CONTROL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST GRADE A REF NO: 301026/09 Branch: Water And Sanitation Services Management: WC Cd: Provincial Operations: Western Cape

This position is for a Control Engineering Technologist Grade A within the Department of Water and Sanitation, specifically under the Branch of Water and Sanitation Services Management, Provincial Operations in the Western Cape, based in Bellville. It is an OSD-graded engineering role that forms part of the technical management structure responsible for delivering water and sanitation services. The incumbent will work closely with engineers, technologists and associated technical staff to manage technical services and support across field operations, workshop activities and technical office functions. The role is central to ensuring that engineering work is carried out safely, efficiently and in line with statutory and regulatory requirements, while also supporting the broader operational plan of the provincial unit.

Candidates must hold a Bachelor of Technology in Engineering or a relevant equivalent qualification, together with at least six years of post-qualification experience as an engineering technologist. Compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa as a professional engineering technologist is required, and applicants must also disclose a valid unexpired driver’s licence. The role demands a strong understanding of programme and project management, technical design and analysis, research and development, computer-aided engineering applications, and legal compliance. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess technical report writing and consulting skills, problem-solving and analytical ability, decision-making capacity, creativity, teamwork, and an understanding of people and financial management. Customer focus, responsiveness, good verbal and written communication, computer literacy, planning and organising skills, and management capability are also essential.

The main duties include managing technical services and support in conjunction with engineers, technologists and associates in the field, workshop and technical office settings. The technologist must promote safety in line with statutory and regulatory requirements, evaluate existing technical manuals, standard drawings and procedures to incorporate new technology, and ensure quality assurance of technical designs against specifications. The role also involves authorising or making recommendations for approval by the relevant authority, providing input into the budgeting process, compiling and submitting reports, and consolidating inputs into the technical and engineering operational plan. Further responsibilities include developing, implementing and maintaining databases, managing and supervising technical personnel and assets, and engaging in continuous professional development to keep up with new technologies and procedures. The position also requires research and literature studies to improve technical expertise, as well as liaison with relevant bodies and councils on engineering-related matters.

Applicants should note that this is an equal opportunity position, with employment equity objectives taken into account in line with the Constitution and the Employment Equity Act. Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and preference will be given to candidates who meet the employment equity targets. Applications must be submitted through the department’s online recruitment system, and supporting documents such as qualifications, identity documents and driver’s licences need not be attached at the application stage; shortlisted candidates will be required to produce these on the interview date. The online Z83 form must be fully completed, particularly the fields relating to professional or occupational registration, as failure to disclose required information will lead to disqualification. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to suitability checks including SAQA verification, reference checks, and criminal and credit checks. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate when shortlisted. For SMS posts, candidates will undergo a technical exercise and interview, and a maximum of three candidates may be required to complete psychometric assessments covering cognitive abilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence and integrity. A pre-entry certificate from the National School of Government is required prior to appointment, and all shortlisted candidates will undertake practical and integrity assessments. Candidates must also complete a financial disclosure form and undergo security clearance, while foreigners or dual citizenship holders must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin when shortlisted. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates, and applicants who do not receive feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful. Faxed applications will not be accepted, and the department reserves the right not to fill the post.