ASSISTANT TECHNICAL OFFICER REF NO: 301026/40 Branch: Water And Sanitation Services Management: EC Cd: Provincial Operations: Eastern Cape Sd: Water Resources Management Support

The Department of Water and Sanitation is seeking an Assistant Technical Officer to join its Water Resources Management Support unit within the Provincial Operations directorate in the Eastern Cape, based at Cradock. This is an operational support role within the broader water and sanitation services management branch, contributing to the reliable collection, recording and processing of water-related data that informs the department’s resource management decisions. The position is graded at a junior technical level and offers an opportunity for a candidate with a foundational qualification in mathematics or physical science to develop practical skills in field data collection, site maintenance and laboratory support.

Applicants must hold an NQF level 4 qualification with Mathematics, Mathematics Literacy or Physical Science, and must disclose a valid unexpired driver’s licence. The role requires basic knowledge of handling laboratory equipment, computer literacy, good organising and interpersonal skills, sound communication abilities and basic problem-solving capacity. A willingness to acquire new skills is essential, as is the readiness to travel extensively as and when required. These requirements reflect the dual nature of the post, which involves both outdoor fieldwork at monitoring sites and indoor administrative and laboratory duties.

The main duties are varied and hands-on. The incumbent will be responsible for collecting data from designated data points and planning efficient routes to reach them. This includes performing light maintenance at gauging weirs and data monitoring sites, such as clearing vegetation, cleaning gauge plates and cabinets, and removing obstructions from weirs. The role also involves collecting water samples, taking gauge plate and groundwater level readings, downloading data from data loggers, and gathering water quality field readings. In addition, the post includes maintenance of boats and outboard motors, which are likely used to access monitoring points. Back at the office or laboratory, the officer will process data, capture field readings, log and prepare laboratory samples, receive samples accompanied by specific test requests, prepare laboratory materials, and capture sample information on the data system. Administrative support is also required, including managing maintenance supplies and equipment, providing progress reports, conducting stocktaking on laboratory consumables, and recording data and information in line with quality management systems.

This position is subject to several important conditions. Applications must be submitted online, and supporting documents such as qualifications, identity documents and driver’s licences should only be produced by shortlisted candidates at the interview stage, in line with recent public service circular requirements. Candidates who hold professional or occupational registrations must complete the relevant fields in Part B of the online Z83 form, as failure to do so will result in disqualification. Late applications will not be accepted, and faxed submissions are not considered. Shortlisted candidates will undergo suitability checks, including SAQA verification, reference checks, and criminal and credit checks. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate when shortlisted, and foreign nationals or dual citizenship holders must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin. The Department of Water and Sanitation is an equal opportunity employer and will apply the Employment Equity imperatives of the Constitution and the Employment Equity Act when filling this vacancy. Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and preference will be given to candidates in line with employment equity targets. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates, and applicants who do not receive feedback within three months of the advertisement should regard their application as unsuccessful. The department also reserves the right not to fill the post.