ASSISTANT TECHNICAL OFFICER REF NO: 301026/41 Branch: Water And Sanitation Services Management: WC Cd: Provincial Operations: Western Cape

This position is for an Assistant Technical Officer within the Department of Water and Sanitation, specifically based in the Provincial Operations unit for the Western Cape, with vacancies available in both Worcester and George. The role sits within the Water and Sanitation Services Management branch and is an OSD-graded post, offering a stable career path for individuals interested in hydrological data collection, water quality monitoring, and the maintenance of surface water monitoring infrastructure. As an Assistant Technical Officer, you will be part of a team responsible for ensuring that the department’s water resource data is accurate, reliable, and properly recorded for use in planning, validation, and decision-making processes.

To be considered for this role, applicants must hold a relevant NQF level 4 qualification, such as a Senior Certificate or Grade 12, with Mathematics, Mathematics Literacy, or Physical Science as passed subjects. A valid, unexpired driver’s licence is required, as the role involves travel to field sites. Candidates should also be computer literate, possess basic knowledge of handling laboratory equipment, and demonstrate sound problem-solving, communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills. A willingness to learn and acquire new skills is essential, as the role combines fieldwork, data management, and laboratory support tasks.

The duties are varied and hands-on. You will be responsible for route planning to reach data collection points, performing light maintenance at gauging weirs and data monitoring sites, clearing vegetation, cleaning gauge plates and cabinets, and ensuring weirs are free of obstructions. Fieldwork includes collecting water samples, taking gauge plate and groundwater level readings, downloading data from data loggers, collecting evaporation data from observers, and performing field observations during high flow conditions. You will also collect water quality field readings, operate and maintain water quality measuring instruments, and maintain boats and outboard motors, including operating boats where required. Back in the office or laboratory, you will download and edit field data, verify flow readings against adjacent data points and gauge plate readings, delete invalid records, adjust data curves, and capture field readings. You will also receive samples with specific test requests, prepare laboratory samples and materials such as sampling bottles, tags, and filter papers, verify and clean laboratory glassware, and capture sample information on the data system. Additional responsibilities include managing maintenance supplies and equipment, conducting stocktaking on laboratory consumables, providing progress reports, and recording data according to quality management systems. You will capture hydrological surface water data on relevant databases, maintain and edit surface water databases, manage documents and filing systems, maintain the technical surface water library and archives, and disseminate surface water data to managers and clients on request. You will also assist with capturing calibration information and processing such data.

This is an equal opportunity position within the public service. The department encourages women and persons with disabilities to apply, and preference will be given to candidates in line with Employment Equity targets. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to suitability checks, including qualification verification, reference checks, and criminal and credit checks. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate if shortlisted, and foreign nationals or dual citizenship holders must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin. Applicants should note that only online applications are accepted, and all required information must be completed on the application form to avoid disqualification. If you do not receive feedback within three months of the closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to fill these positions.