ENGINEER PRODUCTION GRADE A – C (X3 POSTS)

This vacancy offers three positions for a Production Engineer at the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Pretoria Head Office, within the National Water Resource Planning unit. The role is an Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) graded post, reporting directly to the Chief Engineer. The successful candidates will be responsible for the strategic planning of South Africa’s water resources, ensuring that water availability is reconciled with the ever-growing demands from municipalities, industry, agriculture and transboundary commitments. The work is central to national water security, with a strong emphasis on developing, reviewing and updating reconciliation strategies for water supply systems and catchments across the country.

To be considered, applicants must hold a B Eng, BSc (Eng), or an NQF level 7 qualification in Civil Engineering, or a relevant engineering field. At least three years of post-qualification experience in Water Engineering is required. Compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineer is a hard requirement, along with a valid, unexpired driver’s licence. The role also demands a thorough working knowledge of the National Water Act (36 of 1998), the Water Services Act, the National Environmental Management Act (107 of 1998), and associated dam safety legislation. Practical familiarity with these legal frameworks is essential, as the engineering decisions made in this post directly affect compliance and water governance.

The core duties are extensive and varied. The engineer will conduct water availability assessment studies, including hydrological modelling for various catchments, and will maintain and update reconciliation strategies for towns, settlements and entire supply systems. The position also involves contributing strategic inputs to the department’s Annual Performance Plans, as well as to the development and revision of water-related policies, guidelines and decision-support tools. Another key responsibility is providing technical input into water use licence applications, ensuring that allocations are sustainable and legally sound. The engineer will liaise on water resource planning matters both nationally and internationally, particularly with regard to shared transboundary watercourses, and will play a visible role in engaging stakeholders in Integrated Water Resources Management. Additionally, the post carries managerial duties, including the efficient management of human, financial and information resources within National Water Resource Planning, as well as providing technical and administrative support to the Chief Engineer and other team members.

This is an affirmative action position, and in line with the Department’s Employment Equity Plan and applicable legislation, preference will be given to candidates from previously disadvantaged groups. The role offers a competitive all-inclusive remuneration package commensurate with experience, and is located at the head office in Pretoria. Applicants should note that the closing date is set for November 2026, and all applications must be submitted through the department’s online recruitment portal. This is a senior technical role suited to engineers who are not only professionally registered with ECSA, but who also bring strong analytical, stakeholder management and project leadership skills to the table. It is an excellent opportunity to influence the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s water resources at a national level.