ENGINEER PRODUCTION GRADE A – C REF NO: 131126/07 Branch: Infrastructure Management: Head Office CD: Engineering Services Dir: Mechanical And Electrical Engineer SD: Mechanical Engineering

This position is for a Professional Mechanical Engineer within the Department of Water and Sanitation, based at the Head Office in Pretoria. Operating under the Infrastructure Management Branch and the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Sub-Directorate, the incumbent will play a crucial role in the planning, design, and management of water resources infrastructure. The role is situated within a technical environment focused on ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of critical water systems, including dam outlet works and pumping stations. As an OSD-graded engineering role, the position offers a structured career path for qualified professionals.

Applicants must hold a B Eng or BSc Eng degree in Mechanical Engineering, coupled with at least three years of post-qualification engineering experience. Compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineer is a firm requirement, as is possession of a valid, unexpired driver’s licence. The ideal candidate will possess a sound understanding of integrated water resource management and water resource protection, alongside a strong grasp of programme and project management principles. Technical expertise must extend to engineering design and analysis, specifically concerning pumps and pump stations, and the mechanical structural design of dam outlet works. Knowledge of legal compliance, technical report writing, and computer-aided engineering applications is essential, as are skills in decision-making, team leadership, analytical thinking, and conflict management. The ability to travel countrywide and excellent communication skills are also required.

The core duties involve designing new systems to solve practical engineering challenges, enhancing safety, and improving efficiency. The role includes planning, designing, operating, and maintaining engineering projects, developing cost-effective solutions in line with standards, and evaluating existing technical manuals and procedures to incorporate new technology. The engineer will be responsible for developing tender specifications, evaluating the planning and design work of others to ensure adherence to sound engineering principles, and approving engineering works according to prescribed norms. A significant aspect of the role is the training and development of technicians, technologists, and candidate engineers to foster skills transfer. Administrative duties include office administration, budget planning, and conducting research and literature studies to stay abreast of engineering technology.

The Department of Water and Sanitation is an equal opportunity employer, with preference given to candidates aligning with Employment Equity targets; women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo suitability checks, including qualification verification, reference checks, and criminal and credit checks. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate upon shortlisting. Candidates should note that all documentation, including qualifications and identity documents, need only be produced at the interview stage. The application process is strictly online, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If no response is received within three months of the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to fill the position.