CHIEF ENGINEER GRADE A REF NO: 301026/03 Branch: Water And Sanitation Services Management: WC Cd: Provincial Operations: Western Cape

This position is for a Chief Engineer Grade A within the Department of Water and Sanitation, specifically based in Bellville and operating under the Provincial Operations directorate for the Western Cape. The role forms part of the Water and Sanitation Services Management branch and is a senior technical leadership post within the public service engineering career stream. The incumbent will be responsible for managing technical services and support in conjunction with engineers, technologists, technicians and associated staff across field, workshop and technical office activities. The broader purpose of the role is to strengthen water and sanitation service delivery in the province by providing high-level engineering expertise, strategic analysis, project management and stakeholder liaison across all spheres of government.

To be considered, applicants must hold an Engineering degree, either a B Eng, BSc (Eng) or a relevant equivalent qualification, together with at least six years of post-qualification experience. Compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa as a Professional Engineer is required, as is the disclosure of a valid, unexpired driver’s licence. The role demands extensive experience in water and sanitation services planning and implementation, including feasibility studies and designs, as well as a thorough knowledge of programme, project and financial management. Candidates must be able to liaise effectively with a wide range of sector role players and must have a sound understanding of key legislation, including the Water Services Act, the National Water Act and the National Environmental Management Act. A broad skill set is expected, covering engineering design and analysis, computer-aided engineering applications, maintenance knowledge, research and development, technical consulting, strategic leadership, problem solving, decision making, team leadership, financial management, people management, conflict management, negotiation and change management.

The duties are extensive and centre on providing technical support to the water and sanitation sector. This includes strategic analysis of water services themes, developing business perspectives and recommendations, and engaging with stakeholders on project planning and implementation. The Chief Engineer will support Water Services Authorities in applying planning and implementation frameworks, monitor adherence to those frameworks, and identify, prioritise and initiate projects while managing associated budgets. The post also involves coordinating integrated planning across Water Boards, Water Services Authorities and other water services providers to improve infrastructure reliability and sustainability. Other responsibilities include investigating and reporting on service delivery, ensuring data is packaged and made accessible through national water information systems, and maintaining data-sharing partnerships with bodies such as Statistics South Africa, National Treasury and Cooperative Governance. The role further requires quality assurance of technical designs, monitoring project implementation against norms and standards, and providing guidance on operations and maintenance of infrastructure, including support for All Town Reconciliation Studies, Water Conservation and Water Demand Management, bulk master planning and disaster management. The incumbent will also manage human resources, performance standards and expenditure, and must commit to continuous professional development and research to remain current with new technologies.

This is an OSD-graded post with an all-inclusive salary package. Appointment will generally be made on the minimum notch of the advertised salary range, although a higher notch may be considered in line with Public Service Regulations, based on the candidate’s current salary advice. The successful candidate will be expected to operate with a high-performance culture and exercise professional engineering judgment in a demanding but rewarding public service environment.