ROAD WORKER FOREMAN

This position is for a Road Worker Foreman based at the Westrand, within the provincial public service. The role is central to the day-to-day management of road maintenance teams, ensuring that the province’s road infrastructure is kept safe, functional and in good repair. As a foreman, the incumbent acts as the bridge between management and the maintenance crews, translating approved work plans into practical, executed tasks while maintaining high standards of quality, safety and compliance. The role requires someone with a solid grounding in road maintenance work, as well as the leadership ability to guide a team through demanding operational schedules.

The minimum qualification is an NQF Level 3 qualification, or equivalent, complemented by at least three years of experience in road work maintenance. Beyond the formal requirements, the job calls for an individual who is able and willing to work under pressure, possesses good communication skills—which are considered an added advantage—and is comfortable working long hours as part of a cohesive team. These attributes are essential because the work is often physically demanding, time-sensitive and dependent on close coordination among team members.

The duties are wide-ranging and carry significant responsibility. The foreman must plan, allocate and monitor the daily and weekly work activities of maintenance teams, prepare weekly work schedules and ensure all tasks are executed according to approved work plans and duty sheets. Routine road inspections are a key part of the role, requiring the identification, assessment and recording of defects in road infrastructure. The foreman also monitors and reports illegal activities and encroachments within the road reserve, protecting public land from misuse. Supervision extends to the use of departmental vehicles, plant, equipment and tools, ensuring they are operated safely and used exclusively for official purposes, while also controlling and accounting for all materials issued to the teams. Site inspections are conducted to monitor work quality, productivity and adherence to departmental standards. Occupational health and safety is a critical component—the foreman implements and enforces safety requirements, investigates incidents and compiles safety incident reports. The role also includes facilitating on-the-job training and development for maintenance personnel, ensuring compliance with legislation and departmental policies, and monitoring contractors to confirm they meet contractual obligations. Furthermore, the foreman manages employee performance through the Performance Management and Development System, and compiles and submits operational reports to management.

Applicants should note that this is a government position subject to public service regulations. The department has specific employment equity targets, and preference will be given to Persons with Disabilities, Coloured Females, Indian Females and White Females, in line with the departmental Employment Equity Plan. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and other documents, and may undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. The department reserves the right not to appoint, and applicants who do not receive feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful.