CHIEF ENGINEER GRADE A REF NO: 131126/03 Branch: Regulations, Compliance and Enforcement SD: Dam Safety Regulation

This senior engineering position sits within the Department of Water and Sanitation's Dam Safety Regulation sub-directorate, which falls under the branch of Regulations, Compliance and Enforcement. Based at the Pretoria Head Office, the Chief Engineer Grade A is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing the technical and regulatory aspects of dam safety across the country. The incumbent will operate within a highly specialised environment, applying extensive civil engineering expertise to ensure that dams are designed, constructed, operated and maintained to the highest safety standards, thereby protecting communities and infrastructure from potential failures. This is a leadership role that requires a blend of deep technical knowledge, strategic oversight, and effective stakeholder engagement.

To be considered for this role, candidates must hold an Engineering degree (B Eng, BSc Eng, or an equivalent qualification) with a specialisation in Civil Engineering. A minimum of six years of post-qualification experience in the water engineering field is required, alongside compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineer. The role demands extensive dam engineering experience, specifically covering design, flood hydrology, construction, management, and the safety of dams. Additionally, applicants must possess a valid, unexpired driver's licence, as the role involves site visits and liaison with stakeholders. Beyond technical expertise, the position requires a robust understanding of programme and project management, legal and operational compliance, research and development, and computer-aided engineering applications. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate strong leadership qualities, including strategic capability, problem-solving and analysis, decision-making, team leadership, creativity, financial management, customer focus, and effective communication. People management, planning and organising, conflict management, negotiation skills, and change management are equally essential to succeed in this demanding environment.

The core duties of the Chief Engineer are multifaceted. The incumbent will investigate, analyse, and recommend the classification of dams based on their risk and safety profiles. They will evaluate and investigate the engineering aspects of licence applications for the construction of new dams, the alteration of existing dams, and the first filling and operational aspects of dams. Monitoring safety evaluation and investigation reports, carrying out comprehensive risk assessments, and following up on dam safety betterment work with dam owners are also key responsibilities. The role involves developing and maintaining guidelines and policies on dams with safety risk, as well as liaising with regional officials, dam owners, professional engineers, and the public. The Chief Engineer will give presentations and provide expert advice on dam safety matters and relevant legislation. Furthermore, the position carries significant people management responsibilities, including managing the development, motivation, and utilisation of human resources within the discipline to ensure a competent knowledge base. This includes supervising and training candidate engineers and technicians, setting and monitoring performance standards, and taking corrective actions to achieve departmental objectives. Finally, the role requires generating reports and statistics to measure progress with the national Dam Safety Programme.

This is a senior-level appointment within the public service, offered as an all-inclusive salary package. The appointment will typically be made on the minimum notch of the advertised salary range, although a higher notch within the Grade A range may be considered in line with the provisions of the Public Service Regulations of 2016, particularly where the candidate's current salary advice justifies such a placement. Interested applicants should note that the selection process will be rigorous, given the critical nature of dam safety. Applications are only accepted through the department's online recruitment portal, and candidates must ensure they submit their applications before the advertised closing date. This role offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional engineer to contribute directly to public safety and the sustainable management of South Africa's water infrastructure, working within a dedicated regulatory framework.