ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER PRODUCTION GRADE A – C REF NO: 131126/24 Branch: Water and Sanitation Services Management: WC CD: Provincial Operations: Western Cape

This position is for an Environmental Officer Production Grade A to C within the Department of Water and Sanitation, based in Bellville under the Provincial Operations: Western Cape branch. The role is an OSD-graded professional post focused on the regulation, enforcement and monitoring of wastewater management and treatment services across the province. The successful candidate will work within the water and sanitation services management framework, ensuring that water services institutions comply with national legislation, norms and standards. The core purpose of the role is to protect water resources and public health through diligent oversight of wastewater collection, treatment and disposal systems, including both public and privately owned facilities.

Applicants must hold a National Diploma in Environmental Management or Natural Sciences. While one year of experience in water resources management is listed as an added advantage rather than a strict requirement, it would strengthen the application, including relevant internship or experiential learning. The role demands a broad set of professional competencies, including project and programme management, data analysis, policy development and analysis, technical report writing, professional judgement, research and development, and a sound understanding of social and economic development issues. Strong communication, problem-solving, decision-making, planning, organising and computer literacy skills are essential. In addition, candidates should demonstrate creativity, mentoring ability, team leadership, analytical thinking, and a practical grasp of conflict, people and financial management. A valid unexpired driver’s licence must be disclosed.

The main duties are extensive and centre on the implementation and enforcement of the National Water Act, 1998, the Water Services Act, 1997, relevant policies, compulsory national norms and standards, standard operating procedures, and Regulation 3630 relating to wastewater management. This includes conducting physical inspections of wastewater collection and treatment systems, compiling detailed inspection reports, issuing feedback and non-compliance letters, and implementing the Water Services Regulation Operational Plan. The officer will also monitor and verify wastewater monitoring data submitted by water services institutions on the Departmental Integrated Regulatory Information System (IRIS), provide guidance on Wastewater Risk Abatement Plans (W2RAPs), and respond to wastewater-related complaints, pollution incidents and system failures. Investigative and audit sampling for laboratory analysis, interpretation of results, and compilation of wastewater quality status reports are also key responsibilities. The role further involves participating in the National Green Drop Programme, monitoring compliance and corrective action plans, and assessing the operational and process performance of treatment works, including effluent quality, flow monitoring, process control, sludge management and maintenance. The officer will represent the department in intergovernmental committees and stakeholder forums.

This is an equal opportunity position, with the department applying Employment Equity imperatives and giving preference to candidates who meet the equity targets. Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will undergo suitability checks including qualification verification, reference checks, criminal and credit checks, and will be required to complete assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate, and foreign nationals or dual citizens must provide a police clearance from their country of origin. Candidates may also be required to complete a financial disclosure form and undergo security clearance. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates, and if no feedback is received within three months, the application should be considered unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to fill the post.