safety protocols.

The duties are wide-ranging and physically oriented. The incumbent will be expected to load and offload furniture, equipment, and goods, clean government vehicles, machinery, equipment, and workstations, and keep working areas tidy. Grounds maintenance forms a large part of the work: cleaning lawns, pruning trees, maintaining gardens, raking and mulching leaves, irrigating plants, sweeping walkways and grounds, and cleaning buildings by sweeping and washing floors. The role also involves the repair and upkeep of tools, structures, buildings, fences, benches, and features around canal and dam areas, using hand and power tools. In addition, the worker will mix, spray, or spread fertilisers using appropriate equipment, care for sidewalks, driveways, parking lots and planters, and perform general labouring duties to support the maintenance, repair, and construction of departmental infrastructure. Assistance with cleaning and repairing water supply systems such as canals, drains, dams, and pipelines is also a key responsibility.

Preference will be given to candidates from the geographical area of the post, in line with departmental employment equity considerations. This is a permanent employment opportunity at a government salary level typical for general worker positions, and interested applicants should note that only online applications via the official departmental recruitment portal will be considered. This summary reflects the full scope of responsibilities and expectations for the five available posts.